A House of Blessing Ashtabula celebrating remarkable milestone

On August 10, A House of Blessing Ashtabula hosted a celebration of the impact the program’s had on 136 women and 174 children since opening its doors a decade ago.

The family-friendly event featured Zoo-2-Go Mobile Petting Zoo and a catered lunch by Guyreino’s Deli. Children received birthday gifts in honor of A House of Blessing Ashtabula’s 10^th birthday. Attendees were former and current clients, donors, community partners, friends and staff.

The program offers safe and secure transitional housing for Ashtabula’s most vulnerable population of women and children facing homelessness and poverty. The site features 10 apartments, a children’s playroom, case management offices, and an inviting, spacious family gathering area.

A House of Blessing Ashtabula is still the only transitional housing program of its kind in Ashtabula County and provides housing to approximately 40 women and children each year.

“The most amazing thing to me is watching the growth of each individual who comes through our program,” said Tammy Wetherbee, A House of Blessing Ashtabula’s Support Service Specialist. She’s served there since it opened.

“The women and children we serve do amazing things and seeing their progress keeps me going,” Wetherbee said.

During the event, the Sister Margaret Scheetz Award was given to Nicole, an outstanding client who’s shown great perseverance while in the program and to recognize all she’s accomplished. The late Sister Margaret, an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown, founded Beatitude House through inspiration to meet community needs.

After her involvement with A House of Blessing Ashtabula and through the assistance of its Ursuline Sisters Scholar’s program, Nicole passed state boards for cosmetology and recently was hired at a local salon.

“If it wasn’t for Beatitude House, I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today,” Nicole said. “You marked the beginning of the change in my life and played a major role in supporting me when I didn’t have anyone else.”

Beatitude House accepts applications for the Scholar’s Program, a supportive program for post-secondary students, from all Ashtabula County residents.

The award, along with the celebration, mark the success A House of Blessing Ashtabula has achieved not only with the individuals who’ve been served but also in reducing homelessness and promoting education in Ashtabula County.

Just last year, Beatitude House, a ministry of Ursuline Sisters Mission and headquartered on Youngstown’s north side, celebrated 30 years of service which includes providing housing services for those experiencing homelessness, the operation of the Ursuline Sisters Scholars program, and outreach for disadvantaged women and children.

A part of Ursuline Sisters Mission (USM), Beatitude House is a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. It was founded in 1991 by the late Ursuline Sister Margaret Scheetz and has served over 7,500 over the span of 30 years. Beatitude House is committed to serving disadvantaged women and children by creating homes, providing educational opportunities, and fostering healthy families. Beatitude House provides them with the opportunity to transform their lives through various programs and resources.