More Than a Place to Call Home

On the foundation of friendship and faith, three Bethel alumni built a dream. For two years, Bethany (Substad) O’Reilly ’15, Andrew O’Reilly ’16, and Jenna Toedter ’16 researched, planned, and prayed for a way to address some of the most challenging issues facing today’s youth. Now, they’re the founders of The Haven, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower vulnerable young adults to reach their full potential by providing safe, affordable housing and Christ-centered community.

Their hope is that The Haven, which is set to open next year, will be more than a place to call home—it will be a place where young adults experience security, belonging, and the transforming love of Jesus. “That’s what gets me excited about this work,” says Bethany O’Reilly. “We want to make a difference in the lives of young people and help set them up well for the future.”

The idea began shortly after the three graduated from Bethel. Through volunteer work with Young Life, a youth ministry organization, they saw clearly the need for stable housing and positive mentorship for today’s young people. Some of the students they encountered received little family support after high school—and without a plan, they often experienced isolation or homelessness. It was this pattern, O’Reilly says, that prompted them to found The Haven.

The trio is currently raising funds to purchase a duplex in south Minneapolis for women ages 18-25, where they will live in community along with what O’Reilly calls a “house mom.” Residents will receive one-on-one mentorship, life-skills classes, and the opportunity to attend weekly Bible studies. While O’Reilly and Toedter will be highly engaged in many of these services, they also hope to partner with others in the community to teach residents about topics like budgeting, meal planning, and stress management. 

“I’ve always been passionate about serving women,” says O’Reilly, who worked as a social worker in north Minneapolis before having her first child earlier this year. “I feel most excited and alive when I get to do life with young women who are in that critical stage of figuring out who they are and what they want to do. It’s such a privilege to speak the love of Christ into them.”

The transformation O’Reilly hopes to spark in the lives of residents is not unlike the one she experienced at Bethel, which instilled in her the value of Christ-centered community. Besides bringing the trio together, O’Reilly says Bethel prepared each of them for this venture in unique ways. As a social work major, O’Reilly developed a passion for serving others and gained a solid understanding of social service programs. Her husband, Andrew—who earned a degree in business—completed much of the work necessary for The Haven to become an official 501(c)(3) organization. And Toedter, an accounting and finance major who now works as a loan officer, has leveraged her financial expertise to help the group navigate a competitive housing market.

Eventually, the trio hopes to expand to multiple residences and offer housing options for young men as well as young women. As their vision for The Haven grows, O’Reilly says, they root themselves in the knowledge that they serve a big God. “Stepping into this really puts our faith to the test,” she says. “This is a huge undertaking, but we believe the Lord will be faithful and make it happen. This season is preparing us to continue to rely on Him when we open our doors.”

Nominate someone for a 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award.

Bethel University’s National Alumni Board annually seeks and accepts nominations for the 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award. The selection is made from Bethel University graduates 40 years of age or younger who have had outstanding achievements in their career, public service, or volunteer activities.

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