Sarah House started as dream on a sunny neighborhood stroll in the Summer of 1992, when Mary and Dick Keough encountered Father John Ahern of Most Holy Rosary church, who told them about a house belonging to the parish that needed a good use. Mary recalled the need her family had when her nephew, Billy Johnson, was hospitalized for a bone marrow transplant in New Hampshire. Her family had appreciated a “hospitality house” where they stayed during the many months of his procedure.

Billy thus became the driving force and inspiration behind Sarah House. Mary and Billy did the needs assessment, identifying the critical need for a local adult hospital hospitality house. Father Ahern secured a $20,000 loan for renovation and dozens of volunteers were recruited to assist with cleaning and decorating. Within a year, a very attractive, warm, and friendly “home away from home” was ready for its first guests.

In January 1994, Sarah House officially opened to the public. This four-bedroom colonial had rooms comfortably furnished with one or two beds, a television, dresser, and chairs. Eventhough it had only one and a half shared bathrooms, the dining and living rooms had beautiful old woodwork and furniture that exuded comfort.

Tragically, on October 13, 1995, the inspiration for Sarah House, Billy, died at age 30 after eight years of battling leukemia. Yet his spirit prevailed in the hospitality offered and the house grew and thrived under Mary’s leadership with a core of gracious volunteers. Over the years, requests and needs became clear for something larger, and various ideas were explored.

With an offer from Father Fred Mannara to renovate the Convent next door and use half of its space for a new Sarah House, another door opened. A group of contractors from Local 747 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners offered to help in the renovation of both sections and the old building took on a new life. Through the generosity of this group, additional related unions and professionals, and again dozens of volunteers, the new and greatly expanded Sarah House was re-dedicated in September 2005.

Sarah House is named after Sarah, the wife of Abraham in the Book of Genesis, who was known for her kindness, patience, and hospitality. By her example, Sarah House provides welcome respite for those who wait by a sick bed, or for anxious hours and days during a loved one’s hospitalization.

Karen Kerney designed the original Sarah House logo. Karen is a local artist, farmer, baker and social activist, as well as one of the founders of nearby "On the Rise Bakery". The logo Karen designed included an oak tree, flowers and birds surrounding the original Sarah House building. It reflects the warmth and caring that Sarah House offers to those who stay. Our current logo embraces the original, wrapping it in a modern green oval.

We are mindful of angels at Sarah House and have a beautiful stained glass angel that was made as a special gift to the House when one of the volunteer’s brother died. We are aware that angels are especially busy at Sarah House, keeping watch over our guests as they seek shelter and comfort in our “home away from home”.