Empowering women with the education, skills, and confidence to become productive members of society has been a core mission of the Marian House for the past 28 years. Based in Baltimore City, the organization is a permanent housing facility serving women who are coming out of incarceration, with the goal of providing full rehabilitation.
Asking the Tough Questions
While the most basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing are provided to all women staying at Marian House, the organization also recognizes that to truly heal or rehabilitate an individual, the root cause must be addressed. Executive Director Katie Allston explains that beyond basic needs, Marian House provides a variety of services focused on education and therapy to help women on their journey to recovery.
“The women [who come to Marian House] truly have the opportunity to heal and figure out what started them down this path, and how they can get off it.”
— Katie Allston
“We have Masters-level, licensed and trained therapists who aren’t afraid to ask tough questions and deal with the issues,” Allston said. “The women truly have the opportunity to heal and figure out what started them down this path, and how they can get off it.”
Bank of America recognized the important work happening through Marian House and its positive impact on the Baltimore community by honoring the organization with a Neighborhood Builder award, one of hundreds awarded last year to individuals and organizations across the country as part of its Neighborhood Excellence Initiative.
The award will be used to support a variety programs offered by the shelter and create leadership development opportunities for staff members like Allston. Marian House will also use the funding to raise the profile of its mission and involvement around the community.
“Our whole society would be a better place if agencies like Marian House are given the right support. The award from Bank of America and this kind of recognition gives us that support, helps us grow and provides the opportunity to tell our story,” Allston said.
A Safe Place for Women in Need
Marian House was founded in 1982 by two sisters and a laywoman from the School Sisters of Notre Dame and Sisters of Mercy. As volunteers at the Baltimore City Women’s Detention Center, these women saw the need to provide a safe place where women can go to start over. At Marian House, women can adopt a clean and productive lifestyle.
Karen Floyd entered Marian House to make a change. She learned about the organization from a fellow inmate, she said, “That was the beginning of a beautiful story.” She credits the supportive environment at Marian House that led to her success. “It’s a very good esteem builder. You can come to this place where you love yourself, and make those right choices again.”
Recognition, Support Fuels Growth
“We’re working to rehabilitate the women and create working people in our society. Folks that will go out and get a job, get their own housing, join their local neighborhood association, and in general be good productive citizens who give back to their community,” Allston said.
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