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For YSU student, program is a godsend
By LINDA M. LINONIS
Youngstown
For Charnitta Benson, the “structure, discipline and consistency” of Beatitude House is a blessing.
“I have to adhere to their standards,” the 34-year-old said, adding that the requirements have been beneficial.
Her life started off normally enough, then veered off course. She graduated in 1995 from Warren G. Harding High School in Warren and attended Youngstown State University for four semesters.
“Then my life took a downward spiral,” she said, admitting she experimented with different things. Post-partum depression after the birth of her daughter complicated matters.
Benson traveled between the Mahoning Valley and Milwaukee, Wis., where she has family. She attended Milwaukee Business Training Institute; she worked as flight attendant and legal assistant. But she said her life “became unmanageable” and she hit “rock bottom.” She was in what she called “active addiction.”
Homeless and back in the Valley in June 2010, she contacted Meridian Community Care. “I knew I needed help,” she said.
She spent 62 days in in-patient treatment with Turning Point Counseling, which specializes in behavioral health care and substance-abuse services. “I needed the tools to stay stopped [of addiction],” she said. Through Project Safe with Meridian Community Care, she obtained transitional housing.
After a while, she realized it was “time for me to go” and was looking for a place to live. She was accepted to Beatitude’s Potter’s Wheel program in June 2011. She then applied for and was accepted into Beatitude House’s permanent supportive housing.
Potter’s Wheel helps disadvantaged women work toward career and educational goals. Services include computer skills, GED and academic-preparation classes and life skills such as nutrition and financial management.
Benson said she put her life on a goal-directed course. She’s back at YSU, majoring in business; she plans to attend mortuary-science school.
The former addict said she has been in drug and alcohol recovery for two years. “I’m free from addiction,” she said with determination.
Benson has two children. Her 9-year-old daughter lives with her father. “She’s happy there,” she said. Benson cares for her son, who will be 2 on April 17, which also is her birthday. She attends Union Baptist Church.
Benson said Beatitude House staff assists with more than the practical needs of life. “They’ve helped me above and beyond,” she said. “When I get overwhelmed or stressed, they’re there.”
She said Beatitude staff has helped her learn time management, budgeting, nutrition and how to communicate. “I had a bunch of issues,” she admitted. “I’m working on my behaviors.”
Benson said that the nurturing from staff and a stable home have helped her provide a better environment for her children, which has improved their lives. “They’ve just helped me so much,” she said. “Now I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”