Continuing Success: the Obstacles...

Imagine losing your job and then consequently your housing, having children to care for and take to school, having health problems and no insurance, lacking a savings account and having unpaid utility bills...these are just some of the obstacles faced by women who come Beatitude House. Seldom if ever does a woman come to us bearing only one burden; the list below is a common state for many of the families that move into transitional housing or of the women who come to the education/career preparation program. Typically:

v Over 90% of families entering the program have no savings or checking account.

v 20% lack a high school diploma.

v   25% lack a driver’s license.

v   25% lack transportation.

v 30% lack desired job training.

v At least 50% have suffered domestic violence.

v   25% have some chronic illness.

v Often, at least 10% have a learning disability, physical disability, or a child with a disability.

...and the Growth

In spite of their youth and the many obstacles they experience, such as lack of education, domestic violence, poverty, transportation problems and health concerns, our families work hard to reach their goals. We can look back and see their growth in self-esteem and self-confidence that will put them on a path to a new future. We are also proud to let you know that

v 86 % of the families who left our housing program during the year move to permanent housing and have maintained it to date.

v 38 women moved on to further education in the following educational institutions: MCCTC, TCTC, Kent State University, Trumbull Campus, Youngstown State University, ITT, ETI, Trumbull Business School, The Winner and Choffin.

v 11 women obtained their GED.

v 100% of the women who completed our job preparation track at our education sites have obtained and maintained employment to date.

v      The child advocate provided academic intervention in the schools for 100% of the children who needed it.

v      95% of the children participated in some enrichment activity.

v 93% of the children who needed improvements in behavior demonstrated that improvement.

v 52 women opened a savings account; 36 have a plan to deal with debt.

v 8 women obtained their first driver’s license; 28 obtained a car.

v 40 women completed a parenting course and demonstrated improved parenting skills.

Continuing Success: Some Stories