Finances lead church association to move out of its rented office

The Mahoning Valley Association of Churches no longer has an office.
The association, which had been housed at Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St., Youngstown, could no longer afford the rent.
Elsie Dursi, director of the association, who addressed Church Women of the Youngstown Area during the May Friendship Day lunch Friday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Boardman, said, "Finances were the reason."
She noted there had been a reduction of support from member churches. The association will still operate, Dursi said, but she and secretary Dawn Toman will work out of their homes on computers. The association phone number is (330) 788-5914.
In a related topic of women mentoring women, Dursi talked about her job with the Permanent Supportive Housing program through Beatitude House. Permanent Supportive Housing is designed for women with long-term disabilities, she said. "They can't be totally independent because of mental illness ... and others are recovering addicts," she said.
Of her work, Dursi said, "I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing; it's the Lord's work."
Beatitude House provides transitional housing for homeless mothers as they get an education and prepare for a new life, Dursi said.
The Potter's Wheel offers employment training and "empowers women" in education and career paths, Dursi said.