School aged children at Beatitude House are ready to go back to school thanks to the generosity of the community.  On August 13th a mock store was set up for the children to come "shop for" (select) school supplies.  The children received notebooks, folders, binders, crayons, markers, pens, pencils, calculators, glue, rulers, colored pencils, etc. as well as school uniforms.  Next week thanks to a donation from Huntington Bank, the children will have backpacks as well.

Picking out supplies

A House of Blessing Youngstown sends Congratulations to Abre’asia!  Abre’asia, age 10, won first place (ages 8-10) in the 100 yard dash at the Youngstown Park and Recreation Track and Field Day.  She placed third in the finals for ages 9 – 12. 

The annual event takes place a Cardinal Mooney High School's track and this year nearly 400 children participated.

As the homeless and disadvantaged children served by Beatitude House prepare for the upcoming school year, they need the help of the community.  A mock store is being set up at Beatitude House administrative office where students can “shop” for needed supplies. 

You can help by dropping off items for the children to select.  Items needed include new or gently used school uniforms (blue or tan pants/shorts and white, red or light blue polo shirts), shoes, new socks and new underwear.  We have children in preschool through high school so all sizes will be greatly appreciated.  The children also need classroom supplies such as pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, glue, highlighters, rulers, pencil boxes, crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc. 

Please bring items to Beatitude House’s administrative offices located at 238 Tod Lane on the campus of St. Edward Parish.  Donations are accepted from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.  All items must be received by Monday August 9th. 

Every other Tuesday the children at A House of Blessing in Youngstown have been working in the community garden with Elsa Higby of Grow Youngstown.   The mission of Grow Youngstown is to create a healthy, socially just, economically viable and inter-dependent local food system promoting the sustainable growth of food, forest, forage and fuel.  Grow Youngstown is dedicated to reducing our carbon imprint, raising local agricultural skills and resources in Youngstown and neighboring communities.

The children are enjoying the fruits of their labor and have already begun pcking cabbage, beans and lots of lettuce.  According to Shawn Hill, Beatitude House Children Advocate, they children have even shared some lettuce with Sr. Patricia, Executive Director of Beatitude House.   Participating in the community garden has taught the children how to plant and tend to a variety of foods. 

Congratulations to Lily from The Potter's Wheel who recently earned her GED.  Lily came to The Potter's Wheel in November with the goal of earning her GED, through her hard work she made that dream a reality.  In the future Lily would like to open a restaurant or catering business. 

"Lily is a wonderful cook", said Kelly Elko, Director of The Potter's Wheel.  Kelly said she would like to encourage Lily to attend business courses at Eastern Gateway Community College. 

A House of Blessing Youngstown resident, Jennifer Freels received a scholarship from Tri-County Medical Assistant Association to further her education in the medical field.  Jennifer will graduate in June from the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center with a certification in Medical Assisting.

Recently Jennifer began a 6 week externship with One Health Ohio as a Medical Assistant.  One Health Ohio seeks to make quality healthcare available and affordable in the communities they serve. 

Congratulations to former Potter's Wheel client Alisha Lively who earned her Occupational Therapy degree and it emplyed by TuDor Physical Therapy.  Several years ago Laura Dye, founder/owner of TuDor Physical Therapy was a guest speaker at The Potter's Wheel.  Alisha heard Laura speak and realized she too wanted to help others.  Alisha decided to pursue a degree in occupational therapy and now works for Laura at TuDor Physical Therapy.

Founded in 1993 as a Home Therapy practice, TuDor has gorwn to a staff of 60 with 9 locations throughout the Mahoning Valley.  The experienced diversified staff of specialized therapists strives to improve the quality of life for patients by offering the highest level of care possible using the latest in techniques and equipment.

Congratulations goes out to Vera Ellis, former Potter's Wheel client who will be receiving a home from Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County.  The new home on Maranatha Drive in Youngstown is expected to take approximately 4 months to complete.  This is the 33rd home built by Habitat for Humanity.

The Ellis Family breaking ground on their new home

Monica Craven, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County welcomes the Ellis Family.

The staff at Beatitude House would like to extend Congratulations to Josh and Paige for their recent success in school.  Both Josh and Paige are part of our Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

Recently Josh was awarded a $25 gift certificate because his poster was selected to be included in this year's Green Team calendar.  The poster reminds us to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - telling us that by starting small we can have a large effect on the environment.  Josh was also named captain of his Science Fair Project team.  Good Luck to Josh at the Science Fair!

Paige, a Sophomore at Chaney High School received all A's and B's on her recent report card, earning her a spot on the Honor Roll for the second straight grading period.  Great Job Paige! Keep up the good work!

Beatitude House client, Jennifer was selected to particpate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the dedication of the new wing of the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center [MCCTC].  The $14 million renovation and addition revealed to the public earlier this month, provides students with the latest technology.  MCCTC provides career training for adults and high school students throughout Mahoning County.

Jennifer is currently working toward her certification in Medical Assisting at MCCTC and was recently chosen for the Medical Assistant Student Advisory Board. In addition to attending MCCTC, the mother of three works part-time.  Jennifer said, "Beatitude House has changed my life and helped me provide a better future for myself and my children."