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Bethesda Childrens Home Lutheran Social Services

EIN 25-0989246 · Meadville, PA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood82 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

BETHESDA'S VISION IS TO FULFILL THE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS OF CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND INDIVIDUALS BY PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT CONTINUUM OF CARE IN A QUALITY FOCUSED ENVIRONMENT.

Income
$15.1 million
Spending
$15.0 million
Spent on programs
90%
Reserves
4.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 98%
Employees
211
Volunteers
13
Highest pay
$261,913, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 10% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    90% of spending went to programs.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $5.1 million spent. RESIDENTIAL SERVICES:SPECIALIZED RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS ITU'S: OUR INTENSIVE TREATMENT UNITS PROVIDE A STRUCTURED THERAPEUTIC SETTING FOR UP TO 23 BIOLOGICAL FEMALE AT RISK YOUTH AGES 11-18. YOUTH RECEIVE SERVICES THROUGH TRAUMA-INFORMED TREATMENT PLANNING, ON-GROUNDS EDUCATION, THERAPEUTIC GROUPS, BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION, AND COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY. ALL YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY PROVIDED BY A MASTER'S LEVEL CLINICIAN. OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE PSYCHIATRIC/PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL CONSULTATION.GROUP HOMES: OUR SEMI-INDEPENDENT LIVING GROUP HOME FOR AGES 14-21, IS A FAMILY FIRST SPECIALIZED SETTING FOR 7 BIOLOGICAL FEMALES WHOSE EMPHASIS IS ON DEVELOPING INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS, LIFE SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION. YOUTH ARE PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHILE CONTINUING TO RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY, AND GROUP THERAPY.EMERGENCY SHELTER: EMERGENCY SHELTER SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO YOUTH AGES 11-18 THAT ARE EITHER ADJUDICATED DEPENDENT OR ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT. OUR EMERGENCY SHELTER PROVIDES YOUTH WITH A SAFE, SECURE, AND STRUCTURED HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT FOR A MAXIMUM OF 14 DAYS. YOUTH WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE IN OUR EDUCATION PROGRAM.TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM: THE RIGHT START TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM (TLP) IS TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED SERVICES DESIGNED TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF EACH YOUNG MOTHER AND THEIR ACCOMPANYING INFANT OR TODDLER. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO YOUNG MOTHERS AGES 16-23 AND THEIR INFANT/TODDLER. THE SEMI SUPERVISED PROGRAM FOCUSES ON ASSISTING YOUNG MOTHERS TO DEVELOP INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AND PREPARE FOR EMPLOYMENT.RIGHT START FOR YOUNG MOTHERS: THE RIGHT START FOR YOUNG MOTHERS PROGRAM IS A SUPPORTIVE, STRUCTURED, THERAPEUTICENVIRONMENT WHERE PREGNANT AND PARENTING TEENS CAN RECEIVE SUPPORT, GUIDANCE, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL CARE. THE GOAL OF THIS FAMILY FIRST SPECIALIZED SETTING IS FOR YOUNG MOTHERS AGES 12-21 TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND DEVELOP SKILLS NECESSARY TO BE INDEPENDENT , SELF-SUFFICIENT, AND NURTURING PARENTS.PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY: THE PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY (PRTF) DELIVERS THE HIGHEST INTENSITY OF MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR UP TO 10 BIOLOGICAL FEMALES USING A TRAUMA-FOCUSED CURRICULUM INCLUDING PSYCHIATRIC OVERSIGHT, DAILY INTERVENTION WITH THEIR MHP, FAMILY THERAPY, 2 HOURS OF GROUP PSYCHO EDUCATION, TO INCLUDE EVIDENCE BASED TRAUMA-FOCUSED PROGRAMMING EACH DAY, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY, ONE OR MORE TIMES AS NEEDED PER WEEK.
  2. $3.4 million spent. COMMUNITY SERVICES:FOSTER CARE & PERMANENCY SERVICES: OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES TEMPORARY EMERGENCY FOSTER HOME PLACEMENT AND ONGOING SUPPORTIVE FOSTER HOME PLACEMENT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH FROM VARIOUS COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA. AS A STATEWIDE ADOPTION AND PERMANENCY NETWORK (SWAN) AFFILIATE, THE PROGRAM ALSO PROVIDES PERMANENCY SERVICES TO YOUTH AND FAMILIES. SWAN SERVICES THAT ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED INCLUDE FAMILY PROFILES, CHILD PROFILES, CHILD PREPARATION, AND FINALIZATION. THIS DEPARTMENT ALSO OPERATES THE PETERSEN FOSTER CARE HOME, A UNIQUE HOME FOR CHILDREN UNABLE TO THRIVE IN A STANDARD FOSTER CARE SETTING.ERIE COUNTY INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM: OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES SERVICES TO YOUTH AGES 14-23 FROM ERIE COUNTY. THE PROGRAM ASSISTS YOUTH TRANSITIONING FROM PLACEMENT TO INDEPENDENT LIVING WITH THE SKILLS AND RESOURCES NECESSARY TO MAKE THEM PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY. THE PROGRAM HELPS YOUTH ACCOMPLISH GOALS WITH EMPLOYMENT, ENROLLMENT IN EDUCATIONAL OR VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND MAINTAINING A STABLE PLACE OF RESIDENCE AFTER DISCHARGE. PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION: OUR PROGRAM OFFERS CHILDREN AND YOUTH AGES 5-18 A SAFE, STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT WHILE ENABLING THE CHILDREN OR YOUTH TO RETURN HOME AT NIGHT AND MAINTAIN IMPORTANT FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS. SERVICES INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, GROUP THERAPY, FAMILY THERAPY, PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION, AND MEDICATION MANAGEMENT.ACUTE PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION: OUR PROGRAM IS A SHORT-TERM, 15-DAY STABILIZATION PROGRAM THAT ALLOWS FOR DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF A CHILD'S NEEDS AGES 5-11. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES A SAFE, STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT WHILE ENABLING THE PARTICIPANTS TO REMAIN HOME AT NIGHT AND MAINTAIN IMPORTANT FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS. SERVICES INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, GROUP THERAPY, FAMILY THERAPY, PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION, AND MEDICATION MANAGEMENT.AFTER SCHOOL CARE & SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS - TRINITY CENTER: BETHESDA TRINITY CENTER IS LOCATED IN ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA. AS ERIE'S OLDEST NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER, BETHESDA TRINITY CENTER IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES WITH PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES TO LIVE A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE LIFESTYLE. BETHESDA TRINITY CENTER, A DIVISION OR BETHESDA LUTHERAN SERVICES, MEADVILLE, PA PROVIDES DRUG & ALCOHOL PREVENTION PROGRAMS, AFTER-SCHOOL EDUCATION AND SUMMER RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION.
  3. $3.3 million spent. EDUCATION SERVICES:ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION: AS AN APPROVED PROVIDER OF ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION FOR DISRUPTIVE YOUTH, OUR PROGRAM CONTRACTS WITH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS IN GRADES 6-12 WITH COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION ALONG WITH THERAPEUTIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL COUNSELING TO ASSIST THEM IN MEETING THEIR BEHAVIORAL GOALS AND RETURNING TO THE REGULAR SCHOOL SETTING.COMMUNITY & SCHOOL BASED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: OUR PROGRAM WORKS WITH THE CORRY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND FOCUSES ON ENSURING THAT FAMILIES OR YOUTH THAT NEED OUTSIDE SERVICES OR ASSISTANCE ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE THEM. IT IS A SHORT-TERM PROGRAM THAT TYPICALLY CONSISTS OF 6-7 SESSIONS. IT IS MEANT TO ASSIST WITH ISSUES IMMEDIATELY AND REFER OUT TO WHAT THE FAMILY AND YOUTH NEED MOST.STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: OUR PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST SCHOOL PERSONNEL IN IDENTIFYING ISSUES INCLUDING ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, OTHER DRUGS, AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT POSE A BARRIER TO A STUDENT'S SUCCESS. THE PRIMARY GOAL IS TO HELP STUDENTS OVERCOME THESE BARRIERS IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY ACHIEVE, REMAIN IN SCHOOL, AND ADVANCE. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO CORRY SCHOOL DISTRICT, FORT LEBOEUF DISTRICT, HARBORCREEK DISTRICT, UNION CITY DISTRICT, AND THREE ERIE NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS.
  4. $1.7 million spent. EVIDENCE OR RESEARCH BASED PROGRAMS:OUR PROGRAMS ARE COMMITTED TO RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO THE IMPACTS OF TRAUMA ON MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. WE ARE DEVELOPING STRATEGIES TO CREATE AND ENHANCE A TRAUMA INFORMED, SYSTEM-OF-CARE APPROACH.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Worth knowing.

    Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for churches. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 1963.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

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