Since its opening in October 2017, Bethany House has welcomed 55 women and 11 children. They come from 17 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South and Central America. The average length of stay has been 10 months. Most arrived in this country as unaccompanied children seeking asylum. They have ‘aged out’ of the children’s detention centers. Most take ESL, GED or high school classes. Several women at Bethany House have been helped to attend local colleges.

Op-ed: Where young asylum-seekers find safe refuge