Young parents often feel isolated, cut off from their friends who do not have the responsibility of caring for young children. Some come from backgrounds where they have not experienced healthy parental relationships, making parenting still more difficult for them.

At Ottawa's Bethany Hope Centre, The Salvation Army offers support to marginalized young parents. Staff don't “preach” Jesus as much as they “live” Jesus on a daily basis. Bethany Hope Centre operates a holistic, strength-building community, a place where young parents can be nurtured themselves and develop into the parents their children need them to be.

One of those young women is Isabel. Now married and the mother of three, she first entered Bethany Hope Centre when she was 21, separated from her family and expecting her first child. She had a partner and some income, but recognized that she needed help. She heard about Bethany from a friend and decided to see what they had to offer. “At Bethany, I found a friendly, helpful staff who provided a family atmosphere,” says Isabel. She discovered that the centre's “Buns in the Oven” program helped her with pre-natal education and plenty of practical support.

In addition to the food bank and clothing room, the centre offers parenting programs, health and self-care workshops and parenting classes. Career counsellors also help the women access education and jobs that suit their personalities and skills.

Major Brenda Smith, executive director, arrived at the centre less than a year ago and quickly became aware of the difficulties young parents face. “When I arrived at Bethany Hope Centre I was impressed by two things: the dedication and commitment of the staff to their clients, and the courage and determination of the young parents to take good care of their children,” she says. “I quickly became aware of the prejudice that exists towards a young parent and the microscope they often live under—not because they may be bad parents, but because they are young.”

Counselling is an important aspect of the Bethany Hope program, helping young parents build self-esteem and enjoy healthier relationships. Counsellors also assist clients to navigate the welfare system, address custody issues, and offer practical advice in caring for infants and toddlers. “It's a good place to be if you are willing to listen and take the help,” says Isabel. “The program leads you to success in parenting, a career and learning to function in the community.”

A highlight of the programs offered to young parents is Bethany Hope's playgroup. Offering socialization and support to parents and free play for the children, it is part of the active learning approach to child care encouraged at the centre.

Fathers are also part of the program. Bethany Hope hosts a class for fathers-to-be and includes them in special events throughout the year.

Bethany Hope Centre is in the process of moving to a new location, 820 Woodroffe Road. It will occupy a completely renovated site, currently the home of Woodroffe Temple. The new facility will feature street-level access, an enhanced chaplaincy program and a more developed nutrition and food program.

Isabel feels blessed to have found Bethany Hope Centre. “I'm not just one of those girls going down the wrong path,” she says. Isabel returns to the centre from time-to-time, speaking to the girls, giving them encouragement, just as she received when she needed it most.

---

Adapting to Needs:
A History of Bethany Hope

From its early years, The Salvation Army has helped young women. In the 1880s, Florence Booth began the first women's rescue ministry in London, England. Following that example, Canadian Salvationists began similar work, opening Redemption House, a children's home in Ottawa.

Since 1913, The Salvation Army has ministered to women and children in Ottawa from its present site at 1140 Wellington Street. The Bethany Hope Centre building was constructed in 1925. It transitioned to a maternity home in 1933 in partnership with the Grace Hospital (now Grace Manor) located next door. In 1994-95, Bethany Hope Centre switched from a residential to a day program with resources and support for young parents.