Success Stories

Nicole’s Story

Nicole, mother of three, was running out of days in an emergency shelter for domestic violence in Warren with nowhere to go.
Then one of the other residents told her about the transitional housing program at Beatitude House.  She applied.

“We were going to be homeless again.  I would not let that happen to my children.”

Not fully realizing what would be expected of her in the program, she moved in when an apartment opened up. She and her children felt safe and secure for the first time in a long time.

She could never have imagined then that as she set goals, learned management skills and received counseling that she would be going back to school. She completed the 10-month LPN program at Choffin Career Center. “It is hard work,” she says, but she is doing well. She and her children have their own apartment and she looks forward to the day she will work toward becoming a registered nurse.

As she looks back on the challenges and joys of her two years in the housing program, the enrichment programs she could enjoy with her children stand out in her memory.  Concerts, programs at the Chevy Center, their participation in the Beatitude House choir and so many other outings that Nicole could not have provided on her own were good experiences for the kids, she said. 

“Beatitude House is a very good place, but you have to be willing to help yourself.  Then you can be and do anything you want if you are willing to work for it,” she said.

From homelessness to permanent housing and the first step to a nursing career, Nicole is a shining example of the success that comes with courage and great effort.

Carla's Story

Carla knows first hand many of the obstacles that Beatitude House participants face when they arrive at the program. She is the mother of four children and suffered from depression after her sister’s death. One of her sons was born prematurely and needed special medical attention.

Knowing she needed to get some type of support, Carla went to the Burdman Group, an organization we collaborate with for referrals and case management, for counseling. Burdman provided the motivation for Carla to move on with her life. The agency then referred Carla to the Beatitude House education/career preparation program for her to study for the nursing exam in an atmosphere of ongoing support.

Carla began the program in April of 2001 and said she "felt comfortable." She placed her children in childcare to allow herself more time to look for career opportunities. She had to focus first on passing the nursing exam; she used her time to get organized and study. She was further motivated by her interaction with the women also in the program who are working to "accomplish something." She felt that if others can reach their goals, so could she. Carla continued to study and meet regularly with the counselor and case manager.

Carla passed the nursing exam and one year after beginning the program she has successfully met her initial goal. She said her children are thrilled for her. Carla feels she can be a positive role model for them and encourage them to continue their education and to try to do well.

The next step for Carla is to work as an LPN. She will work with Burdman, the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation and Beatitude House career counselor to do "job shadowing" to see where her interests lie. After gaining some hands-on experience, Carla would like to pursue a RN degree some time in the next two years.

Carla said the support she received by the staff and clients at Beatitude House was tremendous and stressed its importance. "Just knowing someone is there who cares about you and your future makes it easier to go out and accomplish your goals,” she said.

Congratulations to Carla and all the women working hard to pursue their educational and career goals.

Personal Stories

When I first came to Beatitude House, I had a one-year-old boy and I was expecting my second son. I was living in a roach-infested apartment, barely able to afford the bills. The landlord had turned off the electricity and had taken my refrigerator from my apartment when I wasn't home. I had not been talking to my mother at the time. I had been getting beaten by my ex-boyfriend and had no one else to turn to. I moved into Beatitude House. I got started at YSU, and it gave me a new outlook on life.

Beatitude House gave me the chance for a new beginning away from all of the hurt and pain and struggling. She gave me the chance to be myself, and accept myself and try to better myself for my children and myself.

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Beatitude House program is truly a blessing to me. The program offered a safe place for my child and me to live. I didn't have to settle for living in an unsafe housing complex. I could continue attending college. I was able to address painful situations that had affected my life as a child. Beatitude was a safe haven for my daughter and me. I thank God that He blessed me to meet Sister Margaret and become a part of the Beattitude House program.

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Before this program, I wasn't sure how I was going to make it. I received everything from food, personal hygiene items, clothing, Christmas gifts for the children and household items. The emotional support was the greatest. They were there. All these women changed my life. Today, I hold a full-time job with a major health insurance company. I completed a full-time comprehensive office training course, in which I maintained an "A" average throughout the program. I have now obtained my property and casualty license in insurance and have also become a notary for the State of Ohio. Not bad for a single mother with cancer, no self-esteem, and limited education.

Thanks to the Beatitude House Program, I have made it!