What is Bethlehem Center doing during tough economic times?

We don't have to tell you that it's been tough on Americans through the past year. While the Charlotte Observer is reporting that the recession is over, Charlotte also is currently sitting at the highest unemployment rate in 25 years.

But what does that mean for Bethlehem Center?

In 2009, we have been extremely blessed by an increase in giving by some of our church supporters and the United Methodist Women. We cannot thank you enough for this. The Head Start arm of Bethlehem Center is expecting stimulus funds, due to a priority put on Head Start in the package. This will allow us to up our service levels from 858 children to an even 1000 in the 2009-2010 school year. According to Head Start research, society receives $9 in benefits for every $1 in support given to Head Start children. We expect these stimulus funds to not only impact the educational needs of the children, but to impact the Charlotte economy in a positive way.

That being said, we are seeing a greater need in the community that we serve through our Missions and Education department.  We are seeing an increased number of requests for emergency funding (assistance with medications provided through our Missions department), which will be served by an increased net from the Bridge Tournament in 2009 versus 2008.  We will once again be rewarding scholarships to students needing financial assistance to continue their education, and are already seeing an increased number of applications in 2009 versus 2008.

We are expecting cutbacks in funding from other government grants and our corporate partners, but our partnership with Arbor has allowed the addition of 5 staff at no cost to Bethlehem Center, 3 of which will be male role models to our children in our summer camp program, a much needed addition.

Bethlehem Center is not immune to these tough economic times, but we are committed to serving those in our community to help them through it. If you would like to help, our greatest needs currently are unrestricted funds, summer camp, and our emergency financial assistance program. Donations to any of these can be sent to: Bethlehem Center c/o Amy Hutchison 2705 Baltimore Ave. Charlotte, NC 28203