Donors Help USM Establish New Program in 2025

CANFIELD – Construction to create an assisted living facility at the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown Motherhouse is almost complete, reports Brigid Kennedy, president & CEO of Ursuline Sisters Mission.

USM is the Sisters’ nonprofit that operates their programs.

The project began in 2024. It comprises the reconfiguration of existing spaces and the installation of a fire suppression system.

“We’re establishing 45 assisted living suites, including 11 for memory care,” Kennedy says. “Residents, who will include many of our 26 Sisters, will enjoy a range of services, such as activities, meals and medication support. Further, they’ll have access to such amenities as USM’s Education and Wellness programs.”

USM also operates Ursuline Sisters Independent Living for 21 people age 55 and older. Ursuline Sisters Senior Living, comprising the independent and assisted living, began in 2013 to meet the need for care of aging adults locally.

The Youngstown Ursulines marked their 150th Anniversary of ministry Sept. 18. Since 1874, more than 200 women have given their lives in service.

The Sisters’ median age is 81, notes Sister Mary McCormick, Ursuline Sisters general superior and USM board chair. Most are still in ministry, she says, with much of it volunteer service.

“Typically, women entered the Ursuline Sisters when they were 18. They earned a modest salary and contributed all to the religious community,” Sister Mary says.

“The religious community, in turn, has taken care of the needs of the Sisters, such as housing, food and medical care,” she continues. “We will continue to do this for the rest of our lives.”

Despite sound financial stewardship, the Sisters know their funds aren’t sufficient for that, so last year they initiated the major gift campaign Fullness of Life, Future of Hope. It’s raised $6 million of the $10 million goal.

Of that, $4 million will support care of the Sisters, $3 million will support establishing Ursuline Sisters Assisted Living, and the remaining funds will further the Sisters’ legacy by supporting USM’s programs.

Donors like businessman Greg Greenwood and his wife, Alice, have been a gift to the Sisters and USM.

“Their donating began with Beatitude House, working with families. From there they’ve embraced the larger scope of USM and expanded their donations to include the entire mission,” Sister Mary notes. “And as an added bonus, two of Alice’s great aunts were members of the community — Sisters Kathleen and Eileen Kelly.”

To aid in fundraising, Sister Patricia McNicholas, donor relations director, and the USM development team are soliciting naming opportunities for areas of the assisted living.

In 2024, USM invested more than $350,000 to reconfigure its former preschool to create a centralized office with funding provided by the Mahoning County Commissioners through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Through programs including Beatitude House, an HIV/AIDS Ministry, Scholars, Immigrant Outreach and Children’s Programming, USM’s 90 employees directly serve 1,500 people in Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties, offering housing, food, healthcare, education, wellness and advocacy.

Many more people are served through USM’s and the Sisters’ presence and prayer.