Carolyn Shultz Spano has dedicated nearly her entire career to helping local nonprofit organizations raise awareness and funds within our community. As Director of Development at Bethany Children’s Home she is putting her skills to work to help area youth who have been victims of trauma not only to cope, but to thrive.
Can you tell me a little bit about Bethany Children’s Home?
We’re a very unique and specialized residential facility for youth. We offer a variety of trauma-based therapeutic and spiritual services for ages 10 to 21. Most of our youth have had severe trauma in their life and typically come to us through one of 22 local county court systems. And depending on why they’re here, they will stay with us anywhere from six months to three or four years.
What kinds of programming do you offer?
We have a clinical team that offers both individual and group therapeutic services, and we also have amazing art and recreation departments. Our goal is simply to improve their life and prepare them. Our Transitional Living program teaches them independent living skills, and the Supervised Independent Living program allows them to stay right here on campus after they graduate, as long as they are working or going to school full-time.
Do you have any events in the works?
Unfortunately, due to COVID, life has changed very quickly. We are hoping to host our annual summer concert series this year. We’re located on a beautiful 365-acre campus, and we’ll be hosting four local bands in a way that is very COVID-friendly. We’re also just trying to be really creative with using virtual platforms for large raffles, a virtual lip-sync contest – just thinking of new ways that we can continue fundraising and staying in contact with our continued donors.
How did you get involved with Bethany?
Bethany has always been very near and dear to my family, particularly to my dad. I was on campus many times with him. He passed away in 2015, so when this opportunity came up, I just felt it was where I needed to be. I started my career in nonprofits with the Easter Seals and the American Heart Association, and also worked for the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce for eight years. I have three kids, one is at Temple and two are in the Conrad Weiser School District, so I feel like I have the opportunity to honor my dad but also to really help our local community.
With such a background in nonprofits, are you involved in any other organizations in Berks?
I’m very involved with AFP – The Association of Fundraising Professionals. It’s a great way to bounce ideas off people running similar programs, and they’re doing a great job with virtual events. But I miss networking. I’m a hugger! Our president is also fairly new, so prior to last March we were everywhere. We attended chamber events, Women2Women events, but of course that all stopped. We’re at a really exciting place at Bethany, and I don’t think people realize what an amazing place it is here and how many youths we help. So, we just need to keep getting out there.
