Providing Hopeful Support for Expecting Mothers

A woman with dark hair kissing a smiling baby boy on the cheek outdoors on a sunny day, with a blue sky and a beige building in the background.

Family is the basic unit of our society. There is a great need to heal our culture and strengthen the family structure in America. Bethlehem House has identified respect for all life — born and unborn — as the crucial issue our community must address.

We all want our children to have bright futures, and that future can begin at Bethlehem House. Having a baby is a beautiful blessing; but for some, the reality of an unplanned pregnancy can add another layer of uncertainty and difficulty to an already unpredictable world.

Ours is not a place to stay for the night. Here you will find a loving, family environment with access to various services and everything you need to take care of yourself and welcome your baby into the world.

Families are stronger when they are together.

Our Programs

Our Mission

To provide pregnant and parenting women in crisis, regardless of their faith preference, with a home, hope and empowerment through life-affirming services rooted in Catholic tradition.

A woman with glasses smiling and sitting at a dining table in a modern kitchen, holding a water bottle.

Our Values

Uphold the dignity of the human person.

Every individual has inherent worth, from the moment of conception through natural death. We are dedicated to upholding this belief by incorporating it into every aspect of our work. Our commitment to treating each person with the dignity and respect they deserve is unwavering.

A woman and a young boy sitting on the carpet playing checkers in a basement living room.

Support and strengthen family & community.

It is important to us to model what a healthy family and community looks like, feels like, and functions like. Family is the central social institution and good parenting helps sustain life, guides morality and informs healthy decision making.

A young child with curly hair and dark skin looks up at a woman with dark skin, who is holding him. The woman wears a pink headscarf and a black shirt, and they are outdoors in a grassy area.

Foster an environment of mercy & hope.

It is our honor to demonstrate compassion and kindness to a vulnerable population, and to instill hope in those we serve. We strive to cultivate a sense of solidarity in our greater community by recognizing and resolving cultural deficiencies.


Our People

Terri Vadovski | Executive Director

Elizabeth Gelnette | Humble Lily Manager

Korrie E. Zeschmann | Assistant Store Manager

Kayla Lorenzo | Database Administrator / Office Manager

Paris Mace | Resident Advocate

Megan Aguirre | Senior Case Manager

Mary O'Donnell-Voi | Program Director

Maura Reyes Mejia | Resident Advocate

Katherine O'Donnell | Health & Wellness Manager

Cindy Grell | Development Coordinator

Aysia Leibert | Resident Advocate

Madelyn Sabus | Case Manager

Kyra Jongeward | Resident Advocate

Desarae Carroll | Resident Advocate

Reyna Aguirre | Resident Advocate

Britany Martinez | Resident Advocate

Ashley Pendgraft | Community Outreach Coordinator

The Bethlehem House enjoys guidance from a board of directors who deeply believe in our mission to provide care and resources to pregnant and parenting women in crisis.

Our board is comprised of business, faith and philanthropic leaders from across the Omaha area. Board members, along with dedicated staff members, help direct our strategy and daily work.

Board of Directors

Board Executives

Matt Miller | President

Paul Parr | Secretary (Finance Committee)

Brett Wawers | Treasurer (Finance Chair)

Barb Vollmer | Vice President (Program Committee)

Board Members

Shann McKeever | Development/Program

Tracy Wollenburg | Development

Julie Crockett | Development

Jonathan Meeter | Finance

Angie Lohaus | Development

Lori Snyder | Development

Sign in front of a house reads "Bethlehem House, 2301 S. 15th Street." The house behind the sign is green with large windows and a porch.

Bethlehem House has a unique history and living space. Once a convent, our home is located on the former St. Patrick’s property in south Omaha.

Bethlehem House does not pursue federal funding. Funding comes from community foundations, individuals, families, churches, organizations, grants, businesses and community & faith groups. Some Nebraska state funding is received and additional funds are raised through events sponsored by Bethlehem House as well as other local organizations. Click the button below to find out how you can help make our mission possible.


"For a while I lost hope. I have learned to respect myself and believe in love. I am able to reflect on my past bad decisions and to hold myself accountable and responsible for the way I was living my life. God has been working on me in this place."

— Former Resident