Bethany for Children and Families

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In 1899, Gottlieb Germann, a harness maker employed at the Rock Island Arsenal, found an abandoned baby in a woodshed. Not only did Germann and his wife care for this child, but the discovery also led them to establish a 'safe haven' for other neglected and/or abandoned children. Union Mission was incorporated July 12, 1899 to provide for "the improvement, moral, industrial, and religious education of such persons in the City of Rock Island, Illinois, as it can reach and bring under the influence of its work." From these humble beginnings, when 10 children resided at the first Union Mission home, Bethany for Children & Families would grow to provide over 27 programs to strengthen families and the community.

Originally, the agency provided a home for children whose parents either could not or would not care for them. In 1941, Bethany children and staff moved to what was then known as Brooks Pasture, 220 11th Avenue, Moline, Illinois. During this decade, services expanded to include foster care and in-home services. The 1950s marked a profound change in the scope of services provided by Bethany. We evolved from an agency that singularly provided for the custodial care of children, to a multi-service, treatment-oriented agency that responded to the greater needs of the community. At this time, governmental involvement in children and family services also increased, requiring higher standards in both care and the professional qualifications of staff. The agency joined the Child Welfare League of America and was recognized for its high quality care.

Today, Bethany for Children & Families is professional, multi-service agency, led by a dedicated group of volunteer Board of Directors. Programs are available in Rock Island, Mercer, and Henry counties in Illinois; and Scott, Muscatine, Cedar, Clinton and Jackson counties in Iowa. Our services include:

Adoption;
After-school programs;
Day treatment for adolescents;
Foster care;
In-home counseling;
Juvenile Justice Diversion services;
Prevention, education and counseling services for families;
Services to teen parents;
Supportive living services for adolescents;
Therapeutic recreation;
Ways to Work - Family loan program.


Home Programs Publications Giving Locations Questions? Board of Directors History Employment Opportunities Contact		In 1899, Gottlieb Germann, a harness maker employed at the Rock Island Arsenal, found an abandoned baby in a woodshed. Not only did Germann and his wife care for this child, but the discovery also led them to establish a 'safe haven' for other neglected and/or abandoned children. Union Mission was incorporated July 12, 1899 to provide for "the improvement, moral, industrial, and religious education of such persons in the City of Rock Island, Illinois, as it can reach and bring under the influence of its work." From these humble beginnings, when 10 children resided at the first Union Mission home, Bethany for Children & Families would grow to provide over 27 programs to strengthen families and the community. Originally, the agency provided a home for children whose parents either could not or would not care for them. In 1941, Bethany children and staff moved to what was then known as Brooks Pasture, 220 11th Avenue, Moline, Illinois. During this decade, services expanded to include foster care and in-home services. The 1950s marked a profound change in the scope of services provided by Bethany. We evolved from an agency that singularly provided for the custodial care of children, to a multi-service, treatment-oriented agency that responded to the greater needs of the community. At this time, governmental involvement in children and family services also increased, requiring higher standards in both care and the professional qualifications of staff. The agency joined the Child Welfare League of America and was recognized for its high quality care. Today, Bethany for Children & Families is professional, multi-service agency, led by a dedicated group of volunteer Board of Directors. Programs are available in Rock Island, Mercer, and Henry counties in Illinois; and Scott, Muscatine, Cedar, Clinton and Jackson counties in Iowa. Our services include: Adoption; After-school programs; Day treatment for adolescents; Foster care; In-home counseling; Juvenile Justice Diversion services; Prevention, education and counseling services for families; Services to teen parents; Supportive living services for adolescents; Therapeutic recreation; Ways to Work - Family loan program.