GEORGE CHOCHOS
BETHESDA MISSION
HARRISBURG, PA
For over 100 years, Bethesda Mission has served as Harrisburg’s house of mercy, rescuing, redeeming, and restoring hurting men, women, and children in Jesus’ name. What began in 1914 as a city rescue mission has grown into a vibrant ministry offering food, shelter, medical and dental care, recovery programs, youth outreach, and community development. Every day, Bethesda reaches into the community with the tangible love of Christ, providing practical help and hope while pointing people to lasting transformation through the gospel.
At the heart of Bethesda’s vision is a commitment to meet immediate needs while equipping individuals to re-enter society with dignity, purpose, and faith. From hot meals and warm beds to long-term recovery programs, education, and life-skills training, Bethesda offers a holistic pathway to restoration. Their shelters, medical clinics, youth centers, and mobile outreach bring relief to thousands each year, embodying the truth that “whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.”
Leading this historic ministry is Rev. George Chochos, Executive Director. Once incarcerated himself, George’s life was radically transformed by faith and education. From prison, he went on to earn multiple Ivy League degrees and became a national leader in justice reform, serving with organizations like the Vera Institute of Justice and Georgetown University. His story of redemption now fuels his passion to see others encounter the same hope, healing, and second chances. Under his leadership, Bethesda continues to shine as a beacon of mercy in the Harrisburg region and beyond, raising up testimonies of lives restored through the power of Jesus Christ.