Bethesda House
STRATEGIC PLAN
> VISION, MISSION, & STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS TO GUIDE BETHESDA HOUSE INITIATIVES
In partnership with our diverse community, Bethesda House provides inclusive, secure emergency shelter, outreach services, woman-centered advocacy, prevention, education, and other supports to women and their children, empowering them to overcome the fear and oppression resulting from all forms of gender-based violence and abuse.
A safe and inclusive community, free from all forms of gender-based violence and abuse.
We Aim To Make
The World A Safer Place
One Woman At A Time
32 Years of providing
support to women
support to women
Driving Our
Vision Forward
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
Strategic Direction 1: Exemplary Agency Leadership
Bethesda House demonstrates agency leadership within the community and social services sector and is a strong advocate for eliminating gender-based violence. We uphold this agency leadership by working with community partners, the region and the province.
Objectives
- 1) Foster a culture of transparency and communication within the agency and with the community, ensuring that stakeholders are informed about key decisions, policies, and strategic initiatives.
- 2) Conduct regular performance evaluations for agency leadership by providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for professional development and succession planning.
- 3) Foster a diverse and inclusive leadership team that reflects the community.
- 4) Engage in strategic partnerships and collaborations with external organizations to stay informed about industry best practices and to strengthen the agency's overall leadership capabilities.
- 5) Advocate to all levels of government for increased awareness, funding and support, in alignment with the Clarington Council declaring Intimate Partner Violence as an epidemic.
Strategic Direction 2: Direct Service Provision and Programs
Bethesda House delivers timely, responsive, and evidence-based direct service provision and programming. We acknowledge and respond to the diverse needs of all members of the community in collaboration with our partners.
Objectives
- 1) Foster a trauma-informed approach to service delivery and programs.
- 2) Assess the effectiveness of direct services and programs through continuous monitoring to ensure they meet the evolving needs of women, youth, and children impacted by gender-based violence.
- 3) Utilize innovative technologies and communication to enhance the reach, accessibility, responsiveness and impact of direct services and programs.
Strategic Direction 3: Strong Community Relationships
Bethesda House leads and collaborates with the community to eliminate gender-based violence. Our community partners, local businesses, organizations, and residents of Durham Region, all contribute substantially to the overall success of Bethesda House.
Objectives
- 1) Host events to raise awareness, foster community engagement, and create a supportive network for individuals affected by gender based violence.
- 2) Cultivate strategic partnerships by actively engaging with partnering organizations to align goals, share resources, and enhance the collective impact on addressing gender-based violence.
- 3) Provide community advocacy, prevention, and education on gender-based violence.
- 4) Develop and strengthen partnerships with local educational institutions, healthcare providers, and employment agencies to create comprehensive support networks that address the holistic needs of women, youth, and children on their journey towards safety and empowerment.
Strategic Direction 4: Financial Viability
We are committed to transparent and responsible fiscal management.
Objectives
- 1) Continue to partner with the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS) to maximize funding opportunities.
- 2) Maintain a positive agency profile in the community to maximize contributions.
- 3) Focus on strategies to maximize revenue through new partnerships, grant opportunities, or fundraising activities.
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New women entering
our shelter per month
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Mothers and children entering
our shelter per month
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Calls per month to the
crisis support line
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Are turned away due to shelter capacity
Why we do what we do
What Women Say About
Bethesda House
The violence and abuse I endured at the hands of my husband left me trapped and powerless. It took every ounce of courage I had to leave, but the moment I walked through the doors of Bethesda House, I knew my daughter and I were safe. I finally had hope. At Bethesda House, safety wasn't just a word, it was a promise they kept. The staff created a supportive environment that allowed us to heal and rebuild our lives. I was able to focus on my daughters well-bieng and my recovery, knowing that I would never be hurt again.
Bethesda House provided me with a way out from my trafficking situation. They helped me create a plan to leave and kept me safe when I was terrified for my life. I have suffered and found myself trapped and sexually exploited all over Durham Region. The staff helped me feel safe, and didn't judge me. They validated my experiences and gave me tools to re-build my self-esteem. They supported me with my nightmares and spent a lot of time with me when I couldn't sleep. I can't imagine where I would be without their support- thank you.
Bethesda House is more than a shelter, it is a home. I had to escape my family's home because they were abusing me and stealing my money, I went to Bethesda House. I felt safe for the first time in a long time. I was able to sleep, share my experience of being taken advantage of and hurt by my adult son, and learnt tools to move forward in my life. They helped me to relocate and I now live free and feel safe in my very own home.
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Bethesda House welcomes and encourages applications from, and provides equal student opportunities to, male and female students, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. Accommodation will be provided for students with disabilities upon request and if at all possible. Bethesda House is an LGBTQ positive space.