The Bethlehem non-profit has shortened its name to meet changing needs of the community

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (August 17, 2023) – New Bethany, a local secular nonprofit offering support to people who experience poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness, announced that its name has been modified. Previously known as New Bethany Ministries, the organization will now be known simply as New Bethany.

The reasons for this change are two-fold. First, the word “ministries” no longer means the same thing to everyone served, including people whose faith and other traditions are not Christianity and/or who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

 Second, it reflects a change made five years ago, in 2018, when New Bethany, Inc. became an independent 501(c)(3), separate from the Episcopal Diocese that founded it. New Bethany remains proud of its roots and grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Nativity Cathedral and the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, who remain supportive of New Bethany. New Bethany also remains committed to its partnerships with other faith communities and is grateful for their ongoing support of the underserved neighbors who rely on New Bethany.

 “We quite literally would not exist without the faith-based community,” said Associate Executive Director Veronne Demesyeux. “At the same time, it takes tremendous courage for our neighbors to walk through our doors and ask for help and we need to reflect that same courage in removing any potential barriers that we can.”

 

This change was made after much self-reflection and in response to feedback from the neighbors served, staff and board, and the community with the goal is to be a welcoming space for all who need it.

Learn more about New Bethany here.

About New Bethany

New Bethany offers hope and support to neighbors who experience poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. They believe that all people, regardless of circumstances, should be treated with dignity and care without judgment. No one who seeks help is turned away. New Bethany meets people where they are by offering wraparound services designed to remove barriers and assist individuals and families in reaching self-sufficiency. It starts with a meal and other street-level human services, including showers, laundry services, mailing address, and access to their Choice Food Pantry, and continues with housing assistance, job search support and tools, and case management. To learn more about New Bethany, find them on Facebook and Twitter @NewBethMin, or visit them on the web at www.newbethany.org.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Amiee Goldy
www.socialtmarketing.com