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YOUNGSTOWN -- Beatitude House, a ministry of Ursuline Sisters Mission, recently celebrated 35 years of providing housing opportunities for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Mahoning Valley.
The anniversary celebration featured an awards ceremony honoring residents, an archives display and an afternoon of food, fellowship and activities shared among residents, staff, supporters and friends of the organization. Community leaders joined in recognizing the lasting impact of Beatitude House and its continued commitment to serving local families.
Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell attended the celebration and recognized the important role Beatitude House has played in the community for the past 35 years.
"Housing plays much more of a role in the health of individuals, families and communities than we give it credit for. Oftentimes, we can speak about mental health and healthcare access, but we don't speak about what housing does for the health of an individual -- bringing down anxiety and providing stability," McDowell said.
Founded in 1991, Beatitude House began with a dream to provide safe, supportive housing for women and children experiencing homelessness while offering the resources and educational opportunities needed to build stable, independent futures. That vision was inspired by Sister Margaret "Peggy" Scheetz, who believed that every person deserved the opportunity to dream of a new future.
Sister Patricia McNicholas, former Beatitude House director and current Donor Relations Director for Ursuline Sisters Mission, said, "The real power of the dream was Peggy's ability to help the women she served begin to believe that they, too, could dream and believe in a new future."
What began as one home serving four families has grown into a ministry that has supported thousands of women, men and children throughout the years.
Thirty-five years later, Sister Margaret's dream continues through the work of Beatitude House staff, volunteers and supporters.
"I am honored to continue the work she started 35 years ago. Countless lives have been affected and changed by what touched her heart 35 years ago. I never had the pleasure of meeting Sister Margaret Scheetz, but her spirit lives on within the Beatitude House Program," said Beatitude House Director Whitney Washington.
Today, Beatitude House operates nearly 40 permanent supportive housing units throughout Mahoning County, along with a three-bedroom emergency shelter. Residents receive trauma-informed case management, housing support and connections to educational and enrichment opportunities for both adults and children.
For more information about Beatitude House and its services, visit www.ursulinesistersmission.org.