Community Life

Community Life at Bethesda Project

What makes Bethesda Project special?  How does an organization with over 100 employees and 15 locations maintain its commitment to personal, caring attention?  And how do we coordinate over 3,500 volunteer visits each year?

Our Community Life department is dedicated to building caring communities in and across Bethesda Project's programs.  The Community Life department plans activities, including outings, holiday gatherings, prayer groups, and game days for all 15 locations. 

The two-person department is also the link to volunteers, who put in a combined 11,000 hours at Bethesda Project each year.  Community Life coordinates visits, matching volunteers' schedules and gifts with the right house, shelter, or drop-in center.  Volunteers build caring and often long-lasting relationships with housing residents and shelter guests. They cook and serve meals, take residents to medical appointments and shopping, and celebrate birthdays and holidays together to demonstrate that they are one compassionate family. 

The department also helps Bethesda Project staff, volunteers, residents, and board members reflect upon what it means to fulfill the organization's mission "to be family with those who have none."  They plan annual retreats for staff and coordinate a Community Life Council, comprised of volunteers and residents elected as representatives from each Bethesda Project site, which meets monthly to plan activities and programs for the Philadelphia community.

Become part of our community: submit your volunteer application form today.