Celebrating 25 Years of Bethesda Children and Youth Services

About the Initiative

25 Acts of Compassion & Collaboration is a community storytelling and recognition initiative created by Bethesda to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its Children and Youth Services.

The initiative invites members of the community to share stories about individuals, families, young people, volunteers, educators, businesses, community groups and organizations whose acts of compassion, kindness or collaboration have made a meaningful difference in the lives of children, youth, families or the broader community.

Twenty-five stories will be selected to help commemorate this milestone and may be recognized as part of Bethesda's 25th Anniversary Open House on October 1, 2026, and through Bethesda's communications and promotional channels.

This initiative is intended for community recognition and storytelling purposes. There is no purchase necessary, no entry fee and no monetary prize associated with participation or selection.

Eligibility

Anyone in the community is welcome to submit a story, including individuals and families, Bethesda staff and volunteers, schools and educators, community organizations and service providers, businesses and workplaces, community groups and clubs, neighbours and friends.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of submission. Individuals under the minimum age may participate with the involvement and permission of a parent or legal guardian.

Submission Period

Submissions will be accepted beginning on [insert opening date and time] and must be received no later than September 7, 2026, at 5pm EST.

Bethesda may, at its discretion, extend or modify the submission period.

How to Submit a Story

Stories may be submitted through the official online submission form available on Bethesda's website or by email to communications@bethesdaservices.com.

Each submission should include:

• The submitter's name and email address.

• The name of the person, family, group, school, business or organization being recognized.

• A description of the act of compassion or collaboration.

• An explanation of how the act made a meaningful difference for children, youth, families or the community.

• An optional photograph, where appropriate permissions have been obtained.

Submission Requirements

By submitting a story, the submitter confirms, to the best of their knowledge, that the information provided is accurate and truthful and that they have the appropriate right or permission to share the information included. Submissions must not knowingly contain false, misleading, defamatory, discriminatory, offensive or unlawful content or infringe upon another person's intellectual property, privacy or other rights.

Bethesda reserves the right to decline any submission that does not align with the purpose, values or guidelines of the initiative.

Stories Involving Children or Youth

Protecting the privacy and dignity of children and youth is a priority. If a submission includes identifying information, photographs or personal details about a child or youth under the age of majority, Bethesda may require additional consent from a parent or legal guardian before the story or image is shared publicly.

Submitting a story does not automatically authorize Bethesda to publicly share identifying information or images of a minor.

Photographs and Images

Photographs are optional. By uploading a photograph, the submitter confirms that they have the appropriate permission to provide the image to Bethesda. Additional written consent or a separate photo or media release may be required before an image is published, particularly when children or youth are depicted.

Review and Selection of Stories

All eligible submissions will be reviewed by Bethesda or its designated representatives. Twenty-five stories will be selected to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Bethesda's Children and Youth Services.

Stories may be considered based on factors including:

• Alignment with the values of compassion and collaboration.

• Meaningful impact on children, youth, families or the community.

• Demonstration of kindness, inclusion, leadership, partnership or community spirit.

• Relevance to the purpose of the initiative.

• The opportunity to showcase a diverse range of people, organizations, experiences and community contributions.

The selection process is intended for community recognition and storytelling purposes and is not a competition based on chance. Bethesda's selection decisions are final.

Recognition and Public Sharing

Selected stories may be recognized during Bethesda's 25th Anniversary Open House on October 1, 2026, and may also be considered for sharing through Bethesda's website, social media, email communications, newsletters, print materials, media relations, event displays and other communications related to the initiative or future marketing communications. Before publicly sharing a story, Bethesda may contact the submitter or individuals featured to confirm details and obtain additional permissions or consent where required. Bethesda may edit submissions for length, clarity, grammar, style and formatting while taking reasonable steps to preserve the original meaning and intent of the story.

Submission of a story does not guarantee selection, public recognition or publication.

Changes or Cancellation

Bethesda reserves the right to modify, suspend, extend or cancel the initiative, or amend these guidelines, if circumstances arise that affect its administration, integrity or intended purpose.

Questions

Questions about the 25 Acts of Compassion & Collaboration initiative can be directed to:

Bethesda

Email: communications@bethesdaservices.com

Phone #: 1+905.684.6918 ext 266