Bethany celebrates 160 years of serving youth

By Dana Hoffman, Marketing & Events Specialist, Bethany Children’s Home

Bethany Children’s Home, located in western Berks County, has been serving children for 160 years.

Situated on more than 300 acres in Womelsdorf, the nonprofit has served more than 13,000 youth since its inception in 1863.

Founded by Rev. Emanuel Boehringer in his Philadelphia home after he realized there was a need for housing orphans of the Civil War, Bethany Children’s Home soon outgrew its first location. The home would move two times before settling at its current location in 1867.

In its early days, Bethany Children’s Home housed orphans. Today, most youth are placed at Bethany through their county’s Children & Youth Services office. All youth at Bethany have endured some type of trauma in their lives.

The aim of Bethany Children’s Home is to provide a safe place to nurture, protect and provide supportive care for residents as they grow and heal, striving toward a brighter, healthier future.

Residents live in cottages and enjoy educational programming, holiday celebrations and more on campus. Most youth attend Conrad Weiser School District or local alternative education facilities.

Programs vary and serve children ages 6 to 21. Residents ages 18 to 21 enjoy independent living while attending college or working, while still receiving the supports necessary to help them move on and become successful adults.

Bethany is Joint Commission-accredited and now certified as a “Specialized Setting” for victims of trafficking and youth transitioning into adulthood. The specialized setting certification is a component of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act, signed into law in 2018.

This year, Bethany is marking the anniversary with fun events throughout the year. A Purse & Cash Bingo took place Feb. 12, and a trip to NYC will follow on March 12. Please visit bethanyhome. org for more information and to register for 160th events! CQ