May 9, 2026

Bethlehem House celebrates moms all year round

REGIONAL
Story and photos Carolee McGrath

EASTHAMPTON – As Mother’s Day approaches, the volunteers of Bethlehem House have been busy doing what they always do – helping mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy, providing practical items, resources and emotional support. Since 2006, Bethlehem House has helped welcome more than 2500 babies into the world including dozens of sets of twins and several sets of triplets.

“It helped a lot, like when I been through a little struggle. The first time I came here was 2010. I had a fire in my apartment. A friend introduced me here they have been a good help,” said Luz, who first found out about Bethlehem House when she was pregnant with her first child.

Bethlehem House has been helping the mother of three most recently with her baby girl, Kathalea.

“They help with diapers, clothing, pacifiers, everything you need for a baby. I got a car seat and stroller here too. They helped a lot,” she said.

A new mother receives a baby basket stocked with diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets and baby wash. She also receives a brand new pack and play, an infant car seat and a stroller. Then, mothers can come back once a month for items until the baby is 18-months old.

“It was an unexpected pregnancy. I didn’t think I was having any more kids,” said Zuly who is expecting her fourth child in June.

“I heard about this program through a friend Katherine. They helped her in the past, so she gave me the number. I am transitioning from a domestic violence situation so I am starting over by myself and these people are a great help,” she said.

Bethlehem House is run by volunteers and is looking for more volunteers on Wednesdays to help with moving heavier items like pack and plays.

“Basically, on Thursdays we have three fellows who have been doing this for a long time. We can use help on Wednesdays. Strong young men, middle aged men, whatever because it’s too much for some of the volunteers. It is too heavy,” said longtime volunteer Deb Bogoff.

Bogoff said volunteers are also needed to help with yardwork and to help unload large shipments.

“We get shipments and boxes and boxes of everything you can imagine, all the supplies, diapers, pack and plays. We need help when those shipments come in,” she said.

In the meantime, volunteers happily continue their work, celebrating strong women who deserve to be celebrated.

“They are very sweet, very nice, understanding. They don’t make you feel judged,” said Zuly. “They don’t dwell on your background or what you have been through. They just want to help you move forward and make you feel blessed.”

Bethlehem House is supported in part by the Annual Catholic Appeal.

To learn more, go to www.bethlehemhousewma.org

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.