History  

The roots of Bethany go back to the Haverhill Union Mission founded in 1906 by the religious community of our city.  This work was continued into the late seventies at Bethany Home, Winter Street, Haverhill. 

In 1965 a new organization, Bethany Homes, Inc. (a charitable, not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation), was founded by Rev. Dr. Duane Windemiller, a local pastor active with Haverhill Union Mission, with the stated purpose 

  "to plan, construct, own and operate facilities and
  resources necessary to provide social, cultural,
   educational, spiritual, religious, and recreational
  programs and opportunities for senior citizens in the
   community" (Articles of Organization, March 5, 1965). 

With the help of government secured Section 202 mortgages the 150 unit Merrivista was built in 1969, 117 unit Mission Towers in 1972, and 97 unit Phoenix in 1979.  In 1982 we assumed management of the Carleton Home in Georgetown.  These housing and ancillary services are available to the residents of Greater Haverhill regardless of race, color, creed, economics, religion, national origin or sex. 

The Rev. Norman Crook, pastor, Second Congregational Church, West Boxford, served as  Executive Director from 1972-1990.  In January, 1991, Rev. Dr. W. David Thomas was appointed to that position.  The eighteen member Board of Directors, residents and staff represent the full religious, ethnic, and professional diversity of our community.  Members of the board are involved laterally in various social agencies of the city and were instrumental in the founding of the area homemaker/health aid agency. 

During the first twenty years of Bethany Homes supportive services could not be provided through the rental monies for the residents.  By contract with the federal government these sites were to be independent housing only.  However, the staff and board quickly became sensitized to the issues of aging in place and Bethany Community Services was established to respond to these needs. 

BCS provides a wide range of activities, trips, wellness and mental healthcare, personal assistance, transportation, and meals to those who are aging in place, allowing them to remain independent and within our Bethany Homes environment for as long as possible.   In many cases we are able to avoid, and in all cases delay nursing home admission. 

Our board continues to be committed to reaching our service group of elders now more than ever before.  Our market is not shrinking but growing faster than not-for-profit groups like our own can respond.  In light of these facts the Bethany Homes board has recently reaffirmed their commitment to provide safe and secure shelter and supportive services to our elder population.