Our annual celebration banquet took place at the Penn Harris Hotel on October 1, 2024.

Scott Dunwoody was recognized for his service as he revealed his plan to retire after 18 years at this House of Mercy, with the last eight as Executive Director.

Jim Tatnall, Board Chair, shared these reflections in a recent press release: “During Scott’s tenure with Bethesda Mission, there has been a tremendous capital investment of $17M in the renovation of the Men’s Shelter, the construction of a new Women’s Shelter, and the renovation and addition at the Community Center.

While these are great accomplishments, Scott’s most important contribution has been guiding the Mission through many challenges while staying true to our core principles, leading with strength and humility.

Scott has been the right leader at the right time for Bethesda Mission, and the people of Harrisburg, especially our most vulnerable, have benefited greatly from his service.

Through his leadership, Bethesda Mission has helped thousands of people in the Harrisburg Area: one man, one woman, and one child at a time.”

Scott offered these words: “It has been a privilege to work with dedicated board members, esteemed staff colleagues, faithful donors, dedicated volunteers, and skilled professionals from many disciplines, all seeking to use their God given gifts to serve those in need in the Harrisburg region. To God be the glory!”

We are excited to announce that the Board of Directors has unanimously selected George Chochos as Bethesda Mission’s next Executive Director.

George comes to Bethesda Mission with a background in prison reform as a senior program associate with Vera’s Unlocking Potential Initiative, where he has provided technical assistance to college-in-prison programs. He joined the Institute in 2020 as a senior federal policy associate to work on Pell reinstatement for incarcerated students.

Before joining Vera, George was the assistant director of program management at Georgetown University, where he served as the program manager of the Georgetown Pivot Program—a first-of-its-kind program offering a certificate in business fundamentals and entrepreneurship to formerly incarcerated DC residents.

His journey from prison to the Ivy League has been covered by media outlets, including PBS, NPR, and the New Haven Register.

George began in September as the Executive Director Designee, working with Scott in the transition up through January 31, 2025.

George will begin February 1, 2025, as the new Executive Director. Look for an interview with him in our January newsletter!

Stories of Recovery

At Bethesda Mission each month, there are approximately 250 men, women, children, and teens who have entered our doors seeking some answers to the huge struggles, pain, and suffering their lives have experienced.

These testimonies highlighted at our celebration are examples of what can and does happen in the lives of so many of our guests.

Before Otiana came to the Mission, she was struggling to provide for her family. She was working third shift and living in a place infested by rats. After she lost her Section 8 housing voucher, she moved into her car.

Otiana has worked diligently on herself at the Mission. “It’s a safe space. God gave me this space to have time to myself. He put me here for a reason.”

Will started attending the Community Center’s programs a few years ago. Since then, he has been absolutely transformed. “I was a troublemaker. I’ve become a leader.”

Will’s mother, Cherrie, agrees: “He’s maturing and leading by example. I’ve definitely seen change in a great way.”

Will is attending SciTech High School and continuing to develop as a student.

Fred began using drugs in high school. After joining the military, his drug use increased significantly. Ultimately, he ended up in Berks County Prison after joining a biker club.

Since coming to Bethesda, Fred has found peace and joy! His outlook has completely changed.

If you want to hear the complete testimonies of these amazing people, you can do so here!

A huge thank you to everyone who came to the banquet this year! I hope you were blessed by the evening as we were!