About Us - Bethany

Bethany Christian Services began in 1944 as the fulfillment of a dream shared by two young women, Marguerite Bonnema and Mary DeBoer, who wanted to establish a Christian residence for homeless children. With the assistance of businessman Andrew VanderVeer, they established the Bethany Home. Their humble ministry has grown into an international team of nearly 900 dedicated professionals actively ministering to children and families.

Bethany Christian Services is the nation’s largest adoption agency and we provide care for orphans and vulnerable children living on five continents. We are called to care for children of all ages and in all stages of life. We serve children at conception by counseling women with unplanned pregnancies and by providing frozen embryos a chance for life through our embryo adoption program. Our commitment extends to children and teens who are living in foster care or in orphanages—children who need a “forever family.”

Our comprehensive services include adoption, foster care, and counseling because we know children thrive in safe, loving and strong families. We are committed to finding the best families for children in need around the world. With over 75 locations nationwide and international ministries in more than a dozen other countries, Bethany touches the lives of more than 30,000 people each year. Our mission calls us to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

Today, the children who found shelter in the Bethany Home are grandparents. Their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren, remind us how an act of faith can resonate through many generations.

Each person is precious in the eyes of God.