YOUNGSTOWN — Rasha Ali may not have any immediate family members in the Mahoning Valley, but that’s not to say she’s devoid of family.

“The program helped me improve my English and continue my studies,” Ali, a Palestinian who lives in Youngstown, said.

She was referring to the Beatitude House’s Immigrant Outreach program, which she credits for providing support for the various challenges she’s faced since coming to the Mahoning Valley in 2015. Ali also views many agency staff members as part of her extended family for the assistance she says they have provided her.

Specifically, Beatitude House has placed Ali in touch with a lawyer who helped her navigate hurdles toward obtaining citizenship, offered a mentor twice weekly to assist her with studying for classes, and provided child care for her two daughters, 3 and 5, said Ali. She is a single parent who is studying health-information management at Eastern Gateway Community College.

Ali also was among those who attended an event Thursday morning at Youngstown State University’s Pollock House in which the Beatitude House announced having exceeded the $3.4 million goal for its Inspiring Hope campaign.

Despite the health pandemic and other challenges in the past year, the effort that got underway in spring 2018 raised nearly $3.7 million — beating the original target by more than $200,000, noted Ellen Tressel, campaign co-chairwoman. The fundraiser was set up for Beatitude House’s permanent housing, immigrant outreach and Ursuline Sisters Scholars programs.

The funds also have allowed for a variety of capital improvements, new and enhanced programs and endowment funding. For example, the agency hired a child-wellness coordinator who serves as an advocate for children in all three of its programs and provided school supplies, desks, tablets and study techniques to guide them toward transitioning to remote learning during the pandemic, Tressel explained.

“Committed community members have made this goal possible. Your support makes providing a home to the homeless, supporting education goals to break generational poverty and teaching English to those entering our community possible,” she said.

Keshia Bales, the agency’s associate director, noted that 2021 marks 30 years of empowering and transforming thousands of women and their children of low income. Part of that effort includes helping especially single mothers graduate from college, she said.

The Beatitude House also is committed to helping clients of future generations achieve stories of success and happiness, said Sister Mary McCormick, Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown’s general superior.

“We will inspire hope, not only for this generation, but for generations to come,” she added.

Also delivering remarks were Fred Moran, campaign co-chairman and president of Window World of Youngstown; Sister Patricia McNicholas, Beatitude House’s donor-relations director; and Sister Norma Raupple, the Immigrant Outreach program’s director.