“I have nothing. Please help me.” These are words Bell Family Shelter Mental Health Case Manager Vanessa Adamu has heard more than once. For many families arriving at the shelter, their first conversation isn’t just about paperwork or finding housing; it’s about taking the first step toward hope and learning to trust someone they’ve just […]
“To do this work, you need to come in with a desire to see people be successful, to grow, and transition into their own housing,” Shelly Philogene, Bridge Caseworker, shared. For families experiencing homelessness, finding housing is only one step in a much larger journey. In our Bridge Transitional Housing Program, families receive the support […]
When Maria arrived at Bell Family Shelter in February 2026, she was searching for stability and a fresh start. With the guidance of the Shelter’s Mental Health Case Manager, Nnebuwhe (Nnebu) Ochiobi, Maria began taking important steps toward rebuilding her future. “While at Bell Family Shelter, Maria obtained employment and has subsequently obtained permanent housing,” […]
Shenina Orr felt inspired to embrace a new opportunity that directly addresses one of the biggest barriers people face. For her, stepping into the role of SOAR Benefit Specialist in our Mental Health Supported Housing Program is a chance to help people take one of the most important steps toward stability. Shenina assists individuals in […]
When Dani Graham first drove past Bell and saw the “Now Hiring” sign, she had no idea it would become such an important part of her journey. At the time, she was looking for a job close to home. After interviewing at Bell, she immediately felt comfortable. “It really felt like a family environment here,” […]
As part of Bell Socialization Services’ 60th Anniversary – and in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month – Bell MH staff initiated a Good People Challenge. Employees thoughtfully filled “Good People Bags” with goodies and have been hand-delivering them to individuals and businesses who make a positive impact and can be identified as “good people.” […]
Mark Hilton first came to Bell in 1983. He was 20 years old. “When I first started this journey, I just didn’t want to hurt anymore. My very first day at Bell, I was ready to end my life,” he recalls. “The person I talked with convinced me to stay.” “I had so many issues […]
When it comes to determining Good People, one quality that’s sure to be revealed is that you’re a giver. And what better time to give to advance Bell’s mission than during the 24-hour celebration of Philanthropy in York County known as Give Local York! If Bell has ever mattered to you (or to someone you […]
Emily is enthusiastic, compassionate, and has made a lasting impact during her internship with Bell’s Mental Health Services. From the moment she arrived, she felt a sense of belonging. “As a student, coming into Bell, I immediately felt like I was a valued part of the team,” Emily says. “I felt accepted and that my […]
Bell Family Shelter celebrates 40 years of empowering lives and helping families move from homelessness to independent living. For 34 years, Marcella has been more than a staff member at Bell Family Shelter—she has been its heart. What began in the early 1990s as a simple weekend shift quickly became her life’s mission: to walk […]