The Vision

Up on the Hill, literally, at the top of Herr Street, headed east from Cameron Street, is a small community center birthed inside an old closed-down fire station. The children and teens coming to this facility, and their families, are being fireproofed to cope with and absorb the challenges they face. They are finding hope and success, all from a foundation of experiencing the love of God expressed through the mentoring and dedication of faithful and gifted adults.

Compelling statistics prove the effectiveness of Bethesda’s efforts to stabilize and encourage teenagers.

Here’s where you come in…

Do you remember the story from Daniel chapter 3 about the three youths in the fiery furnace? Because of their faith in God, those three boys from Israel were shielded from the flames that were meant to destroy them! An angel of the Lord stood beside the three and prevented the fire from harming them.

This powerful story parallels what we desire to do at the Community Center: build a foundation of faith in the young people God has entrusted to us, so that when they face the trials, the flames will not derail their lives, and they will have someone standing beside them through it all.

Join us in preventing these children and teens from entering our shelters as adults.  Your tax-deductible donation will raise a foundation of faith — and would mean so much to kids and families in our community. Please donate today.

YOU can fireproof a life!

Donate Now

The Expansion/Renovation – Phase I

Phase 1 is complete!

• For over 25 years, we’ve impacted the Herr Street community of Northern Allison Hill, Harrisburg; reaching 50-75 kids and their families annually. Upon completion of this project, we will be able to increase our outreach to include up to 200 children, teens, AND their families.
• The expanded land and renovated facilities will enable a greater variety of indoor and outdoor activities and services for children, teens, and adults. Phase I consisted of repurposing building to include a full-size gymnasium, teen rooms, and computer lab.
• Construction began in June, 2018 and was completed in July, 2019.
• The cost: $1.8 Million – these funds have been received.

The Renewal – Phase II

• 110-year-old former fire station; converted into Youth Center in 1990
• Youth Center renovation has been determined not economically feasible. Solution: implode and build a new structure while retaining the local historical significance of the site.
• $525,000 needs to be raised to complete Phase II.

Project Cost

Total Project Cost:

Phase I         $1,814,128 (new gymnasium, teen center, computer lab)
Phase II        $2,500,000 (rebuild existing facility)
                     $4,314,128  Total Project Cost

Funds raised:

Phase I         $1,814,128  Received!
Phase II        $1,975,000  Received!
                     $3,789,128  Total Received

                     $525,000  Remaining to be raised

Donate Now

How You Can Help: Phase II