80 years of loving our neighbors
Bethany Christian Services was founded on a simple but powerful principle: Every child is made in the image of God. He knows each of them uniquely and cares deeply for their every need. As his most cherished creation, children deserve nothing less than unconditional love and a safe, nurturing environment.
The two women who founded Bethany held this belief and wanted to act as the hands and feet of Jesus for children without a home. Taking care of one baby girl grew to taking care of five, then 25, to serving more than 1 million children and families over the past 80 years. And eight decades later, this same principle still drives us forward.
As the largest Christian child and family organization in the U.S., Bethany offers services that meet clients' ever-changing needs. So when families face a crisis, we'll be there, protecting children by strengthening their families. Because we believe everyone deserves to be safe, loved, and connected.
Our mission
Bethany demonstrates the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting children, empowering youth, and strengthening families through quality social services.
Learn more about our work hereTotal clients served
This year, we served over 53,766 children, families, and individuals, providing hope through all things.
21,334
refugee and immigrant children and families received trauma-informed care and pathways to long-term stability.
25,825
children and families were served through adoption, foster care, and services to strengthen and empower families.
6,642
children and families were served in our final year of providing global support and programming.
Our work in the U.S. and around the world
In the U.S., we served 47,146 children and families through 83 programs across 23 locations with a total investment of $148,318,811
Wins & highlights
Our response to growing needs
The challenges facing children and families in the U.S. are greater than ever. Rising numbers of unaccompanied minors, increasing demand for foster care, and the ongoing mental health crisis underscore the urgency of our work as it threatens the safety of children and families staying together. Bethany is going where the needs are, with specialized programs designed to address these realities.
This year, we were able to bring family-reunification programs such as HOMEBUILDERS® and Safe Families for Children to new communities in desperate need of support. We carefully onboarded more families to serve as foster and adoptive parents and Safe Families hosts. Our social workers and caseworkers are continuously educated to stay current on best practices for supporting families, children, youth, and single parents.
Testimonials
Read more about stories and people we have served throughout 2024.
Ashlynne and her sister’s lives were forever changed through adoption.
See their story here.Kim and Jake have welcomed 36 children into their home.
Hear more about their journey as foster parents.Homebuilders gave Matt and Nikki’s family a second chance.
Watch their story.José found safety and new opportunities in the U.S. with his loving foster mom.
Listen to his inspiring story here.Financials
In 2024, our fiscal year was shortened from its usual 12-month duration to nine months as we changed from a calendar year-end to a September 30 fiscal year-end.
Operating Revenue
Revenue received in fulfilling our mission to support children and families in a broad range of state and federally funded programs, including foster care and foster care adoption, family preservation and strengthening, and services to refugee and immigrant children and families.
2024 * 2023
Revenue received in serving families where our fees are paid primarily by individuals seeking to provide a home for a child through our domestic infant adoption program, as well as revenue received from individuals and insurance companies for counseling services provided by our clinical staff.
Represents amounts received from the sale of educational resource materials to individuals and churches, as well as other revenue such as rental income and other sources that vary from location to location.
Operating Expenses
2024 * 2023
Summary
2024 * 2023
(as of December 31, 2023)
*2024 was a 9 month fiscal period
Financial overview
Family preservation: $9.9 million was dedicated to keeping families together to help them thrive.
Adoption services: $7 million went toward ensuring children found permanent, safe, loving families.
Refugee & immigrant services: $77.3 million was used to provide life-changing services for children and families fleeing their home countries to escape persecution and violence.
You make the difference
86.7% of funds raised go directly to programs, making the biggest difference for children and families.
Help more children and families thrive this year at Bethany.org/donate
Board of directors
Brian Britton Chair
Maegan Schwindling Vice Chair
Joel Rahn Treasurer
Susanne Jordan Board Secretary
Beth Garrett Member at Large
Marben Bland Member
Peter Burleigh Member
Kafi Mashariki Carrasco Member
Lori Hockema Member
Peter Kraslawsky Member
Scott K. Lewis Member
Steve Mayer Member
Roger Shank Member
Betsy Tanner Member
In closing
Together, we are writing the next chapter in Bethany's legacy—a story of hope, faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to children and families. Thank you for partnering with us in this mission.
Please pray with us that in 2025, God will equip us in every way to do the work he's called us to do as we care for those who are hungry, thirsty, and overlooked (Matthew 25:37-40 MSG).