Our friend, and long time volunteer with the New Beginnings Program, Fran Newton regularly provides free therapeutic massage to residents.   She reflects on our 20th Anniversary:

Bethany Hill at Twenty!

I started at New Beginnings as a student massage therapist almost sixteen years ago. After graduating, I was offered employment and came to like, respect and admire the tenacity and courage of the residents. I was able to offer comfort and healing touch to the many who learned to allow me to touch both their bodies and spirits. Back at the beginning many people were quite ill, but tried very hard to train, volunteer, educate themselves and help others. I sadly, went to many memorial services, but new medications have changed that, and the future is quite bright.

I am so proud of the people who have become very successful- either starting toward their GED’s, finishing their GED, going to trade schools  or colleges and/or volunteering to help others. The list of successful people will stay with me for my lifetime-not everyone grew the same way, but there were some very positive changes made.

I have been around Bethany Hill School long enough to see many changes-from Puppy Love to computer classes, parenting skills offered, a lovely bountiful garden and many residents generally doing the ”right thing” and having a rewarding quality of life. When the Commonwealth had many service cutbacks, I stayed on as a volunteer since I believe strongly in both the benefits of massage therapy and volunteering. I am proud and honored to be associated with Bethany High School and New Beginnings.

New Beginnings residents and staff, and the people of BHS have become my other family and an important part of my support network. I do hope I give as much as I get.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Housing, New Beginnings, SMOC, Support