Beatitude House Celebrates 35 Years of Serving Families in the Mahoning Valley 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. Keshia Bales, USM Chief Program Officer; Whitney Washington, Beatitude House Director;Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell; Sister Patricia McNicholas, OSU, USM Donor Relations Director and former Beatitude House Director; and Mark Masternick, nephew of John and Dorothy Masternick. John and Dorothy’s generosity helped make Beatitude House’s mission possible, as they donated the original home that became the primary facility of this ministry. The 1515 Fifth Avenue house is named the John & Dorothy Masternick House in recognition of their longstanding support. Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell attended the celebration and recognized the important role Beatitude House has played in the community for the past 35 years. Reflecting on the connection between housing and overall well-being, Mayor McDowell shared: “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.” 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, OSU, who believed that every person deserved the opportunity to dream of a new future. Sister Patricia McNicholas, OSU, former Beatitude House director and current Donor Relations Director for Ursuline Sisters Mission, reflected on her Sister’s vision: “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. Current Beatitude House Director Whitney Washington reflects on the Sister Margaret’s legacy: “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.” Today, Beatitude House operates more than 40 permanent supportive housing units throughout Mahoning County, along with a small 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. Ursuline Sisters Mission is gospel service poured out into the world by the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and their ministries. These programs include Beatitude House, Ursuline Sisters Senior Living, Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry, and Education Outreach, including the USM Scholars Program, Children’s Program, and Immigrant Outreach.