House Staff

"When you learn, teach. When you get, give."   - Maya Angelou
80% of our staff members are former houseguests, committed to embracing new
​guests the same way they were embraced when they first arrived.​

KWELI SAMS
Director

​Perseverance, growth, integrity, vision, and faith led me over to the Bethany house as the new Director.  I am a passionate tenacious person that brings to the team over 20 years of Human Service experience along with a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. I thank the Bethany Team for allowing me the opportunity to pour my personal and professional experience in helping assist women in need of support.

Favorite Quote: "There is always light if only we're brave enough to see it.
If only we're brave enough to be it." - Amanda Gorman

SR. KAREN DIETZ
Chaplain 

I was asked to consider the role of chaplain when it was becoming clear that maintaining the spiritual foundation of the ministry was essential and at the same time, easy to overlook.  I have served in ministry in the Catholic diocese of Rochester for over 30 years and was well acquainted with the work at Bethany House.  However, this knowledge does not compare to the experience of coming through the doors and witnessing first-hand the new life being birthed in woman after woman as they are able to rebuild their lives in an environment of safety and hope.  I am inspired by their tenacity and fierce commitment to their personal journeys and this is only made possible with Bethany House as the anchor; as home.
 
Favorite quote:  “Love casts out fear, but we have to get over the fear in order to get close enough to love them.”  - Dorothy Day

LISA REEVES
House Manager

Eviction and alcoholism brought me to Bethany House, where I was restored. I made an observation during my struggles that there are not enough resources in the community for homeless women. I vowed that if I were given the chance, I would become an advocate for women that are experiencing homelessness.

Favorite quote: "Make me a channel of your peace. Where there's despair in life let me bring hope, where there is darkness, only light, and where there's sadness ever joy..."  - St. Francis

Board of Directors

This texts is to help your site visitors with pressing questions.

Sr. Donna Del Santo
​I first came to Bethany in 1980 and never left. Over these nearly 40 years I have been a volunteer, I have brought in hundreds of volunteer youth through the Sisters of Saint Joseph Volunteer Corps and I have served on the Bethany House Board since 2004. 

Favorite quote: "The Gospel takes away our right forever, to discriminate between the deserving and the undeserving poor." - Dorothy Day

Anne Bell
Every day there is a miracle at Bethany House. It could be a cold morning in January and we're out of produce, but in the nick of time we'd get a delivery of donated vegetables and fruit to give those that come to the door, things like that. The staff is dedicated to the women and the mission of the house, giving all their time and energy to those they serve.
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Favorite quote: "Whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive…that is where God is." - St. Ignatius of Loyola​

Sam Crabb
While working as a case manager, I found Bethany House to be a critical resource for the women with whom I had the privilege to work. [Former director] Donna Ecker rarely turned me down when I reached out for help, often before a 3-day weekend -- clients would appear in my office lobby having been released from jail without safe housing, and Bethany House was happy to take them under its wing.
I’ve always loved BH for the non-judgmental atmosphere and quiet service it provides to vulnerable individuals. It is truly one of a kind!

Favorite quote: "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement." - Will Rodgers

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​Kara Fredette-Benitez​
As a social worker, I heard about Bethany House and was impressed with the services they provided without any funding from the Department of Social Services! When I was asked to join the Board, I jumped at the chance.  I am thankful that I am able to live out my faith through Bethany House and the many people they touch.

​Favorite quote: "Do the best you can do until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou

Sr. Marylin Pray
I came to Bethany House in its earliest beginnings. After time there on and off over the years, I became director of St. Joseph's House of Hospitality, a Catholic Worker House and shelter for men, in 1988. However, my connection to Bethany House has continued as a member of the Board Of Directors for the last 10 years.

​Favorite quote: "One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible."

Evalyn Gleason
For most of my life I can remember going to events and giving back to the community, both through volunteering and donating. As I came into adulthood, I never thought twice about my duty to give back and volunteer as my parents had always demonstrated. We had always been particularly connected through my father to the Sister of Saint Joseph so when sister Donna asked me to be a part of Bethany House, it was a no brainer for me to get involved. I was drawn to the mission of creating a safe space for women in their times of need and the commitment to keeping families together.

Favorite quote: “Chase your stars, fool. Life is short.” -Atticus (poetry) 

1111 Joseph Ave
Rochester, New York  14621
​(585) 454-4197