Bell Socialization Services, Inc.

Today, Sunday, September 22, is kindly adopted by Re-Source York! The staff at Bell Family Shelter extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to Resource York for their ongoing commitment to supporting the families who stay with us. By choosing to uplift our Shelter families each month, your generosity and compassion help build a stronger, more united community. Together, we make a difference!❤️

We are just one week away from the 47th York White Rose Run! Bell is this year's beneficiary, with the proceeds supporting our Mental Health Services annual retreat to Camp Hebron. The trip is a peaceful getaway where consumers can relax, connect with nature, and recharge.

Karen Roland, Program Coordinator of New Beginnings, shares, "Seeing the consumers at Camp Hebron, they light up. It is a different environment where they can focus on having fun and enjoying life."

For many, this retreat is a chance to unwind. Albania, from our Sendero Program, said, “My favorite part was walking through the beautiful green areas. It was a chance to relax.” Juan loved the pool, while Bonnie from New Beginnings reflected, “We were supposed to play games, but us girls ended up talking and bonding. When I came home, I felt energized." Meanwhile, Beth is counting down the days until next year's trip!

Natasha, Assistant Program Coordinator of Launch, adds, "The consumers love Camp Hebron. The campfire is a highlight—singing, drumming, and making smores. At dinner, we sit together, eat, and talk about our day. It builds camaraderie and strengthens connections. The best part is that we are out in the woods, taking care of each other."

Camp Hebron provides a much-needed retreat for our consumers, and you can help make it happen by signing up for the York White Rose Run! Whether you walk or run, this race is great for all ages and abilities. We are excited to cheer you on at the starting line on Saturday, September 28th!

Here is a link to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/York/YorkWhiteRoseRun.

A huge THANK YOU to Coats of Friendship , an organization run by students inspired to collect warm items, for their generous donation of blankets, and for maintaining a permanent closet at our Next Door Program! Your ongoing support ensures people in our community stay warm, especially with cooler weather approaching. Your kindness and generosity make a difference, and we are so grateful for your partnership!

At Bell, we believe in supporting our staff, professionally and personally. This week, Megan Craley, the Health and Wellness Coordinator at the York County Area Agency on Aging, presented a "Dementia Friends" training to staff in Bell's Mental Health Services.

Dementia Friends is a global movement that aims to spread awareness about dementia, teaching us five key messages on how it affects individuals and how we, as a community, can support those living with it.

Kris Stroup, the Director of Mental Health Services, said, "During the training, two employees shared their personal experiences. We want to give our employees the tools and resources to help them with the consumers they support, but we also like to give training that can help them personally."

Thank you, Megan, for presenting the "Dementia Friends" training and to our staff who attended. Training like this helps us build a compassionate, informed community inside and outside the workplace.

Today, we’re excited to share some memorable moments from our AIM (Always Include Me) Program! Recently, participants got creative with an art project using glue and paint to design their one-of-a-kind masterpieces. After crafting their designs with glue, they added vibrant colors, bringing their creations to life. AIM’s dedicated staff empowers individuals to explore new activities, offering encouragement and support. Alicia, the Day Program Supervisor, captured some fantastic photos of their joy and smiles, reminding us that their happiness truly makes our day!❤ ❤

Sunflower fields brighten the day with their golden blooms against the gorgeous blue sky at Flinchbaugh's Orchard & Farm Market. Individuals in Bell's Social Recreation Program enjoyed a picture-perfect day, strolling through the sunflower fields. They not only soaked up the beauty of nature but also got to take home a few of these vibrant blooms. Enjoying the sunshine, making memories, and spending time with friends is truly a great day!🌻🌻💚🌻🌻

A Heartfelt Thank You to All of Our Direct Support Professionals!🎉❤️

As National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week wraps up, we want you to know that our appreciation for you extends far beyond this week—it lasts all year. We are profoundly grateful for your compassion, dedication, and the phenomenal work you do every day.

Your commitment to being person-focused and creating an environment of support and empowerment gives individuals the tools they need to live their best lives. The impact of your work is immeasurable, and we are deeply thankful for the difference you make.

Feel inspired to join this incredible team? Visit bellsocialization.com to apply. Together, we Empower Lives Every Day!

Our incredible team from IDD Residential Services recently came together for their annual team-building event!

At the event, staff shared that the best part of their job is empowering the individuals to live their best lives — and having amazing coworkers to share the journey with. This spirit of teamwork and empathy shone through in the day's meaningful activities.

Staff had the opportunity to experience some of the daily challenges individuals face, such as navigating a wheelchair over uneven surfaces, simulating impaired vision to grasp how disorienting it can be, and painting with their non-dominant hand while wearing a glove and oven mitt to demonstrate struggles with fine motor skills. They also learned the importance of giving clear, concise directions. Each activity served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in all we do.

Everyone jumped right into the activities and had a great time together! Before the staff left, Angie, the Director of IDD Services, and Mary, the Assistant Director, handed out appreciation gifts to show their gratitude.

This compassionate team focuses on empowering individuals to live their best lives. They lead with their hearts and make a difference every day. For all these reasons and more, we thank you!

🌟 Yesterday, Emmanuel and Gay, two amazing members of our Social Recreation team, were surprised with a special thank-you gift in recognition of the empowering work they do every day! 🌟

At Bell, we are profoundly grateful to our Intellectual/ Developmental Disability Services staff, who make a difference in so many lives all year round. During National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks and celebrate each of you for your dedication and compassion.❤🌟❤

We are feeling all the feels after Bell Family Shelter's latest donation! Underwear is one of the most needed items, yet it is rarely donated. Due to this, we are incredibly grateful to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Stoverstown, who donated 570 pairs of underwear to the families staying with us.

The moment the donation arrived, a woman mentioned she was in need. Barbara, who delivered the donation, witnessed the congregation's generosity be put into action as shelter staff immediately provided the much-needed items. What an example of the true impact of meeting a need right when it arises.

A warmhearted thank you to the congregation at St. Paul's United Church of Christ for thinking of our families!

🎉 It's National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week! 🎉 From September 8-13, and all year long, we celebrate the incredible DSPs who make a difference in the lives of individuals every single day.

Thank you to our amazing DSPs for your compassion, dedication, and the countless ways you empower individuals to live their best lives. We appreciate the heart, care, and support you give!

To help kick the week off, drop a "thank you" in the comments below! Let's fill this post with love and appreciation for Bell's phenomenal Direct Support Professionals! ❤️❤️

🎉🌟 Congratulations to Dre Dixon on his well-deserved promotion to Residential Program Supervisor in our IDD Residential Services! Dre has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding with both compassion and dedication. 🙌 We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to empowering individuals and making a difference every day. Thank you, Dre! 🌟🎉

Operation Warm Hearts has done it again! Just last week, we thanked them for donating water bottles, and now they’re keeping us cozy as we head into September. Families staying at Bell Family Shelter can snuggle up in these soft fleece blankets — and take them to their new homes when they leave, bringing comfort and warmth along the way. Thank you, Operation Warm Hearts, for showing your compassion and support in such a heartwarming way. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

We ended last week with an OPA and are officially starting this week with another Outstanding Performance Award! Congratulations to Elise Stoner, the Program Coordinator of Next Door.

Lori Leister, the Assistant Director of Mental Health Services, shared, "Elise has worked hard this past year to ensure our services are delivered effectively. She is a big advocate and wants the best for people. If someone calls with a concern, she quickly responds, reaching out directly to find a solution."

"Elise approaches every challenge with a positive attitude and a smile," Lori continued. "Even when faced with difficulties, she remains resilient, saying, 'We will get through this.' Recently, she stepped up to cover open positions herself, never hesitating to lighten the load for her team."

"Elise has built great relationships with other providers and the community," Lori concluded. "She is a respected manager within the department who willingly helps with any project. Despite the daily demands of providing services to over 2,000 people, Elise is committed to providing people with quality service."

Let's give a round of applause to Elise for her dedication, compassion, and hard work. You truly embody the spirit of our mission, and we are so grateful to have you on our team. Keep shining bright and being the phenomenal woman you are, Elise!

Happy Labor Day! In celebration of the holiday, Bell's main office will be closed. We honor and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the entire community Thank you for all you do to make a difference every day! We’ll resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 3rd. Enjoy a safe and restful holiday!

We might be biased, but our employees are truly the BEST!

Congratulations to Natasha Sutherland, Assistant Program Coordinator of Launch, for receiving an Outstanding Performance Award! 🎉Her dedication shines in everything she does. Nominated by Kris Stroup and Yvette Engel, they shared:

“Natasha consistently goes above and beyond for the Launch program, expertly managing her client caseload while supporting her team in countless ways. From training new employees, creating schedules, filling in when needed, and always supporting her clients, Natasha does it all with a smile. She is reliable, hard-working, and always ready to step up.”

Natasha also stays connected, whether helping with the New Beginnings Breakfast Club, the annual CHIPP beach trip, or the Mental Health Services camping trip. She brings positivity and enthusiasm wherever she goes, encouraging everyone to have fun.

Thank you, Natasha, for always going the extra mile and being a valuable part of the Bell family! You are appreciated and amazing!

❤️ Gratitude Alert! ❤️Operation Warm Hearts is helping to keep us cool on these hot summer days! They donated 40 water bottles with essential personal hygiene items to our Next Door Program, which offers case management and rental assistance to adults and families facing homelessness or eviction. Thank you, Operation Warm Hearts. When nonprofits come together, the results are extraordinary.

Are you looking for a career that truly makes an impact? Bell is hiring Direct Support Professionals! Join our compassionate team and help individuals reach their full potential. As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll be at the heart of their journey, providing essential care, support, and encouragement. If you’re dedicated and passionate about empowering others, apply today at bellsocialization.com, and let’s transform lives together!

We had an exciting delivery at Bell Family Shelter! Ruth Baer from St. Jacob's Lutheran Church in Glen Rock arrived with over 50 backpacks, each bursting with school supplies and hygiene items. Our Director of Shelter Services, Marcella, and our Administrative Assistant, Donna, jumped in to help unload this wonderful donation. The lobby was overflowing with generosity. Thank you to the congregation at St. Jacob's Lutheran Church—your kindness is helping so many kids step into the new school year ready to shine!

We are excited to introduce Iskra Adame, the new caseworker for Bell's Sendero Program! Iskra shared, "I am doing great adjusting to my new position. One of my favorite parts of the program is the strong sense of community."

The Sendero Program, part of our Mental Health Services, offers support and empowerment to Spanish-speaking individuals with a mental health diagnosis. Every day brings something new for the participants—creating beautiful sunflower crafts or enjoying walks to local shops' there is always something fun and meaningful happening!

Thank you to the Sendero participants for sharing their craft with us, and thank you, Iskra, for your dedication and the empowering work you do. We’re thrilled to have you as part of the Bell team!

Meet PJ, the official feline ambassador at Re-Source York, who has just given his paws of approval to an incredible partnership! Today, Resource York generously adopted Bell Family Shelter, helping families regain independent living. Thank you, Resource York, for your support!

When you purchase supplies, furniture, or home goods at one of Resource York’s two locations, you not only find great deals, but a portion of your purchase supports Bell Family Shelter. Talk about a win-win! When nonprofits come together, anything is possible. Just ask PJ! 😻

Generosity thrives in our community, and today's donation from Puerta De Salvacion church is a beautiful testament to that spirit. This morning, they delivered 40 drawstring bags filled with essential school supplies to our Next Door Program, which offers case management services and rental assistance to adults and families in York County.

These supplies will ensure that children in our community feel prepared and supported as they head into the new school year. Thank you to everyone at Puerta De Salvacion for your generosity and kindness. Collaborations like this help us support and empower more families as they strive toward a brighter tomorrow.

Thanks to a generous Pepsi grant, our Next Door Program has been able to provide emergency meal kits to participants in need. Each kit includes items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, with pet food available when needed. Whether someone is staying in a hotel or living outdoors, these kits offer food when it's needed most—even for pets.

Elise, Program Coordinator of Next Door, shared, "The Pepsi grant has been vital in providing meals to participants in our program. The ability to give out quick meals and snacks to people staying in hotels or living outdoors is a great privilege."

With easy-to-open pop-top items and plastic silverware included, these kits have already helped dozens in our community. We are incredibly grateful for the Pepsi grant and our dedicated Next Door staff, whose compassion has made a meaningful impact on many lives.