Each year the “Voice of Hope” award is given out to individuals who help celebrate the unity and identity of the Catholic Charities’ Services in the Youngstown Diocese. Our Dennis Biviano had the chance to speak to both 2024 winners and has their story.
Sister Mildred “Millie” Ely is a fixture in the Ohio catholic hospital system. A native of Conneaut, Sister Millie entered the congregation of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary right out of high school, more than six decades ago. She would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Duquesne University and a master’s in health administration degree from St. Louis University. Sister Millie went on to become CEO of Saint Joseph Riverside Hospital in Warren.
“Our mission statement as far as the congregation is to bring more abundant life to God’s people, especially the poor. I’ve always been very pleased that we’re able to do that,” says Sister Millie.
She has been an amazing resource for me, not only in her knowledge of the community, but also, her knowledge of health care,” says Mercy Health Youngstown Market President, Dr. John Luellen.
He says while Sister Millie has a professional resume that rivals those in leadership across the country, her humility and ability to care about others and their success is unmatched.
“She views everyone of us as people first. And she’s concerned about them in their own humanity and what they do for Mercy or what they do for the diocese or what they do in their professional life is really secondary to her,” says Dr. Luellen.
These days Sister Millie remains active with Catholic Charities and has a seat on Mercy Health’s Sponsor Board. She’s also a big part of the hospital’s 100-year anniversary celebration. And as a former presenter of the Voice of Hope award, Sister Millie never dreamed she would one day receive the honor.
“Preparing for the talk, to give that night, that was my total focus, that’s for sure. I never had thought of it, never dreamt of it. It’s humbling, I’m very grateful for it and I truly am honored,” says Sister Millie.
For decades Ravenna native, and Kent State graduate Bill Barber worked as a professional Geologist. The husband and father has always kept his faith close, serving as a minister to the homebound in his home parish of Immaculate Conception. A decade ago he joined the prison and jail ministry, after attending a three and a half day retreat at Trumbull Correctional Institute. It’s a mission he continues to this day with longtime friend, Anne Moneypenny.
“Our role there, is to be a messenger of God’s love. And let them know about the reconciliation brought to us through Jesus Christ. And what a job. What an incredibly beautiful job, that we can go in and help them know that God loves them,” says Barber.
Barber served as Coordinator for Prison and Jail Ministry for the Diocese of Youngstown from 2019-2022. During that time he established the Kolbe Gathering for formerly incarcerated and their families to join in fellowship. So many of the stories he’s heard and experiences have stuck with him, and given Barber new perspective he didn’t have a decade ago.
“I did not really understand the impact of incarceration across the entire community, and how it affects people once they get out. Because he’s in there for 10, 15 years, 20 years, he gets out, he still has this little mark on his head. So trying to get started again through re-entry in that is really difficult,” says Barber.
Moneypenny says Barber’s passion as a leader in the prison ministry is unmatched.
“Bill’s always there to support us and support the men. And he’s a great asset,” says Moneypenny.
Barber says he was surprised and humbled to be selected as a 2024 Voice of Hope Award Recipient. But he credits the entire ministry as well.
“Everyone who goes to prison ministry really is that voice of hope. Because each person we see, they have to understand and get something out of it. We all do the same thing. We all bring them that sense of hope,” says Barber.
Both Sister Millie and Bill Barber plan to continue their respective ministries and they encourage younger generations to help make the community a better place for the sick, poor, and formerly incarcerated. Both will be honored on May 2nd at the Voice of Hope dinner and awards ceremony.
