Guests, patrons, staff and beneficiaries of New Bethany Ministries gathered at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center March 18 to celebrate 30 years of helping over 100,000 hungry, homeless, poor, and mentally ill clients find new opportunities and more secure futures.

“We serve between 3,000 and 6,000 people a year. We live in this food desert, where access to nutritious food is a real challenge,” said Executive Director Diane Elliott. “There are only 14 of us [on staff], and we couldn’t do it all ourselves.

“Tonight is a thank you for all of your support.”

The event featured success stories of three of New Bethany Ministries’ clients, a silent auction and recorded piano music by former client John Machell, in his memory, in addition to other entertainment provided by The David Fahim Quartet and A Plus DJs, LLC.

New Bethany board President Roland Kushner said, “It’s exciting to be a part of this organization and address a deep community need. Even when the economy is up, people need comfort and succor.

“Year after year we have served people who need help. Every person that we helped was a victory, and our communities are all the better for each and every meal, night of housing, plans for a new stable life, or course of guidance that we have delivered.

“We don’t know what manner of economic and health needs we will see in the future, but New Bethany Ministries will continue to try to meet it,” he said.

Pamela Lewis, director of the Restoration House Apartments on Third Street, has worked for New Bethany Ministries for eight years and says her satisfaction comes from helping people overcome barriers and succeed in life.

“People have lost jobs and struggle to make a livable wage,” she said, “and there’s very little affordable housing in the area.

“I work with our clients to set goals, help them get the education or training they need, and work toward permanent housing. We want them to have the tools to avoid future homelessness,” she said.

New Bethany Ministries provided the support needed to help Kemisha Bailey, one of the Restoration House Program clients, build the foundation to provide a better life for herself and two children.

Bailey shared her story: With no place to live, and two small children, a friend told her about the Ministries’ program.

“I went down to New Bethany,” she said, “and filled out the paperwork. I waited a couple days and had an interview and was accepted into the program.

“I was able to provide for my kids’ needs, had a safe place to stay, and the opportunity to work with Pam [Lewis]. We developed a list of short and long-term goals – getting my GED, a job, my driver’s license, and a place to live.

“I finally have my own car, I’ve got a job at ManorCare in Allentown, we’re moving next month to our own apartment, and I’ll take the last part of my GED test this summer,” said Bailey, whose long-term goal is to earn her LPN at Lehigh County Community College.

“This program has meant so much to me,” said Bailey. “I have self-esteem, and willpower, and I’ve learned that I’m worth so much more. I love myself again.

“I can accomplish anything if I persist, with good support, and the help of the Lord. And New Bethany Ministries’ love, support and guidance has gotten me to a healthier, happier place,” she said. “New Bethany helped me invest in myself and what I’ve become, and I know their generosity will help so many others like me.”

Connor Smith, who has benefitted from the Representative Payee Program since 2007, also shared her story. The artist enjoys painting and creating mosaics and ceramics and has had her work displayed at The Banana Factory, Godfrey Daniels, and The Cup.

“I really like the Impressionists,” said Smith, “so I see if I can create paintings that reflect their styles. I have a mug [you can request to use] at Deja Brew, and I like to make pottery that I give to band members when I go to different concerts.”

Smith even gave one of her ceramic creations to a member of Nickleback at a meet and greet. She teaches an art class at The Lodge, where she also works in the kitchen and as a hostess.

Lori Hunsicker-Nagy started working part time with New Bethany Ministries 11 years ago but within two years had become Director of the Representative Payee Program, which she’s led for about nine years.

“I see affordable housing as the number one problem [in the Lehigh Valley],” she said. “Who can live on $750 a month? You pay your rent and there’s nothing left over, and people really try to stretch the dollar. That’s where I help.

“[The clients in the program] are my kids – my peeps. I look out for them, and help them budget so I can give them what they want or need. We help clients who receive Social Security/disability or VA, make sure their bills are paid and assist them with saving up for supplies or things that matter to them.”

Smith agreed. “My mind has such freedom now, because Lori helps me with my bills, the creditors aren’t calling any more, and my credit is improved.”

Hunsicker-Nagy said, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something, and that’s our goal – to find out what that is and help our clients achieve it. Connor takes classes at the Banana Factory. She needs those classes, so I find ways to make sure she’s got rent paid and she’s fed, and that there’s something left over.

“What’s most rewarding to me is knowing our clients have food in their bellies and a roof over their heads,” Hunsicker-Nagy said.

Another beneficiary of the Representative Payee Program and Single Room Occupancy programs shared his story.

Tommy was referred to the New Bethany family in 2005 after losing his job while struggling with addiction. He lives at Columbia House, in Coplay, and has worked hard to maintain his sobriety and heal his relationship with his family.

“I came to Columbia House with little,” he said, “and now I have my own apartment, clothes, a television, furniture, and two trucks. One of them I’m restoring with my grandson.”

He received the Certified Peer Support Specialist designation and is now employed by New Bethany Ministries as a truck driver, maintenance worker, and, as he says, “jack of all trades.”

“If it wasn’t for the program here, I’d probably be dead,” he said. “I’ve seen people freeze to death in the winter. It’s a great program with great people who are there to help because they care. I would’ve relapsed if it weren’t for New Bethany, and that would’ve been it.

“We need more places like this.”

The Hope Blooms Committee, responsible for planning the night’s celebration, included honorary committee chair Robert Wilkins, and Jane Brooks, Debbie D’Ottavio, Anne Evans, Shannon Jaeger, Brenna Kepner, Lori Offner, and Bill Stevens.

Sponsors of the evening’s celebration included ASR Media, Liberty Property Trust, Follett Corporation, PNC Bank, Provident Bank, Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University, RCN, Allentown Federal Credit Union, Lehigh University Catering Department, FIG Bethlehem, and Patti’s Petals.