Event to recognize program participants

Staff report

WARREN

The Beatitude House’s 10th annual Cornerstone Dinner to recognize donors and the accomplishments of the women and children who participate in the organization’s programs is Sunday at DiVieste Banquet Hall, 754 N River Road NW.

The children will be recognized for school attendance, academic improvement and personal growth.

Women will receive awards for obtaining a driver’s license, maintaining employment, and moving into permanent housing, as well as for program attendance, education, personal growth, and ongoing achievement.

Two women will be recognized with special awards in acknowledgement of their personal qualities, achievements and support of the program.

Danica Barna, a recent graduate of Beatitude House, will receive the Sister Margaret Scheetz Achievement Award, named for Sister Margaret, founder of Beatitude House, who died in January 2001. Her vision for the program was to support homeless mothers as they built better lives for their families through education.

Barna, who came to Beatitude House with many obstacles, was able to gain custody of her youngest daughter, manage her finances and become the first person in her family to attend college.

She has obtained permanent housing for her family and is working toward a degree in general studies at Eastern Gateway Community College.

Her long-term goal is to become an architect.

Leanette DeJesus, who moved from Florida to Ohio in search of a better life, received the Ambassador Award because of her willingness to talk to others in the community about Beatitude House.

A graduate of Beatitude House, DeJesus has secured permanent housing for her family and is working toward a degree in social work from Youngstown State University.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by the children of Beatitude House, and the children’s artwork will be on display.

Beatitude House serves homeless and disadvantaged families by creating homes, providing education and fostering healthy families. It provides housing and support services for 63 homeless families in Ashtabula, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.