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ABOUT BETHLEHEM CENTER
 Since 1940, the Bethlehem Center Charlotte Inc., a National Mission Institution of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, has provided and integrated human services through programming that is nurturing, educational, inspirational, and strengthening to low-income children and families of Mecklenburg County. For the 965 students throughout our 14 sites, we strive to cause dramatic positive changes in their lives, as these are children trapped in an environment of poverty, illiteracy, violence, substance abuse and hopelessness. We also offer services that provide older youth and parents a second chance to make the same positive changes in their lives and subsequently in the lives of their children.
Bethlehem Center Charlotte's core services are:
- Church Agency Relations / Community Outreach
Our community outreach programs address the spiritual, emotional, physical and materials needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty. Community Outreach provides information, makes referrals and facilitates access to resources to bring immediate help in a manner designed to preserve the dignity of individuals and families. Programs include Scholarship Education Fund, Emergency Assistance, Annual Back to School Supply Drive, Christmas Angel Tree and Thanksgiving Food Box and Senior Programs.
- Early Childhood Development
Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States. It provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.
More at Four is a state-funded, community-based pre-kindergarten program designed to provide 4-year-old children, who may not otherwise be served, with a valuable educational experience. This part-day program provides young children with access to a specific curriculum and preschool experience to enhance their school readiness.
Extended Day is designed for Head Start children whose parents are working or enrolled in an approved education or training program. After the morning session, the children remain in the same facility and continue into the afternoon program.
Our 4-Star Rated Licensed center provides a fall After-School Enrichment Program (PK-6), a Summer Program (K-6) and a Teen Program for 100 school-age youth. The center is designed to promote self-sufficiency by providing specialized remedial and enrichment education to help them increase reading, math and language skills along with a variety of cultural, social and recreational activities that are designed to enhance interpersonal and relationship skills, increase self-confidence and strengthen the basic academic and social skills of youth.
Our social service programs serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence. Programs include substance abuse prevention, enrichment and empowerment activities for youth, and an emergency food pantry.
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