Unsolicited Testimonials

Mercy College of Ohio, a nursing school affiliated with St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, recently brought several groups of nursing students to tour and learn about homelessness in the Mahoning Valley. Afterwards, they were required to evaluate their visit and share their impressions.

Here are several of the comments from the students:

I had no idea the Mission had job and educational programs. I also learned just because you have to attend a mission doesn't necessarily mean you're "lazy" or a "bum." Hardship can effect anyone at anytime. I am grateful for this program in our area.

I live 10 minutes from the Mission and I never knew it was there. I pass groups of people on my way to school and home from school who I never really paid attention to, who are most likely homeless or addicted to drugs and alcohol, but I always looked away. Before today I believed homelessness was, in a way, a choice. These people probably got addicted to drugs, although they knew the consequences but made the decision to do illegal drugs anyway and it led to their homelessness; so it was their choice or their fault they're in that situation. Although that is true of some individuals, I learned it could happen to anyone. It could happen to me or someone I love. You don't have to be addicted to drugs to be homeless; you could just fall on hard times in life... Those who are willing to pick themselves back up after they've hit rock bottom deserve and need a place like the Mission to feel like they're members of society again.

Instructor Annette Henrichs said "In their evals, they rated the Mission 100%. Thanks for all you do."

Thank you Mercy College of Ohio Nursing Students!