BETA – Sowing Seeds and Reaping the Harvest
BETA CEO – Ruth Patrick
BETA may have its roots in providing a nurturing place for young, single homeless and pregnant teens, but dig a little deeper and you will find a strong foundation with a root system that supports not only its village but extends out into the outlying communities.
When I initially arrived at BETA, I noticed another family entering just ahead of me. The mother tagged along while her two boys struggled excitedly with two heavy bags of what appeared to be clothing. They were all smiles as they plopped their bags in front of the receptionist and told her that they were there to drop off the items for distribution to those that might need them. This is just one of the eighty to one hundred drop-offs that are received monthly by the BETA (Birth.Education.Training.Acceptance) Center. Who is doing the giving? Those that not only believe in BETA’s mission but those that have been assisted by the organization through its many programs. Once the needs of BETA’s residential community is met, the remaining donations are given out in their service area which encompasses Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
What is BETA? For those unfamiliar with BETA Center, it is a private, nonprofit organization, with over 25 years of experience in helping families. The BETA Center is located in Orlando, Florida, and is the city’s only private residence for homeless pregnant women. Currently, the center has 24 beds and is a true residence with an open dining area, living room spaces, kitchen and pantry area. BETA’s
BETA was founded in 1976 by Kathleen Perry as a result of her concern regarding the struggles faced by homeless pregnant women. Perry, along with Co-founder Judy Peterson decided to address this issue and along with a number of volunteers began the grassroots effort that would become BETA.
Once the center opened, dialogues immediately began between the center and various agencies that would be integral to the center’s success. Early collaborations included Valencia Community College, mental health workers, nurses, and Orange County Public Schools’ Alternative Education Division. BETA was now able to provide the young clientele they served with a way to obtain their GED (General Equivalency Degree) without being in stressful environments and having to deal with the stigma that often accompanies being a young, single mother. BETA was also able to provide much needed counseling services to these young expectant mothers as well as classes that would teach them parenting skills. Statistically, the graduation rate for ladies of the BETA Center is 100%. 94% of the graduates plan to pursue post-secondary education immediately after high school.
BETA’s current CEO is Ruth Patrick. Patrick took over the role in 2010 and came to BETA with over 30 years in the non-profit sector. She has held several leadership roles in the Central Florida Community. Prior to accepting the role of CEO of BETA, Patrick served as the Chief Operating Officer of Harbor House, Orange County’s Domestic Violence Center.
The ladies that provided me a tour of the center, Rebecca “Becky” Farmerie, Grants Manager, and Jeanne Cooley, Director of Development, embody the spirit of the full time staff and those serving as volunteers. From the time one enters the doors, it is apparent that each person is there to assist. Within each area we visited both ladies enjoyed telling its history and recalling a story about a student or something significant that impacted them or the lives of someone within its halls. While there I met several staffers and it is apparent that each person involved with BETA enthusiastically embraces its goals and mission and understands the importance of their role in the success of the center.
The BETA Center houses a learning center, with certified child care instructors, that provide infants to preschoolers with developmentally oriented childcare. The learning center is open to children whose mothers are enrolled in BETA’s Alternative Middle and High School. The facility also has a voluntary prekindergarten program that is open to the community.
Speaking of Community, BETA offers two community outreach programs. Parents as Partners focuses on providing outreach to At-Risk families with the goal being to teach healthy parent-child interaction and to reduce the chances of abuse or neglect in the home.
BETA’s Emergency Family Support Program assists families via referrals, emergency goods distribution such as food, clothing, furniture and other supplies, and crisis intervention.
BETA’s funding comes from donations and fundraising, a concept that was implemented by design to protect the mission of the Center. Some critical needs areas of the organization include:
- Expansion of the Mental Health Program
- Client Assistance
- Capital Equipment Needs
- Website/Marketing Support
- Organizational Capacity Building
As I write, I realize that there is no end to this article because as stated earlier the root system of BETA’s Tree of Life extends far out and continues to grow. Leaving the BETA Center, I felt that the time spent there was time well spent. The work done by these individuals goes far above and beyond “good will”. The BETA Center and those involved in its success are truly a gift to the Central Florida Community. – BETA CEO – Ruth Patrick
To learn more about BETA and how you can get involved visit
www.betacenter.org
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