Resilient Youth

West Side Community House has provided services to children and youth since 1890. Current programs are geared toward building strong educational values, self-esteem, self-discipline and independence. We provide children with the opportunity to learn and grow in preparation of becoming self-sufficient adults and to recognize their fullest potential. Please take a look at our Sisterhood and Summer of Sisterhood programs located at West Side Community House, 9300 Lorain Avenue to learn more.

Sisterhood Success Story

The West Side Community House Sisterhood Program is thrilled to announce the first recipient of our new Scholarship Award: Beyonce Smith.  When she begins college this fall at Youngstown State University, Beyonce will receive up to $10,000 a year for four years.  This incredible opportunity is possible through a generous donor.

Beyonce has been involved in the Sisterhood program for five years. Besides being an active and dedicated participant, she has also served as a mentor, intern, and summer employee through the Youth Opportunities Unlimited summer youth employment program here at West Side Community House.  Beyonce has been able to successfully manage school, sports, performing arts, home/social life, and Sisterhood.  In recognition of her accomplishments during the 2018-2019 Sisterhood School Year program, Beyonce was awarded best attendance, best mentor, and best attitude at the 10^th annual Sisterhood awards banquet in May 2019.

According to Beyonce, Sisterhood provided her with a positive environment that kept her with a level head, and gave her something to do each day after school to keep her busy.  Working with girls from different backgrounds helped Beyonce to be more understanding and to have a better attitude.  Beyonce says that Sisterhood has been a “safe haven” where she could talk through tough situations with staff, hear helpful “words of wisdom,” and figure out a way forward.  “Ms. Ali and Sisterhood would never let me give up,” says Beyonce.

We are so proud of Beyonce and all of her accomplishments.  She is a perfect example of what happens when you strive for excellence in all areas of life.  We wish Beyonce the best of luck as she enters this new and exciting chapter of her life.