A recent conversation with the mayor of one of Covington County’s municipalities was a good reminder that sometimes we have to offer up a fresh explanation of who we are and what we do. Most of the public has no concept of what it's like to keep people alive and safe from harm. There's no way for them to know that our tiny program — small by design — makes it a daily mission to love survivors by providing everything from a safe, nurturing home to counseling, substance and a

It seemed like a hopeful invitation. A ninth grader, new to town, was invited to her first party — a chance at new friends in a new school. Her parents, not yet knowing anyone to ask about it, let her go. At that party, she was sexually assaulted by multiple people. It was the beginning of two years of captivity. She was given a phone, told to keep it hidden and silenced, and to check it hourly. A text meant she had to reach a specific location — often just a short walk f

July 30 is recognized as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a day dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and recognizing the experiences of victims and survivors. Human trafficking continues to impact people around the world and can take many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other types of exploitation. Human trafficking often involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for the benefit of others. Traffic

When someone arrives at Bethesda House, one of the first things we want them to feel is that they are safe, welcomed, and cared for. Before healing can truly begin, basic needs have to be met. Sometimes, the first steps toward a new beginning start with something as simple as a warm shower, a fresh change of clothes, or a meal after a difficult journey. From the moment a survivor enters our program, we provide the essentials they need — personal care items, food and water,

This month, survivors at Bethesda House are continuing their work toward stability and independence through consistent, skill-building opportunities. One of these opportunities consists of our survivor-made items we sell through Purple Lotus. While the public only sees the finished items, the deeper impact is found in the process. Through making these items, survivors are building confidence in their ability to complete tasks, and we are seeing a growing sense of pride in t

The following statement should not be a surprise: We see the evidence of a lot of crummy fathering at Bethesda House. Yet we know there are great dads out there. Part of our job is helping women and children understand what a good one looks like. So, here’s the list we share every time we get an opportunity. A good father shows up — not just physically, but emotionally. He creates a home where his children feel safe, loved, and heard. He models integrity by keeping his word

May is full of important things. This month, we turn our focus to mental health and motherhood. When the Past Shows Up at the Playground: Mental Health, Trauma, and Mothering There's a moment many mothers know but rarely talk about. Your child throws a tantrum in a grocery store, or slams a door, or cries in a way you can't fix — and something shifts inside you. Your heart rate climbs. Your chest tightens. Your response comes from somewhere in the past, somewhere deeper than

"Thriving" means "prospering, highly successful" and "growing vigorously; flourishing" (THRIVING Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com). Our motto, "Love-Heal-Thrive," reflects our belief that love fosters healing, which makes thriving possible. During an intake session, a survivor I'll call "Sarah" asked me, "What does thriving look like?" Exhausted after 40 years of marriage marked by physical violence and relentless emotional abuse, she struggled to believe she had any w

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Like Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Awareness, it's a necessary — if weary — tradition. Sexual assault awareness isn't something to celebrate. Yet the history of this form of violence — against women — reflects how slowly the hands of justice can turn. Ancient roots of injustice: The Code of Hammurabi (1780 BC) treated rape of a virgin as damage to her father's property, while married women cou

Sextortion is a growing tactic used by traffickers to exploit young people and unsuspecting adults online. Learn how sextortion works, why adolescents are especially vulnerable, and what you can do to help protect those in your life.

What does it mean to love someone to the point of healing and thriving? At Bethesda House, love looks like practical support, encouragement, and walking alongside survivors as they take courageous steps toward transformation.

As we are painfully aware, not everyone survives intimate partner violence. Each person left behind grieves differently and the aftermath...

Listen to the victim and avoid casting blame. Make sure you say: "You don't deserve this;" "This is not your fault;" and "I believe you."...

Daily life has never been static, as change is part of life. Currently, however, the changes are unlike any in recent history....

October - a month to be shared by many passionate folks. In October, awareness is raised for Breast Cancer, Lupus, Down Syndrome, Rett...

It is Labor Day. Many who have jobs are taking a break from the normal Monday workday. Of course, this does not apply to some –...

We are driving to an appointment. The streets are lined with flags and other reminders of the 4th of July holiday. The car is quiet until...

“The Love Mask” The Bethesda House community operates from the premise that love is foundational for all of our actions. We believe that...

While things are beginning to open back up after the quarantine, we at Bethesda House still encourage all who are returning to their...