Bell Socialization

Heritage Valley FCU “Casual for a Cause”

If you walked in to any of the three office locations of the Heritage Valley Federal Credit Union the last Friday of each month, you would notice employees were “dressed down” —  their attire more casual than typical business wear.  For the privilege of wearing jeans for the day, employees make a donation to local charity elected to be the recipient for that quarter.  A select committee of HVFCU employees chooses four charities each year based on the charities’ mission and values.

“Because of the positive work and many lives you touch within our community,” wrote HFVCU Marekting Director Tara L. Kochansky, Bell was one of the organizations chosen for the credit union’s “Casual for a Cause” charities in 2012.   “We hope this monetary contribution can help in some way as it is a reflection of the employees of Heritage Valley’s desire to help our community and aid those that are changing lives . . .”

Bell executive director Ike Hileman gratefully accepted the $900 donation from HVFCU President Tim Ames.

Bell Family Shelter Receives YCCC Support

Designated to provide food for homeless York County families receiving emergency housing and supports at Bell Family Shelter, Marcella Kinard (left) director of shelter services for Bell Socialization Services, accepted a check from Chad Linder, Board President of the York County Council of Churches. “Hungry the Clown” was also on hand for the presentation ceremony April 17.

The $800 donation represents a portion of monies raised through the York metro 2011 CROP Walk to End Hunger and other YCCC events. A total of $9,639.07 was distributed amongst 19 local entities which provide food to local individuals in need.

CROP Walk Participants

Area Scouts Support Good Turn for America

As part of the Good Turn for America initiative, the New Birth of Freedom Council of the Boy Scouts of America, First Capital District, conducted its “Collection for Shelters” project this month.

Scouts canvas their neighborhoods with door hangers announcing their collection of household items one week later.  Donations are then taken to a designated drop center where they are sorted for regional distribution sites.

De’Elzier O’Connor, program coordinator for Bell Bridge Housing, met the scout volunteers at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 21 to pick up the goods assigned for use at Bell Family Shelter/Bell Bridge Housing.

Thank you, Scouts!!

In Memory of Our Parents

In Memory of Parenzan’s

In Memory of Joan Bossong

Thank You from a Friend

Helping . . . outside the comfort zone

Penn State University York campus students volunteered at Bell Family Shelter as part of a class writing assignment.

Most people don’t enjoy stepping out of their comfort zone; it’s simply, well …  too uncomfortable. When one does take that step, however, a valuable reward typically follows:  new perspective.

Last semester, a group of Penn State York students met the challenge when they showed up at the door of Bell Family Shelter to volunteer; part of an assignment from their writing instructor Mrs. Ann Fetterman. Offered a glimpse of this shelter servicesprogram of Bell Socialization Services, the students came away with an understanding of how the organization exemplifies the meaning of the words “community” and “family.”

Three participating students, Chyanne Caldwell, Emily Beaverson, and Kevin Pitz, reflected on their experience after spending a morning helping out at the shelter. Chyanne and Emily’s experience was much different than what they expected:

“I was surprised at how ordinary our destination looked,” Emily said, “and I’m sure that’s just how the consumers liked it.”

Student Chyanne Caldwell did her part by painting a bathroom

“[I wanted] to ease just a little of their burden with the best of my abilities,” stated Chyanne, “and if that meant I had to paint a bathroom, then I would put my heart into it. I only wish more people could share a day to do the same.”

Student Kevin Pitz pitched in alongside instructor Ann Fetterman

This was not Kevin’s first visit to a shelter. He volunteered at a shelter five years ago in Baltimore, Maryland but had a negative experience when an argument between visitors to the soup kitchen ended in a fight. He did not intend to return to a shelter, but he says “fate brought [him] to the door of Bell’s emergency shelter.”

“The atmosphere truly felt like a family that loves and supports each other,” Kevin said. “I never would have guessed these people were temporarily homeless. A tidbit that I took away from everything was the story of a girl in school who told her class she lived in a shelter. The students could not believe her story because she was just like them.”

This experience was a welcome change from the one Kevin had five years ago. “The next time I walk into a shelter, I will walk in with no fear, but with an open mind and an open heart,” he said.

Bell Socialization Services welcomes members of the community, like these students, who are willing to donate their time and skills to help those in need. The agency encourages anyone with the desire to make a difference to contact them and find a place where their skills can be put to use. College students are also encouraged to apply for internships where they can gain experience, practice their skills and build a portfolio while helping consumers of Bell’s services. [For information on volunteer opportunties, see our Volunteer Here page and/or contact volunteer coordinator Janel Fox at 717-848-5767, x 515.]

Story contributed by Bell volunteer Andrew Kidd  based on the writing assignments submitted by Chyanne, Emily and Kevin.

Congratulations: 55th Anniversary!