On the bad days, Donna Railey hears voices.

        On the good days, she goes to a safe place to learn a trade and talk with friends.

        Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Ms. Railey, 42, is unemployed and receives government disability payments. Two of her four children live with Ms. Railey in South Cumminsville.

        She treasures her time at Sarah Center.

        The nondescript building on the corner of Liberty and Vine streets in Over-the-Rhine doesn't have a sign outside. It is humble and gray, a building like many others in the downtown neighborhood.

        But inside the doors is hope for new beginnings.

        The St. Francis Seraph Parish runs the center to empower inner-city women. Sometimes it's a place to play Bingo and trade stories. Other times, instructors teach the women how to make jewelry and other crafts.

        The women — and one man — bend sterling silver or gold-filled wires into earrings and necklaces. They design jewelry with Czech glass and semi-precious stone beads. This year, the center expanded its training programs to quilting and painting.

        The center sells the jewelry and crafts during special events. Forty percent goes to the center for supplies and teachers. The women earn the rest.

        For most, it's a little jingle in their pockets, a few extra dollars to stretch the monthly budget. But many of the women earn something else — a sense of accomplishment and self-respect.

        And some, like Ms. Railey, imagine what it would be like to someday build a business from the skills she's honed.

        “When the first jewelry started selling, that's what kept me going,” says Ms. Railey. “I accomplished what I set out to do.”

        You can help.

        The Annual Sarah Center Christmas Boutique features unique pieces of jewelry and some quilted items, Fairy Dust soap and body products, candy, breads and cookies and other new gift items. Gift certificates are available.

        The show runs today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sarah Center, 1600 Vine St. Information: 513-651-1532.

        These gifts give twice.

        Christians begin the season of preparation for Christmas Sunday with Advent.

        The Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains will celebrate the season with its annual Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols. Admission is free, but offerings will be accepted.

        The performance is 3 p.m. Sunday at the cathedral, 8th and Plum streets.

        The Women of Hope invite the public to join them for “Celebrating Christmas,” a special program Monday. DeDe Munoz, wife of former Cincinnati Bengals' player Anthony Munoz, is the featured speaker, and a quartet will provide music.

        Fellowship begins at 7 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30 p.m., at Hope Church, 4934 Western Row Road. Information: 513-459-0800.

        Send religion news to rthompson@enquirer.com or contact Richelle Thompson at 513-755-4144, 755-4150 (fax).

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