Monday, March 18, 2024

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Gary J. Bell

Gary J. Bell, MSW, LCSW, BCD, has been the executive director of Bebashi – Transition to Hope since Feb. 1996. At Bebashi, Gary has not only enhanced existing programs of prevention education, case management and HIV counseling and testing at Bebashi, he has also implemented several innovative programs that include a women's initiative, screening for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and pregnancy counseling and testing, housing counseling, an emergency food cupboard, several support groups and a criminal justice program. Prior to Bebashi, Gary was the Director of Adult Services at Episcopal Community Services (ECS) for 16 years. He was also integral in developing one of the largest AIDS programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that included homemaker service, visiting nurses, home delivered meals, case management, counseling, support groups, medical transportation and an emergency food cupboard. One of his greatest accomplishments at ECS was the development of the STARR (Supportive Therapy for AIDS Affected Relatives) program. At the time, STARR was the only program in Philadelphia that provided individual and family counseling and support groups targeting children affected by HIV/AIDS. Gary has been the recipient of numerous awards, including PFERIC’S Pioneer Award; Man of the Year of the National Association of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs-Philadelphia and Vicinity Branch; The Philadelphia Tribune’s Most Influential African Americans-Leaders Award (from 2007-2015); National Organization and Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) Community Service award, and the Extraordinary Citizen Award of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NAACP. Gary is also a practicing therapist. He holds bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bucknell University and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.

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