From the Civil War Era to Today
Bethany Children’s Home, positioned on 385 beautiful acres in Womelsdorf, is celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2023. The nonprofit has been growing and thriving since Civil War days. In fact, those days are the reason Bethany exists. Dr. Joseph Birli, President and CEO asserts, “We started in 1863. It really came out of a true need when the Civil War children were left behind due to the war and orphans just needed care.”
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. Dr. Birli says, “Our mission statement has evolved, but we’ve always been doing the same thing — we’re in the business of helping children and youth and their families heal.” He continues, “That is something that hasn’t changed in 160 years.”
In its early days, the home was comprised of cottages accommodating different age groups of children, each with its own house parents. Today, a very similar design exists and in addition to aiding younger children, Bethany also serves the 18- to 21-year-old population. Dr. Birli says, “Part of the program is to gradually expose those youth, starting at 18. If they finish school, they can go to college, they can have jobs, or both, but not just live in an apartment on their own and not have support.” He continues, “When we interview the youth, we really work at ‘how can we help you be successful while you’re here?’” Bethany is also Joint Commission Accredited — the highest standard within the US — and it’s no wonder that the nonprofit has held this accreditation for many years.
An Epic Anniversary Celebration
An anniversary this large deserves a celebration of epic proportions, and that’s exactly what Bethany Children’s Home has planned. Each month throughout the year, a special celebratory event is planned, aiming to really bring Bethany’s history to life. One of these special events is a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the opening of the new educational historical center. This center is located in one of the campus’ oldest
buildings and its interior reveals a museum-like atmosphere, displaying archives and a history of the organization. Here you can explore the archives to uncover some fun and interesting facts including records of those who lived at Bethany dating back to the 1800s.
Other events to watch for through the year include Bingo games, a bus trip to NYC and even a cruise planned for June. As the weather chills, October is the perfect time for some haunting tales and as Dr. Birli says, “One hundred and sixty years sometimes comes with some ghost stories.” There are many more exciting events throughout the year to participate in and be a part of celebrating this amazing anniversary filled with rich history. Stay tuned!
Fun Facts
Former resident. Carl Bloss, Archivist Emeritus, was once an orphan living at Bethany until his high school years. He is now a historian who researches the history of orphanages.
Nature gives. Sitting on a natural spring, Bethany sells its own spring water. The money brought in from sales helps subsidize the work the nonprofit does for youth.
