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Bethel Christian Childcare Center
With a "focus on kids – not dollars," Bethel Christian Childcare Center, located near Tacoma, Washington, works diligently to provide a nurturing environment for children. In existence for six years, the center provides daycare for up to 60 children, ages 30 months to 12 years. The multi-cultural staff operates with a sincere passion of nurturing each child and "providing them with the guidance and love they need to become the men and women God intended.""
In addition to the Childcare Center and Christian School (K-12), Bethel Christian Center has conference and convention facilities, camps, retreats, helping hand ministries and restoration ministry houses. Situated on 29 picturesque acres complete with nature trails and a park like setting, the Childcare Center is housed in the basement of Bethel Christian Church. An abundance of windows bring in plenty of warm sunshine as well as a beautiful view of Mirror Lake for children and staff.
Cathy Vomenici, Childcare Director for the past four years, emanates the Christian spirit so rooted in the center’s mission. Although prior jobs in sales and catering were higher paying, Cathy explains: "at the end of the day, her work really didn’t matter." Today, her work definitely matters. When asked what led her to take this job, she matter-of-factly replies: "God." She explains that she "always has a heart for kids" and believes strongly that "all kids deserve to be loved." Unfortunately, she points out that "employees of Taco Bell can make more money than childcare workers make in centers. Society seems to place more value on taking care of tacos than children - our most prized possessions.""
The diverse staff at the center works closely together as a team – each one’s unique contribution as important as the other. Their common goal is to show the love of Christ to children." They strive to make it feel like home and to provide each child with good memories."
When people ask if they take children with behavior problems, Cathy replies by saying "God seems to think so." Fortunately, all of the staff members are blessed with extra doses of patience and love to provide the care and "nurturing piece" each child so desperately needs."
As with any non-profit operation, the center is always in need of money to achieve their goals. As Cathy points out, "it’s like chasing your tail." Current needs include replacing the outdated earth-toned paisley carpeting as well as installing an awning or porch to the center entrance where parents must wait (after ringing a bell) to pick up their children.""
Bethel Childcare Center enjoys working with FundRaising.Com because "the customer service is excellent, follow-up is great, and products are at a fair price with good profit margins. Rewarding the children with prizes for their efforts is also important." In addition to candy and cookie dough sales, recent fundraising efforts have also included "Where Dreams Come True" and "Home Sweet Home" catalog sales."
We will be sending Bethel Christian Childcare Center a master case of Chocolate Smoothies™ (24 gift boxes) for being our March featured organization of the month. We are happy to be a part of the tremendous difference they are making in the lives of these children and wish them the best of luck in reaching their future goals.
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