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Serving More Families

Restoring Our City Block

December 2011 Archive of News and Musings

Friday, December 23, 2011
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas scene image of house in snow, with words Thank You For Housing, Homes, Hope

Picture of BHA program participants, staff and Bagwashi mentors laughing and hugging

Through your support,
you give the gift of HOPE to families in crisis.
Thank you for sharing your love
with the Brethren Housing Association Family.
We wish you and your loved ones
a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

From the staff and participants at BHA

Picture of BHA staff in front of Christmas tree

Posted by Steve Schwartz (12/23/2011 6:05:10 PM | link)

Thursday, December 15, 2011
Celebrate Amanda's journey with us!

Christmas 2011

Dear Friend of BHA,

"Life offers no fulfillment without work."

I read this phrase about halfway through Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How To Reverse It). While tucked away in the middle of a paragraph, it stood out to me.

Amanda with her daughter Jasmine standing in front of a Christmas tree
Amanda recalls "for the first time in my life I was providing for myself and Jasmine..." This Christmas, celebrate Amanda's journey with us!

Some of my mentors might quibble with the absolute nature of this statement, especially as they challenge me to find balance with down time and prayer. But within the context of our work at BHA, it makes perfect sense.

I know the joy found in meaningful work.

In providing for my family.

In getting my college degree.

In being able to give of my time and money in service to others out of my abundance.

Over the years, I've seen many women also find this great joy...the satisfaction of working hard to build a brighter future for their children.

Amanda is one such woman.

...continue reading "Celebrate Amanda's journey with us!"...

Posted by Steve Schwartz (12/15/2011 3:00:45 PM | link)

Friday, December 09, 2011
Thank You, GHAR!

Today Steve Schwartz attended the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) annual holiday luncheon. At the luncheon BHA was presented with a check from the Greater Harrisburg Realtors Foundation for $1,000 toward the renovation of the Diener House. Thanks, GHAR, for investing in our work!

Picture of Steve Schwartz receiving donation check from the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors Foundation

Posted by Steve Schwartz (12/9/2011 4:02:41 PM | link)

Thursday, December 08, 2011
Welcome, Crystal

Picture of Crystal Baxter I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Baxter, our new Program Director. This is a new position created through our 20/20 Vision Campaign. Crystal provides program oversight, supervises all program staff, monitors program outcomes and benchmarks, and works directly with participant families in achieving their goal plans.

Crystal has a B.A. from West Chester University and a M.A. in Social Work from Temple University with a concentration in management and planning. She resides in the city of Harrisburg and attends Faith Chapel Church of God in Christ, also in the city, where her father is the pastor.

Welcome to the BHA family, Crystal!

Posted by Steve Schwartz (12/8/2011 1:26:28 PM | link)

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Work Day @ BHA
Sat., June 8*
8:30am-3pm

20/20 Challenge Brass Concert and Dinner @ Ridgeway Community Church of the Brethren
Sun., June 23
5:30pm Light Meal followed by Concert

BHA Day at the Harrisburg Senators
Wed., Aug. 7
7pm Game Time
Get Details

8th Annual Ministry Celebration Event: Reception and Auction
Tuesday
Oct. 29
6pm
Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey

* Dates and times of workdays are subject to change. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Dennis Saylor, our Property Manager, at 717.233.6016 or dsaylor@bha-pa.org to confirm work day is continuing as planned.