In the summer of 2021, College of Saint Mary and the Stephen Center developed a partnership, establishing more collaboration between the two institutions.
The University and the Omaha homeless shelter began with the occupational therapy department creating a clinical rotation for fifth-year students about to graduate. Collaborations with CSM’s nursing and psychology departments followed.
Beth Ellis, the Stephen Center’s community engagement director, oversaw the students' fieldwork. Ellis had worked with students from other colleges in the area, but CSM students stood out.
“They were unique, bold and educated. They just had this culture about them,” she said.
Beth earned her associate degree in 2013 and was interested in returning to school. She called Rebecca Hoss, PhD, professor and director of CSM’s psychology and human services program.
“I’m very fond of the leaders you’re creating and sending out into the community,” she told her. “I want to be one of those women.”
Beth enrolled at CSM that fall to earn a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology and human services while continuing to work at the Stephen Center. Returning to a classroom at age 43 with students young enough to be her daughters was a bit of a learning curve for Beth. However, it was also inspiring.
“Not only did it help me with my professional life, but it also helped me with my personal life,” said Beth, who has three children, including two daughters. “Just knowing this generation on a deeper level, being in the classroom, learning their perspectives of what the world looks like really helped me at home with my own girls. I wasn’t expecting that to happen.”
As a nontraditional student, Beth said she felt very supported. She already knew a few professors from the shelter’s partnership with CSM. She also found a mentor in former CSM president Maryanne Stevens, RSM, PhD.
“As a leader, on a smaller level in our community, I really wanted to learn how and what she did throughout her years of leading the college,” she said. “Just getting that one-on-one time with her was super significant because I could take those pieces she shared with me and implement them in the work I do at the Stephen Center.”
Beth’s psychology classes also helped her in her role at the Stephen Center.
“I’m blown away by the education I received here,” she said. “It’s just helped me to meet the shelter’s clients where they’re at on a deeper level. It’s helped me to understand I need to watch my bias or not perceive it in the way it may look. There are deeper traumas to each individual story.”
Beth, now 45, has also grown as a leader at CSM and credits the University’s mission for aiding in that.
“To be a voice for the voiceless is truly the service component of our mission here at College of Saint Mary,” she said. “It really aligns with my personal values and mission to be of service of others in a bold way.”
Beth knows firsthand what many of those at the Stephen Center are going through. Fourteen years ago, she walked into the facility homeless, addicted and without her three children, whom she had lost to the state. That’s why, after graduating in December, Beth wanted to continue in her role at the Stephen Center and even potentially move to a higher-ranking position.
“I found a solid foundation for my recovery at the Stephen Center, and they believed in giving me an opportunity,” said Beth, who has worked for the shelter for 12 years. “It’s been life-changing.”
She’s not done at CSM either. Beth plans to return in 2025 to obtain her master’s degree in organizational leadership.
