Lives Transformed

Tim Vidale, Student of Life
Sister Elaine Berkopec, Communications Director

Tim Vidale is in demand…by two major universities. A family that emphasized the importance of education gave him the drive to succeed. And who else has influenced him? Beatitude House!

Tim’s mother became homeless when he was just a teen. She tried to provide for herself and her four children after leaving home, but could not make ends meet. The result was eviction, homelessness, and a move into Beatitude House transitional housing.

While Tim was here, he attended Ursuline High School. He not only got good grades, he ran on a championship track team and eventually earned a track scholarship to Florida A & M University. He was also an all-conference decathlon athlete. 

What Tim remembers about Beatitude House is, “There was always a high level of concern for the families. Beatitude House made me better.”

Tim went to study Physical Therapy in Florida and returns to visit his family, still here in Youngstown. He plans on getting his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, possibly at Florida A & M or at Rutgers Medical School. Both universities want him as their student.

He has a few words for those youngsters who go through Beatitude House with their families: “Always keep your heads up. Things might seem like they can’t get better. If you keep a positive attitude and stay focused on your goals, you will attain them. Never let anyone doubt you.”

First Graduate of Beatitude House Transitional Housing Program Looks Back

Looking back over the past 13 years, Kris can feel a great sense of
satisfaction in all that she and her children have accomplished. As the
first graduate of Beatitude House, however, she says it is gratitude for
the love and support she has received that spurs her on.

A physical therapist with Forum Health for the past 10 years, Kris recalls the time when her future appeared to be dashed on the rocks of domestic violence. Finding temporary refuge for her family in a shelter for battered women, Kris learned of a new program for homeless mothers interested in continuing their educations. As she had dropped out of college because of her situation, Kris was interested. A counselor set up the appointment with Sister Margaret Scheetz, the founder of Beatitude House. 

"The first interview did not go well," Kris recalls with a smile. There were apparent differences of opinion on how to deal with her situation.

Then, to her amazement, she was accepted and moved into the Tudor home on Fifth Avenue. Her daughters, 19 and 17 and her son, 7, began to adapt to the changes in their lives. Soon Sister Margaret was driving her to an interview at Kent State University for the physical therapy program.  The program so competitive that acceptance seemed nearly impossible.  Blessed with Sr. Margaret's confidence that she would get into the program, however, Kris believed it too. She began to trust the miracles that could happen in her life.  

After graduation and completion of the transitional housing program, Kris has enjoyed the blessing of her own home. She has celebrated the graduations of her daughters from Youngstown State University - one a dietary technician and the other a mechanical engineer. Her son is currently enrolled in the writing program at YSU and Kris is back in school taking art classes. She has celebrated her daughters' weddings and the birth of her first grandchild.

"Many times I have asked myself where I would be without Beatitude house. I can't imagine. It has made all the difference in the world. It is beyond words," said Kris. "And Sister Peggy was everything to me. She was counselor and friend. She had confidence in me. She was so understanding and yet stern."

Kris says she can never express her gratitude fully enough.

"Those of us who have come from places that weren't very nice don't have much self-confidence," she said. "Education is the key for anybody. It changes your life.  But just to have a place to live and shelter would not be enough. The loving care and support mean everything. When you hit a snag in the road you can go back for help.

"They don't ever let you go completely."