Coronado Celebrates Launch of Strength in Service Nonprofit

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Community members gather for the grand opening of Strength in Service, celebrating support for military families.

News Summary

Coronado has welcomed a new nonprofit organization called Strength in Service, dedicated to supporting military families. Founded by Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, it offers mental health services, social health advocacy, and career support for military spouses. The grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce. The organization is committed to improving the well-being of military families through accessible resources and community engagement.

Coronado Welcomes New Nonprofit: Strength in Service

Coronado has just celebrated the grand opening of a new nonprofit organization that aims to provide vital support for military families. The Coronado Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Strength in Service at 1330 Orange Avenue, marking an exciting milestone for both the community and the organization’s founder, Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka.

The Vision Behind Strength in Service

Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, a licensed clinical social worker, officially founded Strength in Service. Since her move to Coronado in 2021, when her husband was stationed there, she has been dedicated to creating pathways for military-affiliated individuals and families to find support during challenging times. With three daughters of her own, she understands firsthand the unique struggles faced by military families, such as frequent relocations, deployments, and feelings of isolation.

Joining the Coronado Chamber in 2023 and also being a member of the Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce, Bettenhausen-Bubulka has integrated herself into the fabric of the local community. She emphasizes a strong commitment to social health and support, which became even more apparent after she witnessed a person in crisis on the Coronado Bay Bridge in 2023. This powerful experience deepened her resolve to focus on suicide prevention and social connection.

Focus Areas of the Nonprofit

Strength in Service is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization and plans to operate with three core areas of focus:

1. Accessible Mental Health Services: The organization plans to provide mental health services tailored for military-affiliated individuals and their families. This includes grief counseling and bereavement support which Bettenhausen-Bubulka specializes in, having gained certifications in EMDR and the Grief Recovery Method.

2. Social Health Advocacy Program: Strength in Service aims to train military families to become social health ambassadors, promoting wellbeing and connections within their communities.

3. Military Spouse Career Support Program: This initiative is designed to offer mentorship and career development opportunities to military spouses, helping them navigate their unique challenges in the workforce.

The organization prioritizes evidence-based practices for social health education and has a strong emphasis on building a community of competent social workers and mental health advocates who can provide support throughout military life.

A Personal Touch

But Bettenhausen-Bubulka doesn’t stop there; she is actively involved in volunteering, serving as an advisor for Anchored4Life and as a Girl Scout leader. Her participation in local events, including the Coronado Flower Show, demonstrates her commitment to enriching community bonds.

Additionally, she has established the Agents of Change Scholarship for Coronado High School students who are interested in pursuing careers in social work. This is a wonderful initiative that not only supports budding social advocates but also positively impacts the future of mental health support in military communities.

Looking Forward

As Bettenhausen-Bubulka continues her education by pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work at USC with a focus on combatting loneliness and fostering social health, her vision for Strength in Service looks brighter than ever. The organization seeks to cultivate resilience and holistic wellness among military families, promoting the message that everyone matters and that social support can make a significant difference in well-being.

For those interested in learning more about this inspiring initiative and the services provided by the nonprofit, the public can visit their website at www.strengthinservice.org.

As Coronado continues to grow and evolve, Strength in Service stands out as a beacon of hope and support for military families. With community leaders, loyal supporters, and a dedicated founder at the helm, the future certainly looks promising!