On Monday August 21st the members of the DYA chapter of Molloy College planned and orchestrated a BBQ at Bethany House. Founded by sister Aimee Koonman, Bethany House is shelter for women and children that was created to help to alleviate the problem of homelessness on Long Island for women and children. Bethany is more than just a shelter, between their three houses they can support up to 75 women and children every night, but it is what they do inside of that house if what makes Bethany so special. In this house women and their children are comforted, supported, sheltered, taught, and loved. DYA had a chance to meet the women and children of Bethany and celebrate the summer with them. It was an amazing opportunity to get to know each other, visit Bethany House, and celebrate the summer with food, family, friends, and great conversation!

The DYA group along with the new Dominican Volunteers living on Long Island, Dominican Sisters, Friends and family came together to have a summer BBQ compete with hamburgers, hotdogs, water balloons, games, and music at one of the Bethany house locations. It truly was a day of relaxation and celebration and emphasized the gift of being present to those around you, taking in the beautiful day and the great company. Being with the women of Bethany house and being present to them and their children was an amazing experience of mission forall involved, it connected us with those most often marginalized in society. It truly was an experience of presence and one that will not be easily forgotten by those involved.