About
Our Mission
BaRaCa House exists to provide a safe, development-focused, and community-centered experience for young adults. We empower individuals through mentorship, relationships, and opportunities for personal growth, helping them take meaningful steps toward their future.
Our Vision
We envision a generation of young adults who feel seen, supported, and confident as they navigate the in-between years. By fostering community and mentorship, we aim to lay the foundation for purpose, growth, and lasting impact.
Our Story
The story of BaRaCa House began in Bratislava, Slovakia. There, we experienced a community that intentionally invested in young adults through mentorship, shared responsibility, and authentic relationships. It sparked a simple question: What if something like this existed back home? Watching young adults grow because they were surrounded by people who believed in them showed us what was possible. That experience planted the seed for BaRaCa House and inspired a vision to bring that same sense of community to Northeast Ohio.
The name BaRaCa reflects both our mission and our roots. The word baraka, found in both Arabic and Hebrew, means "blessing." It reflects our desire to be a blessing to every young adult who becomes part of our community. The intentional capitalization also gives the name a second meaning: Black River Community. The Black River flows from Elyria through Lorain before emptying into Lake Erie, connecting the communities we serve. Our river theme continues with the heron in our logo. The heron symbolizes patience, stillness, and self-reliance. It sits in a nest to represent new beginnings and the transition from childhood to adulthood. Like the river that never stops moving, we believe every young adult has the opportunity to keep growing and move confidently toward their future.
Meet The BaRaCa Family
Tesa Edwards is the Founder and serves as President of BaRaCa House. With a background in high school education, she witnessed firsthand the gap many young adults face after graduation and the need for continued mentorship, guidance, and community during this season of life.
She founded BaRaCa House to create a consistent, supportive space where young adults can build confidence, develop practical life skills, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. Tesa is passionate about walking alongside this generation as they navigate transition, identity, and purpose, and is committed to helping them grow into who they were created to be through connection, mentorship, and community.
Tesa Edwards
Founder and President
Rebecca Eden serves as Treasurer on the Board of BaRaCa House. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work and has experience managing organizational operations and finances. Rebecca is deeply committed to supporting young adults during the pivotal 18–25 years of life, when guidance and mentorship are often scarce. She believes in empowering this generation with practical life skills, confidence, and a strong sense of community, and is passionate about helping BaRaCa House provide a space where young adults can grow, belong, and thrive.
Rebecca Eden
Treasurer
Jim Edwards serves as Secretary on the Board of BaRaCa House. With a background in business, he brings organizational insight, administrative experience, and a practical approach to supporting the work of the organization.
Jim is committed to helping BaRaCa House operate with clarity and integrity while supporting its mission to invest in young adults. He values strong community, responsible leadership, and creating opportunities for the next generation to grow and succeed.
Jim Edwards
Secretary