NORWALK—Malta House, Inc., a home for pregnant and parenting mothers and their children, announces the hiring of Carey Dougherty as their new Director of Development and Strategy. The role was created to leverage partnerships and funding opportunities in the community, with an aim to expand the population Malta House serves and the services it provides.
Dougherty brings over ten years of development and strategy experience as the Director of Development for a behavioral healthcare agency in Bridgeport, and as the Founder and Executive Director of a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving women and families in need throughout Fairfield County.
“Serving Malta House as Director of Development and Strategy is an incredible opportunity. Finding creative solutions to challenges, and bringing people together for this important mission, is a combination of not only my professional skillset, but my dedication to supporting and empowering women and children in need. I am honored to have joined a very active Board of Directors, a robust and engaged network of volunteers, as well as the other accomplished staff members of Malta House,” said Dougherty.
Earlier this year, Malta House introduced the role of Program Director, promoting former Program Manager Claudia Nixon to the position. The Director of Development and Strategy and the Program Director both work closely with the Board of Directors to execute both short and long-term initiatives, and have assumed the responsibilities formerly held by an Executive Director.
About Malta House
Malta House is a unique residential program that promotes the dignity of God-given life by providing a nurturing home environment, supportive services, and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths, and their children. Founded in 1995, Malta House is the only group home for pregnant women over 18 years old in Fairfield County, and is one of a limited number of residential programs for young parenting mothers and their babies in Fairfield County.
Residents of Malta House participate in educational programs covering issues of health, nutrition, parenting and child development. During their stay at Malta House, mothers receive guidance designed to foster a positive self-image for themselves and their children. Personal finance and budgeting advice is offered to promote self-sufficiency to help our young families assimilate back into the community.
In addition, each resident agrees to participate in an individualized educational component that may include GED preparation or certificate programs at a local community college. Tutoring is provided to support the rigors of each class.
Over the past two years, close to 600 calls were received at Malta House from individuals seeking refuge and services. Since its inception almost 20 years ago, nearly 300 women and their children have resided and were served, protected and nurtured at Malta House. Malta House is a 501(c)3 corporation located in Norwalk, CT.
History of Malta House
The vision of Malta House came 20 years ago when a young father learned that there was “no room at the inn” for many pregnant women in Fairfield County, who chose life for their unborn. These vulnerable young families often found themselves living on the street or in sub-standard conditions. After much hard work and prayers by many people faithful to its mission, and through many miracles, Malta House opened its doors to offer food and shelter, and also to give hope for the future.
The initial leadership and start-up funding came from members of the Order of Malta in Connecticut, Good Counsel Inc., and many individuals. Malta House opened its doors in 1998. Since Malta House’s incorporation in 2001, it remains an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. Today, the mission of Malta House benefits from its broad community of support both financially and through the efforts of volunteers.
Impact of Malta House
Through the assistance that the women and children receive at Malta House:
- Mothers become more resourceful, more resilient and receive guidance in parenting while providing for their children
- Young women are encouraged to complete their education, and they’re supported on their career path
- Children are safe and thriving as parents are taught how to measure and improve their child’s development
- Families gain financial security as they become less dependent on state assistance
A Resident’s Success Story
Immacula came to the USA from Haiti after her mother’s passing. She was welcomed by friends of her family to stay with them until she was established in the states. Shortly after her arrival, she was assigned intensive domestic duties and treated abusively. With no one else to turn to, she found a social worker who put her in touch with Malta House.
Though we had no vacancies, she agreed to come for an interview. Immacula believes that it was through her prayers that the staff heard her pleas. That very day an office space was transformed into a warm and comfortable room for her and her baby. She was often found praying the rosary in our chapel.
While at Malta House Immacula was able to complete a CNA certificate. Although she has left Malta House, she is working full time in the healthcare field and enjoying her apartment with her son. She still calls Malta House her true home. Immacula is now surrounded by the support of her new friends, and has been able to heal and forgive the family that once abused her.
Immacula’s son has been accepted into a local Catholic school and began kindergarten in August 2015. She is grateful for the financial support she is receiving through the Bishop’s Scholarship and Malta House Educational Fund.
