Bethel Community Services Foundation hires new Executive Director
Bethel Community Services Foundation (BCS Foundation) has hired Michelle DeWitt to be its new Executive Director.
“We were delighted to meet Ms. DeWitt and to be able to come to an agreement with her,” said Frank Neitz, President of the Board of Directors. “We were prepared to have a long search for the right person, but were able to find the best fit with Ms. DeWitt here in Bethel.”
Ms. DeWitt came to Alaska as a Jesuit Volunteer sixteen years ago. She has worked for Tundra Women’s Coalition (TWC), serving thirteen years as Executive Director. She is widely respected statewide for her work in addressing domestic violence/sexual assault. Under her guidance, TWC raised funding for and built a shelter and outreach facility, and developed transitional housing for battered women and their children
“I care deeply about Bethel and the region, and have been privileged to work at TWC with its incredible staff, board, services and program participants for many wonderful years,” said Michelle DeWitt. “Bethel is fortunate to boast a well-established community foundation. BCS Foundation is uniquely situated to make positive impacts in our region. I look forward to working with the people of the YK Delta to develop local, long-term funds and partnerships for the issues that matter here.
Ms. DeWitt will continue her work at Tundra Women’s Coalition until October, as TWC conducts its executive search.
BCS Foundation is the community foundation serving Bethel and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. It was originally created to support Bethel Community Services. In 2004, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation took on the services provided by Bethel Community Services in an effort to save state funds. The Foundation remained, and the board changed its purpose to be a community foundation: providing a vehicle for donors to make a difference in the region, and addressing regional needs.
BCS Foundation has a portfolio of cash and land assets that includes 14 properties in Bethel, valued at about $3.7 million. The Foundation holds funds to support donor intent, fields of interest, and community organizations, such as YK Delta Lifesavers Fund, Betty Guy Memorial Fund, John F. Malone Fund and the AREBT Fund. BCS Foundation makes grants from its General Fund, donor-advised funds, and organization funds within the region. It is particularly known for leveraging funds to bring in other funders’ support, including the Kellogg Foundation, to address critical regional issues like Dental Health Aide Therapist education and the Sobering Center.
