Bethany Bernhard is a Jesus loving woman who is driven by faith. She and her family attend Spring Creek Church in Pewaukee. It’s like their second home.
She has lived in the area for 30 years and really loves it. So much so that 3 years ago her family moved 9 houses down the street to stay in their neighborhood because they love it so much.
She grew up in Genesee Depot and attended KMHS. Her post high school path was unique in that she nannied right out of high school for 3 years. She went on to study esthiology and worked the spa/medi spa world until she had children. Once her oldest was born she stayed home with the kids until the youngest went to preschool. During her “stay at home” days, she served on the board of directors for a non-profit which gave her great experience and insight for what she does now. Bethany’s heart aches for those who struggle, and she is energized when they are empowered to rise up and thrive.
Bethany serves as the Director for “Safe Families for Children”. Their goal is simple: keep children safe and keep families together! They believe when they host children and walk alongside parents, they provide a safety net of support so families and regain their footing and stabilize the crisis situation.
About Bethany Bernhard
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Karl and we have 3 girls ranging from middle school to pre-school. Also a golden retriever named Bruce.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am the director for a non-profit called Safe Families for Children – Greater Milwaukee Chapter.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love seeing people who are struggling find community and support that lasts at the same time I get to meet such kind and generous people in the community.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Insecurity. Imposter Syndrome is a real thing and working against that has been a challenge. The confirmations that follow are worth dealing with it.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Seeing children stay safe and keeping families together when they are surrounded by a support system. Especially when those families turn around and become volunteers in some capacity.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
My goal is to grow awareness of Safe Families for Children in order to serve more families. I also hope to pilot a program that would support teens aging out of foster care- all dependent on grant funding.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Just get started in volunteering. Even if you take baby steps you will find great joy in serving others and figure out what is energizing to you to know where. I find self awareness with things like enneagram or strengths finder very helpful.
Bethany Bernhard & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love the beauty of Lake Country. I also love the people – such good-hearted people!
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Laurel Whelan from Whelans Coffee and Ice Cream in Oconomowoc has been a mentor to me for 2 decades. Her story and love is unmatched.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Whelans Coffee Shop in Oconomowoc.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Blessed, Generous, Kind.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
On a whim I made yard signs in 2020 and went low key viral locally. I sold over 1500 “Be Kind” signs during a challenging time in our country. The money I made I gave away to those who needed help.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I love all the Chicago Shows – Chicago PD, Fire & Med.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God, My Family & My Co- Workers.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Old Fashioned. Timeless, Strong & Sweet. haha!
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Jenny Allen – author and speaker.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Touring old Castles in Austria – think Sound of Music.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My kids laughing.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
The best advice I’ve gotten lately is to pay attention to what energizes you and then lean into that with what you do.
Where to Find Bethany Bernhard
Email: bethany@safefamilieswi.org
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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