Summer 2010 President's Message

Just Stand

In April, Bethel New Life held its thirtieth anniversary event. Thank you to all who have supported us through volunteering, attending, donating, praying and sharing us with colleagues, friends and family. We had a wonderful night of reunion, sharing stories, and dreaming of the future. As we close our fiscal year in June, we still need your support.

By every account we have had a successful year; our programming is strong, we have a strategic plan called Living Nehemiah that touches the heart of the organization and the community, and we have a wonderful team of staff that is committed and energized to do this work. We are actively engaged in developing strategies that will make us less dependent on government revenue. I am excited about expanding our earned income through exploring private pay models of our work as well as seeking new ways to utilize our facilities.
 
However today, where we continue to fall short is with funding, specifically with the State of Illinois which is facing a financial crisis like it has never seen. Our programming, ranging from early childhood development to elder services, is at risk. The forecast for the next twelve months does not look good. We need your help by standing with us and helping us close the funding gap. Your support, no matter how small, will make a difference in our ability to continue services for residents this year and beyond.

We have stood in many storms over the years. You stood with us as we fought for affordable housing in our communities. You stood with us as we fought for residents to age in place. Today, we need you to stand with us as we fight the most severe economic crisis in our generation. There will be many storms to come but what I want you to know is that we are strong when others are weak, we are courageous when others are timid and doubtful, and we have a faith that will not allow us to falter as we work to fulfill the prophet Isaiah’s vision of a just society.

Bethel exists to create access and opportunity for those who have been on the sidelines way too long. I hope you will read our anniversary report that speaks to the transformative actions and results that Bethel has executed over the years. It can be found at www.bethelnewlife.org/pdf/30thAnniversaryReport. pdf. Take a stand with us by showing your support of Bethel.

God Bless!

Steven McCullough
President & CEO