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Agency Overview
Mission
Bethlehem Centers of Nashville is a nonprofit social service agency that promotes self-reliance and positive life choices for children, youth and adults in Middle Tennessee by delivering and advocating quality programs and services.
History
Founded in 1894 as a rescue mission and playschool, in the past 116 years, Wesley House, Centenary Center, and Bethlehem Center have evolved into one multi-service agency now known as Bethlehem Centers of Nashville (BCN) with facilities in North, South, downtown Nashville, and Camp Dogwood in Cheatham County.
Organizational Structure (Agency)
- 21 elected member Board of Directors
- 27 staff and 8 contractors.
Customer Profile
Most of the people and families we serve reside in the two poorest census tracts in Davidson County (United Way and Tennessee State University needs assessment study, 2003). 97% of the children, youth, families and elderly served by Bethlehem live at or below 90% of the Health and Human Services federal poverty guidelines. Approximately 90% of the children and youth in our programs live in single parent households. 100% of the elderly we serve through our hot lunch and seniors' club programs are eligible for and receive needs-based public assistance through subsidized housing, TANF, SSI, food stamps and TennCare or Medicaid.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Child Development
- Top-rated childcare and after school for children, ages 6 wks - 12 yrs. with locations at:
North Nashville (1417 Charlotte);
South Nashville (101 University Court);
and downtown Christ Church Cathedral (900 Broadway).
- Metro Pre-K program and Summer Programs for children ages 5 - 12.
- Life skills, arts, camping, sports, and in and out-of-city trips to grow children & youth into mature, working adults.
Youth Development
- Just Between Girls - self esteem and leadership skills for girls ages 9 - 15.
- Too Smart To Start - nationally recognized substance abuse prevention for youth ages 9 -17 at Metro Schools.
- STARS of Bethlehem Club - fun, educational and empowerment activities for children and youth ages 9-17.
- Vocational Success Institute - career development collaboration with Rotary Club of Nashville and Belmont College for youth ages of 16-18.
- Safe and Sound - enhances youth and family safety, health and wellness through increased access to sports, fitness, health and nutrition screenings.
- Tutoring - homework and academic support.
Adult Programming
- Seniors Club - 55+ active, lifestyles group to help seniors remain independent and active.
- Greater Charlotte Hot Lunch Program - area church collaboration serving 80 meals to homebound and elderly daily.
Community Outreach
- Christmas Toy Store provides toys, clothing, and household items for low-income families.
- Kids Café - a Second Harvest Food Bank program feeding dinner to children every Tuesday.
- Shopping Bag - resale shop featuring low-cost clothing, accessories for men, women and children as well as small household item
- Family Resource Center with United Way and other partner agencies addressing neighborhood needs and working with residents to solve community challenges.
Administrative Office • 1417 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203 • www.bethlehemcenters.org • 615-329-3386 Fax 615-329-0261
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