About Bethany
How We Began
Mary DeBoer, Marguerite Bonnema and Andrew VanderVeer are the founders of Bethany Christian Services. Bethany Christian Services began in 1944 to establish a Christian residence for homeless children. Today, Bethany is an international team of nearly 900 people actively involved in ministering to the needs of children, young people, and families. With over 75 offices nationwide and international ministries in 13 other countries, Bethany touches the lives of more than 30,000 people each year. Bethany is supported through fees and gifts received from individuals, churches, corporations, and foundations. Bethany is known by many as an adoption agency, but our family-focused ministries also reach people struggling with unplanned pregnancies, infertility, and a multitude of other human hurts.
How We Help
Birthparent Counseling Services
Each year, thousands of women who face unplanned pregnancies turn to Bethany’s crisis pregnancy line, 1.800.BETHANY (24/7),for help. Bethany’s trained counselors talk with these women about all of their options so they can make informed choices about their future and that of their children.Our nationwide offices provide free, face-to-face counseling for women and couples. Bethany’s compassionate counselors give birthparents the life-giving option to make an adoption plan that will provide their children with a stable, loving home. Bethany considers the needs of birthparents, adoptive parents, and adoptees, and is there to support each member every step of the way.
Infertility Ministry
Bethany’s Stepping Stones ministry offers support to couples in search of Christian answers for their infertility. The cornerstone of the ministry is Stepping Stones, a free, Christian, bi-monthly newsletter which offers its readers access to various resource materials and information regarding workshops, seminars, support groups, and conferences dealing with infertility.
Domestic Adoption Services
Bethany’s Infant Adoption Program provides hundreds of babies with Christian homes each year. Bethany also places sibling groups and older children, some with special needs. Bethany is committed to serving children born with Special Placement Needs (HIV-positive, addicted to a controlled substance, or with physical or mental impairment), as well as children who are born without unique challenges. Bethany embraces children of all races.Sometimes a birthmother needs a few days or weeks after the child’s birth to make the final decision to choose adoption. Bethany provides Foster Care for these infants during their first weeks of life until they join their adopted parents.
International Adoption Services
Each year hundreds of international children are placed with forever families through Bethany’s International Adoption Services. Our international adoption counselors prepare families to receive a child from another culture or race, and they guide adoptive parents through the international adoption process. Our Caring Connection fund provides financial assistance to eligible families for the additional medical or adoption expenses associated with special needs international adoption.
International Services
Bethany works with social service partners in more than a dozen countries on three continents, offering in-country programs that minister to children and families. Our in-country services include foster care, domestic adoption, financial support for orphanages and group homes, and pregnancy counseling.
International Sponsorship Programs
In Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, Bethany sponsors children with medical, educational, and basic needs, such as food and clothing.
Mission
As a Christ-centered agency, we care about the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of the people we serve. Our mission statement reflects our level of commitment: Bethany Christian Services manifests the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families through quality social services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Bethany relies on volunteers to perform a variety of tasks so that our staff can directly serve children and families in need. Contact your nearest office to see how you can help. Bethany’s international ministry has ongoing needs for social workers, nurses, and doctors willing to volunteer their services in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.