Bethphage celebrates its 20th anniversary with a big party
People using the service, employees, their families and special guests were among 250 people who attended the recent 20th anniversary celebrations of a Shropshire organisation which provides support and services for adults with learning disabilities.
The event, which took place at Harper Adams University, marked a significant milestone for Shrewsbury based Bethphage, which also has offices in Walsall, Whitchurch and Telford.
In his welcoming speech and paying tribute to its staff, CEO Rob Tovey commented on Bethphage’s progress and development over the 20 years. He highlighted recent successes, such as the Q Team Checkers, a group of people who use the service and provide invaluable input into evaluating and shaping the way in which the organisation delivers its services. He also thanked trustee and former CEO Donna Werner of Mosaic (the new name for Bethphage USA) who had flown in from Nebraska for the party. She originally established the UK arm of Bethphage when it successfully tendered with Shropshire Council to run three small-group homes in Shrewsbury, Telford and Whitchurch. Ms Werner, who was presented with a gift in recognition of her 20 years’ service to the organisation, also made a presentation to Bethphage from Mosaic.
Apart from a buffet and cake-cutting ceremony carried out by Donna Werner and three people who have been supported by Bethphage since its inception, the evening also included a performance of A Sea of Tiny Flames by Arty Party Physical Theatre and live music from The Super Rollers.
Rob Tovey said: “The evening was a fantastic way to celebrate our 20th anniversary and everyone enjoyed themselves. We have come a long way since 1994, and have ambitious plans for the future to ensure that we continue to successfully support adults with learning disabilities to achieve a fulfilled and independent life. Bethphage is a registered charity and 2014 has seen see more fund raising activity to support projects and initiatives such as our Creative Days service, successfully launched in Walsall at the end of last year and soon to be available elsewhere across the region”
Pictures:
1 The 20th anniversary cake!
2 Donna Werner cuts the cake with Bethphage staff and users of the service.
3 CEO Rob Tovey presents Donna Werner with a gift from Bethphage.
4 Members of Arty Party Physical Theatre
5 Live music from The Super Rollers
Bethphage party 1
Bethphage party 2
Bethphage party 3
Bethphage party 4
Bethphage party 5
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About Bethphage
Established in 1994, Bethphage is a Registered Charity (No. 1046225) which supports adults (18+) with learning disabilities in Birmingham, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The organisation employs 230 people, which are all trained to a minimum of NVQ level three. It holds Investors in People silver status and is regularly commended for its work by the Care Quality Commission.
For more information about Bethphage, contact: Rob Tovey, CEO Tel: 01743 272880 Email: rtovey@bethphage.co.uk www.bethphage.co.uk