City Leaders and Friends Pursue God-sized Dreams Together
“I know for a fact that God prepares us for whatever he has called us to do. He started preparing me in 1973 when I got a job in construction, but what I didn’t know was that he was preparing me for ministry,” says Sheila Locatelli, Director of Women of Hope (WOH) and city leader within our LIFT initiative, which stands for Leaders in Faith Together.
In 2007, shortly after her retirement, Sheila started WOH, a local nonprofit, in response to a calling the Lord put on her heart to serve women transitioning from incarceration, homelessness and substance abuse with safe, affordable housing. With little resources and a lot of faith, Sheila worked with the Cuyahoga County Land Bank to acquire her first home, using her background in construction management to oversee its renovations.
Since then, WOH grew to owning and operating three homes, providing safe housing and offering programs that champion transitional goals, physical wellness, faith-based support, and job search services. And even with all these plates spinning, Sheila is paying attention to where the Lord might be leading her next.
“My desire is to start identifying and renovating homes for single moms and their children, who are at risk of homelessness. I want to provide affordable housing because the rent here is atrocious, and my goal is to be outside this summer meeting mothers.”
In the last year, God opened a new door of opportunity for WOH to acquire a fourth home, which is currently under renovation and will soon be a place for women to find needed support and care.
Since LIFT launched last July, Sheila has worked with an advisory team of volunteers to accelerate the work of her organization and grow its effectiveness. “The LIFT team has helped me in the areas where I was the weakest,” says Sheila. “It’s been a great blessing to have volunteers, friends and professionals come around me who are faith-based and have experience in things like grants and board development. God has really connected this organization with the people and resources we need to fulfill the mission he’s given to Women of Hope,” she adds.
Sheila is walking boldly by faith, believing God will continue to use her obedience to further HIS Kingdom construction work here on earth as it is in heaven! Watch for more updates on our LIFT participants this summer and new city leaders to join LIFT before year’s end! This is what’s possible when the Body of Christ works together to share and bless the city.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 1 Corinthians 1:3-4
Join us this Saturday, June 18, from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Cove City Church with Renovare Music to hear stories and songs showcasing the brave women Sheila and many others like her serve alongside in the city to bring them into their God-given potential. Details here!