SOMERSWORTH — In the words of founder Theresa Tozier, Lydia’s House of Hope is now a home filled with life.

Part of the mission of Seeds of Faith Ministries, Lydia’s House of Hope at 21 Grand St. in Somersworth is a 365-day transitional housing program designed to equip and develop residents with a foundation of life skills so they can become independent.

Lydia’s House of Hope is celebrating its first year of life with "iron tenacity, strength of purpose and endurance," Tozier said. There are now 21 people living there, including children. The facility is permitted to house 25.

“Last year, we started with a rundown, old 33-room home on the top of the hill in Somersworth. It was tired, not cared for and neglected, but we could see it had good bones,” Tozier said. “With an amazing team of supporters and volunteers, and a whole lot of hard work, commitment and faith, this old house got a new life and became a vibrant center for hope and love for homeless woman and children.”

Tozier said because no one woman or child is the same, the program has been built with individual wrap-around services that do not dictate what the women should do, but rather creates what the women need as they flourish in an environment of love, hope and independence.

Tozier has often said there is a cycle of generational homelessness in which, "children are not falling through the cracks, but rather being born into the crack."

Lydia’s House of Hope residents learn critical life skills such as cooking, managing a budget, parenting, computer skills, job training and more, Tozier said. The women also work on building their confidence and courage to move forward and break the cycles of negativity and despair, which is all many of them have known, she said.

“This work is not without its struggles and challenges. From both the residents and the staff, it takes strength, commitment and the ability to bounce back after setbacks,” Tozier said. “It takes trust and learning and change.”

She said that over the past year, they have learned to adapt, understand, challenge and grow.

“This program has morphed into what has become a unique and dedicated venture,” Tozier said. “Without federal or state funding, we rely on the support of grants, businesses and private donors.”

There was no big celebration of the one-year anniversary. Tozier said it is more of a time to reflect on everything they have been through and accomplished together.

One woman in the program, which is designed to last a year, has "graduated," and will soon be moving out. She has a full-time job and will get her own place to live.

Others haven't been in the program as long, but are also getting close to independence.

More information about Lydia's House of Hope is available at https://seedsoffaithnh.org/lydias-house-of-hope or follow it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lydiashouseofhope.