fireproof backup

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 proving the effectiveness of Bethesda’s efforts to stabilize and encourage teenagers can be seen through graduation rates:

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!

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The Expansion/Renovation – Phase I

• The expanded land and renovated facilities will enable a much greater variety of indoor and outdoor activities and
  

  7/17/2019 – Phase 1 is almost complete!

  services for children, teens, and adults.

• The newly acquired .55 acres/9,000 sf former printing building will offer a full-sized gymnasium/activity center for athletics (after we raise the roof to 22’), creative arts, education and IT support systems, music studio, banquet/large event space, outdoor play area, and room for senior activities.
• We will be able to reach 150-200 kids and families!
• Construction began in June 2018; completion expected July 2019.
• The cost: $1.55M – these funds have been received.

The Renewal – Phase II

• 108-year-old former fire station; converted into Youth Center in 1990
• For over 25 years, we’ve been building equity in the Herr Street community of Northern Allison Hill, Harrisburg; reaching 50-75 kids and their families annually.
• 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.
• $700,000 more needs to be raised to complete Phase II.

Project Cost

Total Project Cost:

Phase I          $1,550,000    (renovate new property)
Phase II        $1,250,000 (rebuild existing facility)
                      $2,800,000  Total Project Cost

Funds raised:

Phase I                 $1,550,000  Received!
Phase II$   550,000Received!
                             $2,100,000  Total Received

                             $   700,000  Remaining to be raised

Donate Now

How You Can Help