Newsletter - February 2025

MISSY'S MESSAGE

At Bethesda House, we don’t just provide a safe place for moms and their children—we offer a place where hearts are healed, hope is restored, and lives are transformed through the love of Jesus Christ.

Most of the moms who come to us are carrying heavy burdens—pain from past trauma, fear for their child’s future, and uncertainty about where to turn next. But here, in a space filled with love and grace, they are discovering the greatest source of peace and renewal: the love of their Creator God. In the past two months, we’ve had THREE moms decide to walk with Jesus as their Lord and Savior in a personal relationship. Through prayer and biblical teaching, these incredible women are learning that they are never alone. They are finding:

Healing from the past through God’s endless mercy and love
New identity in Christ, knowing they are valued and cherished
Hope for the future, trusting in His plan for their lives

Your support makes this possible. Join us in celebrating the power of God’s love to restore and renew. Together, we are not just changing lives—we are leading hearts to Him. We expect to have many of our moms at the gala where you can witness firsthand the beautiful work God is doing at Bethesda House. Please join us April 5.

FROM MISSY PORTER, RN,

BETHESDA HOUSE CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

Upcoming Events

** SPRING GALA & SILENT AUCTION

-- Sat. April 5, 2025

-- Early Bird Ticket Pricing Ends March 8th!

WELCOME NEW HOUSE MANAGER ANA!

AROUND OUR HOME

Help Fund our Heating System

This winter, Bethesda House found ourselves in dire need of a new heating system— at the cost of $25,000. The original system was outdated and unreliable and as you would imagine, a warm home is crucial to the success of our program. This cost was obviously a sizable sum for an organization like ours. We have, of course, found the funds to replace the heating system to keep our residents warm this winter and for years to come. We are currently seeking donations to help us meet this expense so as to not deplete resources in other areas. We are asking for your help in raising the necessary funds to cover the costs incurred in this unexpected project. Any donation, big or small, will make a significant impact on the lives of the women and children who rely on Bethesda House as a respite from homelessness.

We have currently recouped $140.

Donate Today!

CHRISTMAS TREE GIVING DRIVE

We thank the 57 businesses, churches and organizations that hosted BH Giving Trees throughout the south shore. The trees located throughout the community were a visual and tangible representation of Bethesda House and helped us to raise funds through the collection of gift cards to supply the many household needs for the upcoming year. We are so grateful to have such wonderful partners who support the mothers and babies living in our home!

Christmas at Bethesda House

SPRING GALA 2025

Please join us on April 5th for the Bethesda House Spring Gala. Again this year, our Gala will be held at Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor. There will be a silent auction, raffle, and a plated dinner. We are pleased to have this opportunity to share with you the AMAZING growth Bethesda House has experienced this past year.

DONATE TO SILENT AUCTION OR RAFFLE

Do you, or someone you know, have a donation for our auction or raffle? Popular items in the past have included sports tickets, getaways, gift certificates, artwork, themed gift baskets, or other goods or services. The donation deadline is 3/14!

Donate today!

BUY RAFFLE TICKETS ONLINE!

Starting March 22nd through April 2nd, raffle tickets sales will be available online! This is a great option for those supporters who cannot attend the Gala but still want to support the mothers and babies in our care and-- of course-- take chances to win some great prizes! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get notified when sales open! You do not have to be present to win.

It’s more than a shelter, it’s a HOME.

We’ve posted an updated tour of Bethesda House. See the beautiful home we are blessed to be able to offer young mothers and their babies seeking shelter with us. Take a look at the single bedrooms we offer each mom and baby, the Education Room where moms build upon their education and life skills, and the Tirrell Room and Nanny’s Kitchen, where most of the daily living happens. This home has been built on the love from all of our generous supporters. Thank you for making Bethesda House possible.

A tour through Bethesda House visits single rooms as well as other common living areas.

The Bethesda House Boutique is a resale boutique where 100% of the profits from sales are used to support the boutique and our home.

76 Rockland St. in Hanover

SHOP:

Just because you have the means to pay full price, doesn't mean you have to!

Get beautiful items for a great price. Visit the Bethesda House Resale Boutique for baby, children's (through size 6), and maternity clothing as well as baby equipment, children's toys, and books.

You never know what treasures you'll find at the Boutique.

Find us at 76 Rockland Street in Hanover!

Many items are now sold for just $3 unless otherwise marked!

** HOURS **

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: 10:00 - 4:00

Wednesday: 10:00 - 4:00

Thursday: 10:00 - 4:00

Friday: CLOSED

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday CLOSED

Phone: 781-776-3073

Website: www.BethesdaHouseMA.org/Boutique

DONATE TO BOUTIQUE:

Donations of new to like-new items are welcome for drop-off at the store. For items that we accept, donation guidelines or more information, visit The Bethesda House Boutique. Donations accepted during regular business hours.

Donations were made recently in the names of:

-- Grace Wiencko

-- Jessica L R Tesoriero

-- Maureen Holland

-- Scottie McNamara

-- Unborn Babies

-- Cozette Condry

-- Jacquelyn DelGrasso

Along with generous donations, we get some beautiful messages of support:

"Thanking all of you for doing God's wishes. You make God smile. This donation is in honor of my God-daughter Valerie."

"How nice to receive news and pictures of your group. Our hearts are the Lord's to guide us through good and difficult times and certainly having a warm and welcoming place like Bethesda House must bring you comfort and love. I lost my dear husband of 48 years last October and find that the holidays leave me a lot of time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and Thanksgiving I will pray for all of you."

DONATE TO BETHESDA HOUSE

Donate online through our secure payment form: Donate Now

Please consider a recurring donation to support Bethesda House monthly!

MAIL A DONATION

Mail a check made out to Bethesda House and send to P.O. Box 227, N. Pembroke, MA 02358.

NEW PARTNERSHIP

We are delighted to announce our partnership with Seven Weeks Coffee and a new way for you to support the Pro-Life cause.

Seven Weeks Coffee exists to fund the pro-life movement one cup of coffee at a time with the world’s best specialty coffee. Seven Weeks Coffee donates a portion of all sales to local pregnancy care centers around the country. This now includes us!

As a member of the Seven Weeks Coffee partnership program, Bethesda House is now eligible to receive 15% of every sale that comes through our affiliate link.

If you’re already a coffee-drinker, we hope you’ll consider switching your preferred coffee brand to Seven Weeks Coffee. This is a great way to enjoy premium coffee and support a life-saving cause.

Simply use this link to place your order!

https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=bethesdahousema

VOLUNTEER ANNIVERSARIES

God's greatest gift to the women and babies in our care are the volunteers called to serve them. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU answering His call. We would like to recognize the following volunteers who have reached these important milestones in 2025 since the inception of Bethesda House:

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Debby Briggs

Lisa Foley-Paige

Judy Mason

Dawn Pond

Renee Showstead

TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Sheila Amiss

Anne DelSanto

Christine Lindgren

Laura Barron-Weiss

Margaret Norberg

THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Eileen Dillon

Norman Shacochis

Kimberly Sousa

Linda Quinlan

FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Nathalie Vining

Cathy Loughlin

Susan Tyler

Jean Pollock

Julianne Tilden

FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Karen North

Terri Gordon

SIX YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Donald Anderson

Laurel Anderson

Joanne Lopez

SEVEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Gail Fabri-Schwartz

Erin Spencer

Sandy Gavin

Chad Johnson

EIGHT YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Patricia Roberson

Mary Spaulding

Sandra Bradley-Palavanchi

Rose Griffin

Carolyn Atanian

Helen Porter

Maureen Smith

Michelle Sherman

Jenn Adams

Donna Williams

Household Donation Needs

Bethesda House is in need of expendable items on a regular basis. Here is a list of our current needs:

Scotchbrite sponges
Toothpaste
Diaper rash ointment
Hair conditioner
Deodorant
Face, body and hand lotion
Mouthwash
Hairbrushes
Aquaphor
Toner cartridges

Bethesda House Amazon Wishlist

As with any home, we have a constant need of various household items. We have updated our Amazon Wishlist for supporters to help make the house a comfortable and nurturing home for our young moms and their babies. Check back frequently as we will be updating the list regularly!

Shop our Wishlist Today!

And, as always, thank you for your continued generosity.

Yours sincerely,

Missy Porter, RN

Co-Founder/Director of Bethesda House

mp@bethesdahousema.org

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5

Our mission is to provide a temporary home that is safe and nurturing for young mothers (either pregnant or parenting their child). The basis of our home is built on God's love and how life can be transformed through a relationship with Jesus.

Bethesda House | www.BethesdaHouseMA.org

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