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Going Back Home!
On June 25, 2011, smiling faces from the 1950's, 60's and 70's reunited on Bethanna's Southampton campus for their first ever reunion. Event coordinators, Linda Thorson Hyotte and Debbie Thorson Newmann, collaborated with Director of Development Bill Maguire to organize this successful gathering of 147 former residents, staff, volunteers, and their families. Many of the former residents (43 made the trip) had not been back on the campus since they left Bethanna. They came from as far away as Washington, Florida, and Virginia. However, just as many made the trip from Richboro, Holland, and Philadelphia. A very special brother and sister team, Paul and Susan Murphy, participated in the daylong celebration. They were the first children to stay at Bethanna. It is estimated that the reunion members spent a combined 450 years growing up in Southampton.
Although the former residents brought their families for support, many considered the other children and staff of Bethanna to be very much their family. In a recent article written in the Bucks County Courier Times, Debbie Newmann comments on the sense of loss she felt when she left Bethanna. "For many people there is no sense of closure" ... "One day, you're there with the house staff and your friends, and the next day, you're out on your own, wondering what happened to those people you grew up with; the people who have become your family."
While for some, coming back and seeing these old faces was hard, for many it was a joyous occasion that helped strengthen memories they all shared. The reunion allowed the former children of Bethanna to refasten the bond they once shared so many years ago.
Bethanna's Executive Director Bud Seith and his wife June were two people everyone was happy to see. They were house parents in 1974. House parents played a crucial role in supporting the children through their journey at Bethanna.
Although Bethanna no longer provides residential services or recruits house parents, its diverse programs continue to make a substantial impact in the lives of children today. Just like the house parents of 40 years ago, today's foster parents play a critical role in the love and support of the children served by Bethanna. Without them, our children would be without homes and hope.
For more information about upcoming events, please contact Bill Maguire at bmaguire@bethanna.org or 215-355-6500 ext 109.
Story prepared by:
Sydney Levin
Senior, Abington Friends School
Volunteer Youth Coordinator
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