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About us

Bethesda Lutheran Communities is a leading provider of person-centered and community-based services that enhance the lives of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities around the country and throughout the world. Bethesda offers residential and supported-living services, faith and ministry supports, education and training resources, and employment assistance.

 

Bethesda At A Glance:

• Bethesda Lutheran Communities operates more than 300 program sites in across the United States.
• More than 1,900 people are supported through Bethesda’s residential services, employment and community life programs.
• Bethesda ministry consultants nurture the spiritual life of more than 3,600 people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities by working in partnership with local congregations.
• About 2,500 of Bethesda’s 3,100 employees are direct support professionals(DSPs) who are critical to providing Bethesda’s industryleading services.
• There are 444 Bethesda Network congregations and other faith communities ministering with people who have developmental disabilities.
• Each year, more than 500 adult campers with developmental disabilities and more than 700 camp volunteers from around the country experience the fun and fellowship at one of Bethesda’s 4 camp ministries.
• In the last year, about 11,500 donors gave more than 20,000 life-enhancing gifts totaling more than $11.4 million. The average gift to Bethesda from our many generous supporters is $980.
• Bethesda’s most active donor contributed to the organization’s mission 27 times over the last year. Legacy donors who support Bethesda through their estates and planned gifts contributed more than $7.2 million this year.
• In 2013, Bethesda became the first organization in the world to earn Network Accreditation in Person-Centered Excellence from the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). The achievement marks the latest accomplishment in Bethesda’s partnership with CQL, which began in 1999.
• Thousands of dedicated volunteers donated more than 277,000 hours this year to support 20 Bethesda Thrift Shops located in 8 states. One volunteer generously gave more than 2,500 hours of service to Bethesda Thrift Shops.
• Through Bethesda’s Ability Hire initiative, 20 people with developmental disabilities have independent jobs, receive professional training and earn fair wages at stores within Bethesda’s national network of thrift shops.
• Bethesda has used social media to increase awareness throughout the country. The number of people who “like” Bethesda’s Facebook page increased 70 percent in 2013. More than 1,650 followers access Bethesda’s Twitter accounts.
• Internationally, Bethesda is part of a global network of Lutheran organizations providing mutual support, shared information and collaboration in some 18 countries.