Correspondent photo / Tim Gleason From left, Lori and Sati Manteghi, Moab House houseparents; Hannah, a resident; Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board; Marcie Consiglio, founder and executive director of Moab House; Vito Consiglio, Moab House board president (partially hidden); Mahoning County Commissioners Geno DeFabio and Anthony Traficanti; Phillip Skeens, Moab House Board of Directors member; and Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedo-Righetti, cut the ribbon the Moab House Thursday afternoon at the Campus of Care in Mineral Ridge.

MINERAL RIDGE — Moab House, a faith-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of former foster youth, opened its new facility Thursday at the Campus of Care, 1960 E. County Line Road, Building 8.

Moab House was founded in 2020 and officially launched in a different location in December 2023. The organization is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment rooted in Christian principles for young adults aged 18 to 21, many of whom face significant challenges stemming from past trauma or developmental delays.

What sets Moab House apart is the live-in houseparent model. Lori and Sati Manteghi live alongside the residents, embodying Christian love by providing mentorship, guidance and an unwavering sense of family. This unique approach allows houseparents to offer 24 / 7 support, model healthy relationships, and create a home where residents feel valued and understood — something many have never experienced.

Each young adult is given a private 225-square-foot bedroom, referred to as their “apartment,” featuring two large windows overlooking the campus. Residents also receive all meals, essential personal-care items, bedding and towels, and transportation to work, school and medical appointments.

“Operating on the foundation of ‘love one another as Christ loves us,’ Moab House offers not only practical assistance but also emotional and spiritual encouragement,” said Marcie Consiglio, founder and director of Moab House. “We are excited to celebrate this new chapter and invite the community to join us in empowering former foster youth to achieve independence and experience the transformative love of Christ.”

Funding for Moab House is supported in part by the state-funded program exclusively for those who have aged out of foster care, which covers housing costs for eligible young adults who are working, pursuing education, managing a mental health disability, or a combination of these. However, Moab House relies heavily on donor contributions and grants to maintain and expand its services.

Looking ahead, Moab House is actively fundraising for a 12-passenger van to enhance transportation access and is in the planning phase for a second house to accommodate more young adults. These initiatives underscore the organization’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of former foster youth while staying true to its Christian mission.

For those interested in learning more, visit www.moabhouse.org.