What Bethlehem Center does

The Bethlehem Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization founded in 1920 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that delivers a portfolio of youth, family, and community-impact programs out of its headquarters at 200 West 38th Street. Core programming includes Read to Lead Academy (after-school education for grades K–8, 3–6pm), Jump STArt Camp (summer day camp for rising grades 1–9), Boys to Men at The Beth (male mentoring for ages 6+), Bethlehem Leadership Unit / B.L.U. (high school leadership), Bridge Outdoors (trauma-informed outdoor adventure), Impact1! (construction skills training), The Beth Pantry (food pantry), The Farm at The Beth (quarter-acre urban farm producing 4,000+ lbs of produce in 2024), Client Support Services (case management), and Nehemiah Project / Backpack Chattanooga (90,000+ backpacks distributed since 2001). A federally-supported Caminos® Nacional program, run as an accredited partner with Everstand under the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement, extends services to unaccompanied migrant children. All programs are delivered free to participants.

The Bethlehem Center operates with no proprietary technology and has no disclosed digital product, API, or app. Revenue is generated entirely through fundraising: individual donations, corporate sponsorships (BCBST Community Trust, UNUM-Astec Industries, Covenant Transport, Chambliss Bahner and Stophel PC, Pinnacle Bank), foundation grants (Benwood, Maclellan, Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Bobby Stone Foundation, Card Family Fund, Sankofa Fund), United Way of Greater Chattanooga support, legacy giving, corporate matching gifts, and a Community Connections Summer Grants Program that re-grants approximately $4,000–$5,000 to partner nonprofits. The organization is led by Interim Executive Director Stevie H Dunn, Ph.D., governed by a Board chaired by Michael Norris, and is actively fund-raising through its 2026 "Always the Beth" campaign and signature events (Breakfast with the Beth March 7; Dinner of Champions November 14, 2026). Going-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging school partnerships (11+ Title I schools), faith-based referrals, and word-of-mouth across the Chattanooga and Hamilton County community.

Name

Bethlehem Center

Legal name

The Bethlehem Center

Website

https://thebeth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Bethlehem Center is a 105-year-old Chattanooga, Tennessee nonprofit providing free youth development, mentoring, food security, urban farming, case management, and migrant child services to underserved families and children across Hamilton County through donations, foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Youth and Family Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (624110), Child and Youth Services (62411), Community Food Services (624210), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC), Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services (EDACALAH), Family Advocacy, Parent Training & Support Services (EDAJAKAK), Refugee & Humanitarian Newcomer Orientation (Resettlement Support) (EDAAADAI)

Keywords

• Youth development services
• Community education programs
• Family support services
• Food security programs
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The organization relies on donations from individuals, both one-time and recurring contributions, as a primary revenue source.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors including BCBST Community Trust, UNUM-Astec Industries, Covenant Transport, Chambliss Bahner and Stophel PC, and Pinnacle Bank provide funding support.
3. Grants and Foundations: Funding from foundations including Benwood Foundation, Maclellan Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, and others support program operations.
4. Legacy Giving: The organization encourages donors to include The Bethlehem Center in their will or estate plans for long-term sustainability.
5. Corporate Matching Gifts: Many employers offer matching gift programs that double or triple employee donations.
6. United Way Support: United Way of Greater Chattanooga provides funding support as a community partner.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Bethlehem Center is a faith-rooted nonprofit community organization that delivers a holistic suite of youth development, family support, food security, mentoring, and case management services to underserved residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Its core offerings include the Read to Lead Academy (after-school education for grades K-8), Jump STArt Camp (summer day camp), Boys to Men at The Beth (male mentoring), Bridge Outdoors (outdoor adventure programming), the Bethlehem Leadership Unit (high school leadership training), Impact1! (construction skills training), The Beth Pantry (food pantry), The Farm at The Beth (urban agriculture), Client Support Services (case management), the Nehemiah Project (backpack distribution), Caminos® Nacional (home studies for unaccompanied migrant children), and a Summer Grants Program funding other local nonprofits. Programs are delivered primarily free of charge and funded through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and United Way support.

Product overview

The Bethlehem Center is a community-based Education and Resource Access organization offering a portfolio of interconnected youth and family development programs. The core offerings include Read to Lead Academy (after-school K-8 education) and Jump STArt Camp (summer day camp), complemented by specialized programs: Boys to Men at The Beth (male mentoring), Bethlehem Leadership Unit (high school leadership), Bridge Outdoors at The Beth (outdoor adventures), and Impact1! (construction training). Community Impact services include The Beth Pantry (food security), The Farm at The Beth (urban agriculture), Client Support Services (case management), and Caminos® Nacional (migrant child services). The Nehemiah Project provides school supplies while the Summer Grants Program funds external nonprofits. Together these programs form a holistic approach addressing education, food security, leadership development, and family stability across the Chattanooga community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Read to Lead Academy: Flagship out of school time educational program for youth in grades K-8, operating 3-6 p.m.
• Jump STArt Camp
• Caminos® Nacional
• Summer Grants Program
• The Beth Pantry
• The Farm at the Beth
• Bridge Outdoors at the Beth
• Nehemiah Project - Backpack Chattanooga
• Boys to Men at the Beth
• Bethlehem Leadership Unit (B.L.U.)
• Impact1!
• Client Support Services

Products and services

• Read to Lead Academy Flagship out-of-school-time educational program for youth in grades K-8, operating 3-6 p.m., providing homework assistance, STEM projects, arts, physical fitness, creative arts, life skills, and nutritious snacks in a safe environment. Delivered at 200 West 38th Street, Chattanooga.
• Jump STArt Camp Summer day camp for students in rising grades 1-9, operating Monday-Friday 8AM-3PM from June 10-July 19, providing a safe out-of-school-time space for academic, emotional, social, and spiritual growth.
• Caminos® Nacional Federal grant program providing home studies and post-release services for unaccompanied migrant children in the United States, delivered in partnership with Everstand and funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
• Boys to Men at The Beth Male mentoring ministry founded in 1992, pairing young men (ages 6 through high school) with mentors to support personal, social, and spiritual development through high school graduation and beyond. Includes the Al Chapman Scholarship for graduating seniors.
• Bethlehem Leadership Unit (B.L.U.) High school leadership training program for Chattanooga area students, providing leadership workshops, community service, college/career readiness, personal development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
• Nehemiah Project - Backpack Chattanooga School supply distribution program that has provided over 90,000 backpacks with supplies and Bibles to children in need at Title I schools since 2001.
• Community Connections Summer Grants Program Grant program providing approximately $4,000 awards (or $5,000 for Spanish-language Subvenciones de Verano) to nonprofits and ministries offering summer programming for vulnerable youth (ages 4-18) in Hamilton County, with focus on education, discipleship, and leadership development.
• Bridge Outdoors at The Beth Trauma-informed outdoor adventure program offering hiking, biking, caving, climbing, swimming, canoeing, camping, and land stewardship for middle and high school students in the BIPOC community and those experiencing economic hardship. Formed by the 2023 merger of Bridge Chattanooga with The Bethlehem Center.
• Impact1! Construction skills training program combining faith-based success strategies with hands-on skills training, offering certification, transitional employment opportunities on paid construction projects, and emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving for adults.
• The Beth Pantry Food pantry providing healthy, nutritious groceries to individuals and families facing food insecurity, offering emergency and short-term food assistance with focus on fresh produce, non-perishables, bread, and frozen items. Walk-in hours Tuesday-Thursday 10am-1pm.
• The Farm at The Beth Urban agriculture initiative on a quarter-acre behind the community center, producing thousands of pounds of fresh organic produce annually (4,000+ lbs in 2024) for neighbors in need, youth education, and environmental stewardship through regenerative methods.
• Client Support Services Intensive community-based case management services for adults and families in Alton Park and surrounding Chattanooga neighborhoods, providing assessment, crisis intervention, resource access, and coordination with community agencies to achieve client stability.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90,000+ backpacks distributed to children in need since 2001
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United Way of Greater ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor community partner providing funding and referral support for community programs.
• Feeding AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner providing food security support and resources.
• Chattanooga Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal food bank partner supplying food for pantry operations and supporting The Farm's community garden initiative.
• United Methodist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based founding organization and ongoing partner including UMC Holston Conference, UMC Scenic South, Christ United Methodist Church, and Ooltewah United Methodist.
• United Women in FaithcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based organization partner tracing roots to the founding of The Bethlehem Center in 1920.
• EverstandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization managing Caminos® Nacional federal grant; The Bethlehem Center serves as an accredited partner providing home studies and post release services for migrant children.
• Office of Refugee ResettlementcoreOthersFederal agency funding the Caminos® Nacional program through Everstand for services to unaccompanied children.
• Dalewood Middle SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering school for Bridge Outdoors after-school programming serving students in the Brainerd community.
• Brainerd High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering school for Bridge Outdoors programming.
• Outdoor ChattanoogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing outdoor recreation activities and expertise for Bridge Outdoors programming.
• White Oak Bicycle Co-OpminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting outdoor adventure programming with bicycle education and resources.
• Outshine AdventuresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for outdoor adventure activities.
• Southeast Conservation CorpsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting conservation and land stewardship projects.
• Chattanooga ZoominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing educational experiences for youth programs.
• Lea Lane FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for farm and agriculture programming.
• First Cumberland Presbyterian of ChattanoogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based community partner supporting outdoor programming.
• WeClimbminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for climbing and outdoor adventure activities.
• Publix at Mount VernonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal grocery partner donating meat and baked goods twice weekly to stock The Beth Pantry.
• Silverdale Baptist ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based partner church supporting programs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Girls Inc. of Chattanooga: Local affiliate of the national Girls Inc. network providing after-school and summer programming for K-12 youth with a focus on empowerment and leadership. Comparable mission, demographic, and Chattanooga footprint.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga: Local affiliate of a national youth-development network offering after-school programming, academic enrichment, and mentorship to K-12 youth. Direct competitor for the same Read to Lead Academy and Jump STArt Camp demographic in Chattanooga.
• Chambliss Center for Children: Chattanooga-based nonprofit providing early childhood education, school-age care, and family support services. Closely comparable wraparound youth and family model operating in the same Chattanooga footprint.
• Signal Centers (Chattanooga): Regional nonprofit serving children, youth, and adults with disabilities and family challenges through child development, early intervention, and case management. Overlaps The Beth's Client Support Services and youth programming segments.
• YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga: Branch of the national YMCA delivering after-school care, summer camp, leadership programs, and food security services. Comparable mission, demographics, and Chattanooga operating footprint.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattanooga: Local chapter of national mentoring nonprofit providing one-to-one youth mentoring for K-12 children. Directly comparable to The Beth's Boys to Men at The Beth mentoring ministry.
• Chattanooga Area Food Bank: Local hunger-relief organization that is both a partner (supplying food for The Beth Pantry) and a peer in food distribution to families facing insecurity in the same Chattanooga service area.

Broad incumbents

• United Way of Greater Chattanooga: Regional funder and convener supporting a portfolio of health and human services nonprofits, including The Bethlehem Center itself. Broader incumbent in the same community-impact ecosystem.
• Catholic Charities of East Tennessee: Regional faith-based nonprofit delivering social services, refugee resettlement, and family support across East Tennessee. Comparable faith-rooted wraparound model with broader geographic scope.

Emerging players

• Everstand: National child-welfare organization holding the federal Caminos Nacional grant and contracting The Beth as an accredited sub-recipient for home studies and post-release services. Direct functional peer in the same federal refugee-children program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/thebethlehemcenter
• Xx.com/thebethcenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/causeway
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bethlehem-community-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bethlehem Center