Loving Giving Local: Maria House Project

Maria House is a drug and alcohol counseling and recovery center for men.

It is also home to men who have been released from prison and need a new way of life.

They come here to a campus in rural Warren County.

Founded by Monsignor James Petersen 51 years ago, over a period of months. The men of Maria House get their lives back on track.

“We have men going to AA and NA meetings, both off campus and on campus. Guys commit to staying here for a minimum of 90 days, most stay an average of nine months,” said Joe Tarquinio, former executive director.

They don’t have to leave until they feel they can manage their drug and alcohol problem. Most are successful

“Father Pete called this holy ground. The reason was that miracles happen here,” Tarquinio said.

Maria House Project is this week’s winner of Loving Giving Local

The 37 acres in Warren County are a little slice of heaven, but for the 14 men in the program, it’s home. Four live in the old farmhouse and another ten in the converted barn.

“We have boys who cook, clean, chop wood, feed the cows, clean the stables and mow the grass. The garden was outstanding this year,” said Tim Joncas, the new executive director.

Bob Boeh, chairman of Maria House, had a long career in corrections and enjoys volunteering.

“Maria House stands out. Many of the men who are here and have been here have repeatedly gone through a number of programs, but they can’t seem to get what they need… One of the themes we hear all the time here is that Maria House is my life saved,” Boeh said.

This week’s Loving Giving Local donation was used for a full-day excursion for the men, including a visit to Dr. Bob in Akron, Ohio, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

“Well, Maria House has been in our community for over 50 years helping men with addictions. and for us to be able to bring Loving Giving Local here today and learn that the donation we brought could provide a road trip for them and provide some excitement and fun, that’s what Loving Giving Local is all about. it’s about giving back to the community and Maria House is a great example of that,” said Joe Askins, sponsor of the Auto Express Resale Center.

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