Dustin at Work - BethesdaBC.com

Bethesda
“...and by His wounds we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5
Christian Association - since 1971
SPRING EDITION NEWS 2015
www.BETHESDABC.com
Welcome to Bethesda’s ministry of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
in communities throughout British Columbia
George lives a busy and independent life.
He rides his bike or
takes public transit to get around. He is employed shredding paper
at a local lumber yard where the store manager says George brightens everyone’s day. He is enthusiastic about his work and he has a
great work ethic.
George also volunteers weekly at City Hall and at the local Salvation
Army. He loves to read books and magazines about different parts
of the world and share what he learns. In his free time he enjoys
looking for new reading material at the local thrift stores, where he
also ensures that their book shelves are neat and in order.
George attends Bethel Reformed Church and he lives at Sparrows Apartment in Smithers. Sparrows is an affordable housing initiative providing opportunities for George and others with disabilities to live independently while
still receiving the limited support they need in order to be safe and successful. Sparrows also provides social
connection for those living there through weekly communal meals and other events. George is able to rent and
care for his own apartment and live the independent lifestyle he desires.
Inside:
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• Dustin at Work
• Accreditation Survey by CARF
Employee & Volunteer Recognition
... as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people... 'ĂůĂƟĂŶƐϲ͗ϭϬ
A Time to Give, A Time to Receive
by Jody Siebert, Executive Director
As we focus on 2015, I am in awe of the many blessings God has gifted us with. He placed a call on our hearts to
serve, but in the end we receive far more from those we serve, than we could ever give. I have been truly honoured to join Bethesda’s ministry and to serve alongside the many faithful people who live out Bethesda’s values
and beliefs in very real, day-to-day, ways.
Can I share part of my vision for Bethesda? I have a dream...
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of an organization that demonstrates social equality for all people, regardless of perceived status or ability;
of a community where everyone’s value is not only recognized, but seen as essential;
of a community where those historically seen as “less than”, are sought after for their God-designed contribution; a community where people with disabilities are not seen as broken, but created just the way God
intended them to be;
“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be
…those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (I Cor 12:18, 22).
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of a community that walks alongside one another, providing a safe space for healing; where hope and acceptance are offered authentically, understanding we are all fundamentally the same – seeking somewhere to
belong, to be loved and accepted as we are;
of an organization that impacts the community because of the way we “live with” one another; the way we
reciprocally care for and learn from one another;
of an organization of people, emboldened by hope; who live in the future, not the present; who regardless of
what is going on today, have a vision of what is possible and uses that as a governing sense of action.
It is so affirming to witness how employees, volunteers, Board Directors, members and donors already demonstrate so many of these beliefs and values. Thank you so much.
SUMMER CAMPS 2015
Day Camps: July 2 - August 28
Camp Bethesda: August 17 - 22
Summer Program Worker positions are available in
Abbotsford to help with Summer Day Camps for children with disabilities. Applicants must be students, 19
years of age or older. Application deadline is April 17.
Summer Camp Volunteers are needed for Day Camps
& Camp Bethesda. Must be 17 years of age or older.
Please see Summer Camps at BethesdaBC.com for
more information.
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Dustin at Work
Dustin has a big heart and is quick to notice the needs of others around him and to lend a helping hand. He often takes the time
to share a word of encouragement, a story or a laugh with others
around him. He has a way of making people feel included and welcomed wherever he is. Dustin’s second passion is sports. Dustin competes in several Special Olympic Sports and competed Nationally in
the Canada summer games that were held at UBC this past summer.
One of Dustin`s dreams is to be a `working man` so we explored several
potential job sites and looked at his interests and passions. Dustin is a huge
Canucks fan and so naturally the first place we looked for work was at local
hockey arenas. Dustin is completing a work experience/coop program at
an arena helping with maintenance and housekeeping. He looks forward
to his shifts and enjoys telling his friends about all his new adventures.
Dustin takes the Handy Dart to work in the morning arriving at the arena
just before 9. He heads to the lunch room and checks in with the boss. Dustin
is then given a task list to complete on his 4 hour shift. Dustin comes prepared to work in the cold or the warmth.
One of Dustin’s important jobs is to keep the glass clean so people can watch the hockey game. If Dustin is working
in the arena you will often see him wearing a toque, multiple jackets and gloves. Dustin’s favorite job is using the
backpack vacuum cleaner and he keeps the floors and change rooms as clean as a whistle. One of the perks of working
at the arena is the Langley Rivermen’s hockey team practices there and he gets to watch them while eating his lunch.
Dustin knows most of the guys as he volunteers for their games with his dad. They all know him by name and he
can visit with his friends. Dustin checks with his boss at the end of the day and gets on the handy dart and takes it to
Bethesda’s Langley Day Services. At the end of the day he is tired but happy and looks forward to the next Wednesday.
With Sincere Appreciation to those who have generously given over the past year to help meet our
financial obligations and to help develop additional services.
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To our 2,520 Members who help keep Bethesda focused on its mission of serving those in need
To Communities of BC for your gifts, most notably to our Annual Drive that raised $138,323
To our Sponsoring Churches for your love offerings
To the Business Community for supporting Summer Camps and other Family Support initiatives
To Friends redirecting Union dues to Bethesda
To Timothy Christian School for your Thanksgiving Day gift
To the participants of the “Roll ’n Stroll” Walkathon
To the Chilliwack Christian Junior Hockey League
To the Unrau Family Endowment Fund
In Honour of Simon & Mary Groenveld’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
In Honour of Ed & Flo DeHaan’s 40th Wedding Anniversary
In Memory of Antonie Alderliesten
In Memory of Aafke Vander Zwaag
In Memory of Gerard Rhyn
In Memory of Herman Lamberink
In Memory of Alice Vander Meulen
In Memory of Johanna Dielemann
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ANNUAL
DRIVE
2015
Your
Membership
& Donations
Help Sustain
Bethesda’s
Ministry
Membership strengthens Bethesda as a major Christian
service provider in British Columbia.
Donations help to support the ministry work of Bethesda in the
following key ways:
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Providing Supported Independent Living Services
Operating Summer Camps
Employing Family Support Workers
Building Affordable Housing
Purchasing Special Equipment
Last year you helped raise $138,323.
Please consider helping Bethesda in 2015 with your Membership Renewal and Donation. Your help is gratefully appreciated.
What’s New?
As we continue responding to individual support needs and preferences, we are excited to:
• Open a new home for residents of Mt. Lehman Home who moved to their newly renovated Chilcotin Home in Abbotsford. As
was shared in our last newsletter, Mt. Lehman Home is now closed.
• Offer Home Share as a residential option,
where individuals are welcomed into family homes to share their life with families
in our communities. Due to the growth in
this option we are in the process of hiring a
Home Share Manager to bring expertise in
Diana, Trudy, Gary and Darcy love their new Chilcotin Home in Abbotsford.
supporting individuals and families.
• Offer Vocational Services to individuals
who are interested in seeking employment. Bethesda’s Vocational Service assists willing workers to find employment and to reach their lifetime goals and dreams. Our Vocational Services Coordinator, Saundra Roger,
brings energy and passion to this area and has already supported individuals to secure paid employment.
There are currently 6 people involved with Bethesda’s Vocational Services. Saundra helps the job seeker match
his/her talents and passions with a business employer who has an opening on his/her staff team.
• Partner with Trinity Western University to provide 3rd year nursing students with practicum opportunities in
our Residential and Day services. The students recently completed an 8 week session.
• Open up a new position for a Senior Accountant, to respond to Bethesda’s growing financial responsibilities.
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Accreditation with CARF
In 2012 CARF awarded Bethesda a 3-year accreditation through to 2015 for residential and day support services that are contracted with Community Living BC. We are about to be surveyed again this
Spring hoping for another 3-year award. The mission of CARF is to promote the quality, value and
optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing
the lives of the persons served. The purpose of CARF is to “raise the bar” of service quality and to ensure maintenance of up-to-date standards. CARF is a private, non-profit international accreditation commission
est, 1966, Tucson, Arizona, governed by a Board of Trustees. For more information about accreditation see www.
BethesdaBC.com/accreditation
2014 Employee Satisfaction Survey Summary is one of the ways we gain feedback to gauge the effectiveness of
Bethesda’s ministry. 203 surveys were completed, which is about 53% of employees at Bethesda. Here is a summary of the results from this survey that highlights some of the top responses. Overall there appears to be a high
level of job satisfaction amongst Bethesda employees. We endeavor to grow and to learn together to discover how
we can improve in our work of supporting individuals with disabilities. and their families.
Here are a few examples of Staff ’s response when asked:
“What are the specific things about Bethesda that makes it a great place to work?”
“Christian environment, valuing all persons in care. Value employees, making a difference in lives and the world.”
“The overall attitude/belief of respect and value in supporting people with disabilities.”
“Our manager is awesome and staff is great. I love that we are encouraged to pray for and be an example of Christ to individuals and to staff. And the integrity in which we are called to serve our individuals.”
“It is an organization that actually cares for both the people they serve and their employees. They take the time to care; they
see us as people not as a number to be replaced. They continually look for new ways in which they can improve the lives of the
people they serve as well as equip staff with trainings and teachings to do our job better.”
For Employment Opportunities please see www.BethesdaBC.com/employment or call 604-850-6604
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Wheels for Guatemala
Recently supporters of Bethesda’s Guatemala project
filled the room to hear stories of Camp Guatemala.
This year, Bethesda sponsored three staff members
who travelled to Guatemala for a week in November to
help at Hope Haven’s annual wheelchair distribution
camp.
There are three weeks of camp each year, one week for
children, one for youth and one for adults. Over the
course of the 3 weeks, 150 campers participate with
their caregivers. Camp provides an opportunity for
campers and caregivers to relax, fellowship with other campers and volunteers, worship together, and have fun.
Also over the course of their stay, their wheelchairs are repaired, or replaced. During the camp this year, 130
wheelchairs were refurbished, 30 individuals received new wheelchairs, 24 received new seating cushions and 30
campers gave their lives to Christ.
Bethesda has partnered with Hope Haven International to support the distribution of used wheelchairs and mobility aids for those in need in Guatemala. They are collected throughout the year to be shipped to Guatemala where
they are modified in the wheelchair shop and prepared for distribution to individuals who otherwise would not be
able to afford to purchase them.
Bethesda presented a cheque to Ralph Terpstra of Hope Haven Canada, of $12,893.80 raised by Bethesda employees for ministry work in Guatemala through their annual Roll ‘n Stroll event.
Breaking Ground
for Housing
Bethesda continues to pursue
safe, affordable housing for
our adult friends with disabilities with the construcion
of a 9-townhouse complex in
Chilliwack. Design plans and
permits are being finalized
and we will soon be sharing
more of this exciting project
with you.
Pictured is Bethesda’s Property Development Committee, including Board Directors, holding a sod turning
ceremony that included asking God for His blessing on this initiative.
More info to follow .... please visit www.BethesdaBC.com for updates.
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Employee & Volunteer Recognition
40 employees and volunteers were recently
recognized for their years of service. Approximately
150 people attended the Abbotsford and Kelowna
events to thank and cheer on each employee
and volunteer for their kind and compassionate
support of individuals entrusted into their care.
Pictured is our staff team from the Okanagan each
of whom have reached either 5, 10, 15 or 20 year
milestones as Bethesda employees.
5 YEARS
5 YEARS
5 YEARS
10 YEARS
15 YEARS
20 YEARS
25 YEARS
35 YEARS
Nancy Aubie Robert Blazecka Rachel Blink Debbie Bonar Jeremy Byl Albert Chu Danelle Coleridge
Diana Couper Holly den Ouden Peter Humphrey Frances Lund Doris Marais Erin Naples Jocelyn Narag
Helen Neels Stephanie Ostermeier Christine Romses Svetlana Ryzhukhina
Tiffany Duran Marilyn Joson Elisabeth Renema Kim Schaafsma Mary Tobin
Eliza Cajalne Margriet Doldersum Sava Duran Dennis Enkurs Jaime Hubert Kim Johnson Terry Jones
Mojica Bay-An Ann Beerda Susan Clausen Teresa Gunther Karen Kiers Sarah Tse Linda Vane
Laurel Chesham John Koning
Ann Trudeau
Hockey Night in Chilliwack
Chilliwack Christian Junior Hockey League raised $1,880
for Bethesda at their Annual All-star Invitational Hockey
Tournament. 4 games were played, each with the official
puck dropping ceremony involving a player from each team
and an individual with a disability supported by Bethesda.
It was a fun night with plenty of exciting hockey.
Thank you everyone!!
Helping Individuals & Their Families
Welcome to Tijana, Janice, Peggy, Deena, Amanda, Kya, Anita, Melissa, Luke & Micah who are new to Bethesda and who
are each now receiving residential, day, vocational and/or family support services in Kelowna, Vancouver, Surrey, Langley,
Abbotsford or Chilliwack.
We also remember our good friends, Kathleen and Jill, who passed away into the presence of Jesus.
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Antigua in Guatemala was established in the 16th century as one of a succession of capital cities
during the Spanish colonial period. Baroque style architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, painted in red,
orange, and yellow is stylized to withstand the frequent earthquakes in the area. The horizon is dominated by
three large active volcanoes. The city is a bustle of activity atop uneven, centuries old, cobble stone streets. In a
country where 54% of the population lives in extreme poverty with no access to medical care, street repairs are not
a priority. The cobble stone in Antigua is rough enough to cause twisted ankles and difficulties for the most fit of
travellers. The curbs are 6-12 inches high; great for protecting walkways in case of hurricane rain storms, but not
great for wheelchairs. Wheelchair ramps are a rare sight. Earthquakes in the region and general wear and tear on
the cobble stones over centuries has created roads that are uneven, full of large holes and erupted rubble that are
in many places impassable by those requiring mobility aids.
One of these people is Ofelia. Ofelia has attended Camp Guatemala in
Chimaltenango for several years now where she has received a donated wheelchair, modified in Hope Haven’s wheelchair shop to withstand
Guatemala’s challenging terrain. Every year she returns to camp where
the wheelchair is repaired, adjusted or replaced to ensure that it continues to meet her needs. Ofelia lives in a rural area in a hut with a dirt
floor where she cares for her four children. Unable to move her legs, she
wears a long denim skirt inside her house and pulls herself across the
floor in order to prepare food and get her children ready for school. After they have left for the day, she sets about making tortillas which she sells in town. Without the money that she
makes from selling tortillas, she would be unable to buy food for her children.
For Ofelia, the wheelchair that she has been provided is far more than just a means of mobility. It provides her with
independence, the ability to earn money and to have dignity. She no longer has to drag herself through the dirt
to the market to sell her wares, but can sit upright and face her customers. The money she earns makes a life and
death difference for her family. Ofelia saves all year so that she can continue to attend Camp Guatemala where she
is able to fellowship with others, worship and receive a much needed break as well as support in terms of repairs
and upkeep on her wheelchair.
“Dare to love and to be a real friend. The love you give and receive is a reality that will lead you closer and
closer to God as well as those whom God has given you to love.” ʊ+HQUL1RXZHQ
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
Finanacial Policy
Spending of funds is confined to Board approved services and purchases. Each gift designated toward an
approved service will be used as designated with the
understanding that when any given need has been met,
designated gifts will be used where most needed. Gifts
are acknowledged and receipted with a tax deductible
receipt.
George Boer, President
Jody Siebert, Executive Director
105, 2975 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2T 5T4
(604) 850-6604 Fax: (604) 850-7242
Email: [email protected] www.BethesdaBC.com
Except where noted, articles & photos are provided by Bethesda staff.
Bethesda is a charter member of the Canadian Council
of Christian Charities (CCCC).
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