Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone.

This time of year ushers in a wave of hope for a better year -- this year. Sadly, many people believe that "new beginnings" start only with resolutions in January. As if some kind of magical force exists to bring forth drastic changes during this month alone. Now, I must agree that there is indeed a powerful force that brings amazing change in our lives. That power comes from God alone. His love, grace, and power, are the perfect ingredients for new beginngings and fresh starts.

For the women at Bethany House, the minute they walk through the doors, a fresh start has, well, has started. As they prepare for motherhood they uncover new new ways to live and improve their lives.

The staff and volunteers at Bethany House help them embrace the process of change that seems so daunting in the beginning. After all, the idea of change is bound to cause some discomfort ... even postive change. We tend to get stuck in what's familiar, even when what's familiar isn't what's best for us. Thankfully, in a safe evironment, women are able to learn that change brings joy and confidence. It is a new lease on life for the residents of Bethany House.


Ultimately, after nine months of pregnancy, the women end up with the ultimate new treasure -- a baby. There is simply nothing "newer" than new life. The baby in the above photo was born to Jennifer. She is one happy mama. We think baby's pretty happy, too.

So, you want a new beginning? Great! Any time is a good time to start fresh. There's no need to wait for next year when today is as good a time as any. Go on! Grab your new beginnging.


God bless you!


For more information about Bethany House or to give online, visit: http://www.bethanyhousenet.org/

Finding Love ... the real stuff

Love ... something every person on the face of the planet desires. Something we all need whether we believe it or not.

Unfortunately, many young girls grow up without healthy male role models and they end up seeking love and attention from the opposite sex, often times, doing things that compromise their emotional, physical, and spiritual well being. Hungry for approval, teenagers and young women end up compromising themselves all in the name of love.

A "side effect" to this searching for love is often sexual relationships resulting in pregnancy.

Becoming pregnant is often the wake up call that rings loud enough get a girl's attention. Despite cases of women refusing to accept their pregnancies, a majority of pregnant women quickly discover and accept that they are indeed "with child." Then comes the whole "now what?" syndrome.

When a woman comes to Bethany House, at least 95% of the time, she has experienced a lack of healthy love, and, has more often than not, used her sexuality to obtain love and affection. For the most part, the other half of this equation -- the man -- has vanished from her life or is far from enthusiastic about becoming a daddy.

While at Bethany House, women are nurtured, loved, and supported in a way that allows them to regain or find hope for future relationships. They learn to identify the painful patterns that have held them captive, leading to the cycle of one broken heart after another. The staff works to gently guide and direct the residents to make better choices in the relationship department. This is no easy task. But it's possible, and it happens.

We are amazed, years later, when clients return to share the major changes they've experienced in the quality of their relationships. We are honored to attend weddings where former residents have made healthy choices and are marrying men that value and adore both them and their children. Wow! That's exciting.

It's our hope that you will discover that Bethany House accomplishes so much more than providing food, shelter, and supplies for single pregnant women, we provide the tools that help these women to rebuild their lives one step at a time.

Won't you join us?

After all, nothing compares to helping heal a broken heart and provide the neccessities for a young mom and her infant. We know. We've been doing it for two decades, now. We can't do it alone. Visit www.bethanyhousenet.org to learn more and partner with us.

Keep the Dream Alive

Yes, this sweet little bundle of love was born at Bethany House.



She is but one of 340 infants, who, right along with their mothers, received new leases on life because of their Bethany House experiences. For so many of them their nightmare existences have become dreams come true.

We want to keep the dreams alive for every pregnant woman who hopes for healing and hope in our program. Without partners, people who care about what happens to these moms and their future families, we, like several other programs, will have to close our doors.

To raise funds for our program, we are hosting an evening of fun, friendship, and did I mention great desserts? Here's the scoop:

Where: The Gresham Evening Event Center - 257 SE Roberts, Gresham, OR

Date: Friday, November 14, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Cost: Sponsor a table of eight (8) guests for $80.00 or purchase a single seat for $10.00

Contact: 503.667.8409 to reserve your space or email bethanyhouse@runningblue.com Every child deserves a good beginning. Your support of Bethany helps provide that and so much more.

New and Improved Bethany House Journal

Welcome to the new Bethany House Blog!

For those of you who are new to our site, welcome. Bethany House is one of oldest maternity programs in the Pacific Northwest. For over twenty years, we have been serving single, pregnant, girls who have nowhere to turn.

For many women, a pregnancy is an exciting moment. It's like receiving a special delivery in your mailbox. You can't wait for the gift to arrive.

Unfortunately, this incredible blessing is more like a nightmare for an unprepared woman who sees her pregancy as an unexpected detour in life.

Bethany House helps women make the transition from confused girl to mature mom.

We help women embrace the tangible skills needed to raise a child, as well as, help them manage those other not-so-concreate things -- emotions. Many of our residents have been abused, neglected, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. Often times, these young women have been homeless or have lived in poverty. They have been forced to halt their educations. Bethany House gives these young women a safe place away from any abusive relationships, allowing them to make better choices and set goals for their futures.

You may not agree with their past decisions, but the fact remains that single moms make up a huge percentage of our population. These women need our help and support. Their children deserve a future filled with love, protection, and hope. Bethany House helps provide those very things.

We hope you will visit regularly to learn more about our program and the personal stories of our women. You will amazed by the miraculous changes that take place in these women's hearts and ultimately in their lives.

Please take a peek at our previous blog (we will not be posting there any longer) and our website.

http://bethanyhousegresham.wordpress.com/

http://www.bethanyhousenet.org/index.html