The Youngstown Catholic Worker began formation back in December of 2008, as a joint venture between the Sisters of the Humility of Mary and the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. Under the leadership of Sr. Ann McManamon, the founder and long-time house coordinator, the Dorothy Day House officially opened on November 22, 2009.
Because of the unique nature of the Catholic Worker Movement and its commitment to both social justice issues and hospitality services, our organization, structure, and leadership are also unique. Our organization consists of two entities both with its own Board of Directors: the Dorothy Day House and the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality.
The Dorothy Day House is a registered 501(c)(4) organization. It consists of the physical structure and properties and serves as the center for our social justice and roundtable work.
The Dorothy Day House of Hospitality is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. This organization leases space at the Dorothy Day House to provide hospitality services to guests, which includes meals and showers. Donations made to the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality are tax deductible.
The day-to-day operations of the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality are run by a co-coordinating team, a Core team, team leaders, and volunteers. Members of the co-coordinating team and Core team meet monthly to discuss new ideas, challenges, and fidelity to the mission. No individual involved with the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality is compensated monetarily. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers whose devotion, love, and commitment to our guests is truly an inspiration!
If you are interested in volunteering, we always have a need for additional help! Volunteers are welcome to assist with our efforts by helping to provide a meal, serve a meal, and assist us with gardening or showers. We are eager for like-minded people to join us. Even though our inspiration comes from the Judeo-Christian tradition, we are not driven by dogma but by basic principles of social justice, and we welcome all members of our community. For more information about volunteering, please either call us at 330-349-2790, or email us at: ddhyoungstown@gmail.com
Sr. Ann McManamon, who founded the Dorothy Day House in Youngstown and served as coordinator for 14 years, was awarded the Simeon Booker Award for Courage on October 3, 2023.