Bethel Community Facility (BCF) began construction in 1974 under the leadership of Pastor John H. Rice, Sr., as Pastor of St. Bethel Baptist Church. After years of watching the area he grew up in deteriorate, he decided that a local community center was needed to serve as a headquarters for community restoration. Without the help of bank loans, the center was constructed—brick by brick—slowly but surely. Often construction was halted for months until money was raised to buy more brick.  13 years later, the building was completed DEBT FREE.

The doors of the 25,000-square-foot complex finally opened in 1988, hiring its first employees.  The building housed a 5,400 square foot gymnasium, with shower and locker rooms; a barber shop, a fitness and equipment area; a restaurant size kitchen; cafeteria; day care center; a 50-seat performing arts room with 4 study rooms; a browsing library for children and adults; 3 classrooms, a computer lab, a medical clinic, pharmacy, and a banquet hall. The first community crisis to be tackled was adult literacy. Soon, over 15 programs and services were available to the community.  Many are still offered today.

In February 2014, Pastor Lawrence J. Blackful, Jr. became CEO of Bethel Community Facility.  In the spirit of this new leadership, the organization’s name was changed to Bethel Family Resource Center to emphasize a more holistic approach with a commitment to strengthening families within our communities.  Our new Mission became: “To participate in the development of the community economically and socially; promote the educational growth of both children and adults; and assist in the strengthening of the family through programs and services designed to assure responsibility, encourage self-growth and provide advocacy ongoing support for those most in need.”   With a new Vision: “Low-income families are strengthened with the tools needed to have an improved quality of life, economic growth and personal self-sufficiency.”