RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT Stephine

“Marian House was my last hope”

 

Stephine started at Marian House in January 2023. She successfully completed MHI and moved to MHII in March of 2024. Although she was working part-time in accounting, she is taking a pause because of an urgent health matter. Please read her story and keep Stephine in your prayers as she faces surgery and recovery this month.

What was life like before coming to Marian House?

Life was full of inconsistency, doubt and limited understanding of my life and purpose. I was on the verge of giving up. My physical and mental health were deteriorating and affecting every aspect of my life.

What led you to Marian House?

As my physical health took a toll, I was exhausted with my inability to get control of my diabetes. Not only was it destroying me physically, but it was greatly impacting my mental health. After the death of my father, I found myself stuck and unable to keep a stable job. I was constantly hurt and angry. I was unable to get along with people—not even my family and friends.

How would you describe Marian House to someone else?

Marian House was my last hope. My last effort to find some help. I met individuals who have been through the program, and they shared how it changed their life. I have also witnessed how they evolved after the program and became better versions of themselves.

What’s been the most helpful to you at Marian House?

The structure of the program was helpful in adjusting and trusting in myself and the outcome. They keep you accountable and teach you to take control of your life. There are numerous wraparound resources, such as financial assistance, education and employment assistance and different skills to become a better version of yourself. These resources are offered both in house and in the community.

What’s something you learned here that you will take with you?

I learned that we are more alike than we are different. I learned to trust myself and believe that I can overcome anything. I learned that I have the ability to adapt and attain anything I set my mind to and to not be afraid to ask for help.

If you could talk to your younger self (5 or 10 years ago), what would you tell them?

I would tell her to work out her issues and stop using work to cope or escape her problems. The death of my father left me debilitated and I became stuck. It wasn’t until a total breakdown that I reached out for help. The younger me, needed to do something radically different, and Marian House was the right call.

When people support Marian House, what are they supporting?

Although it may appear that they are just supporting ladies with shelter and resources, they are also creating changes that have a ripple effect in the community. You are not just helping the ladies; you are also helping their families and their communities to thrive. It is much more than it appears. Please support Marian House.

Race to Embrace Independence, Marian House 5k Run and Walk

Our 16th Annual Race to Embrace Independence 5K is almost here! Please register today to join us! This year’s race offers both virtual and in-person options. Our racecourse will start and end at Marian House. We will have a resident speaker, an energetic warm up, raffle prizes, family-friendly Race Village, top finisher awards, and a dance party on the parking lot for those who don’t want to walk or run. We are honored to have Denise Koch from WJZ-TV as our emcee for the event. Many thanks to our committed sponsors, especially our Champion sponsors, TransAmerica, Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, and McCormick. We invite you to see and join the growing list of sponsors at marianhouse.org/5K.

Registration prices will increase on 9/1, so please register today! Visit marianhouse.org/5k to register! You can also hover your phone over the QR code above and go right to the registration site.

Choose 5K or 1-Mile—virtual or in-person—whichever works for you and your family. Create a team. Set a team fundraising goal. It’s so easy! If you create a team of 5 (or more) and each person raises $200 (or more), then your team easily raised $1,000 (or more)! Peer-to-peer fundraising is key to the success of our race. Our virtual component allows you to select teammates from across the country and the world. Virtual runners from Canada, London, Germany, and Paris will be joining us this year!

Questions? Call us at (410) 467-4246 or email [email protected]. We can’t wait to see you on Saturday, September 28th!

There’s still time! Your business, faith community, or group can still sponsor our 5K! Call 410-467-4250 or email [email protected].

LETTER FROM KATIE

Dear Friends of Marian House,

I hope these warm summer months have treated you kindly, and that your vacations (or staycations!) have been full of love and joy. Let us reflect on these times and look forward to new memories as autumn begins.

First, I want to thank all of those who joined us in celebrating our 42nd Anniversary here at Marian House! The testimonies of so many former and current residents and families, as well as staff members, were heartfelt, encouraging, and impactful. Councilman Mark Conway was in attendance, gave a speech to acknowledge all of the hard work we’ve accomplished, and has continued to show his support for our hopes and dreams for the future of Marian House, and our women’s futures.

Our fabulous Blingo! event had quite a successful return, with laughter and positive energy galore. We love bringing you all closer together—especially with the ability to bring home something glamorous! Building an ever-growing community of support is essential to our mission, so we are grateful to have you join us.

As you know, our Ravens Season Ticket Raffle is one for the ages! Congratulations to our winner Karen Moul (pictured on the back of the newsletter) for her first win of any raffle EVER! She purchased raffle tickets as a birthday gift for herself; and what a perfect gift she got!

Marian House’s 16th Annual Race to Embrace Independence is approaching fast, and we would love to see you there! As our largest fundraiser each year, we need your support—and the support of all your friends and family, too! We will continue offering both in-person and virtual registration, that way you simply can’t miss out! Run and walk alongside those who directly benefit and have benefitted from Marian House, and with those who make the magic happen each day. In addition to the physical training for our upcoming 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk with trainer Jacki Szimanski, the ladies of Marian House are dedicated to bettering their mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Each day at Marian House, they put in the hard work to regain their strength and independence. When they trust in the process, they find trust in themselves and the world around them. We are so glad to be collaborating with each of them every step of the way. Marian House is dedicated to teamwork! To register for the Marian House 16th Annual Race to Embrace Independence, please go to marianhouse.org/5k. We can’t wait to see all of you there!

The great poet Maya Angelou said, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” Let us rise for women everywhere! In leadership and care,

Katie Allston, LCSW-C

President & CEO

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Sr. Kathleen Feeley, S.S.N.D

When our founding School Sister of Notre Dame (SSND), Sr. Josanna Abromaitis, reached out to Sr. Kathleen (SSND) to volunteer as a night manager for Marian House, she was overjoyed to have such an important role in assisting women in need. During these volunteer hours at Marian House, she could speak more informally with women facing many obstacles to safety and security. Engaging with the women ultimately showed her the importance of not only trust, but how to build trust.

Sr. Kathleen full-heartedly believes that people can change their lives with the support of safe, nonjudgmental people who accept them. Our program is a journey; women address the trauma that they carry and, in the process, learn who they truly are and what they want to accomplish.

Sr. Kathleen vividly recalls one evening at Marian House, when one of the residents came down to the parlor to chat with her. She noticed the woman’s remarkable vocabulary. In subsequent conversations, she got to see more of this woman’s gift. Finally, when relaying a story, she said, “That was a Machiavellian trick.” Sr. Kathleen challenged her. “Do you know who Machiavelli is?” The resident responded,” I know that he wrote The Prince, although I haven’t read it, and that he was a wicked conniver.” Sr. Kathleen said to herself, “Who is this woman?”

Sr. Kathleen went on to learn that the woman had dropped out of school at an early age to take care of her family. In the little time she had to herself, she could be found reading at the local library. Sr. Kathleen was President of the then-College of Notre Dame of Maryland (CNDM) at this time and so she made the Marian House woman an offer: if she could pass the GED/high school equivalency test, Sr. Kathleen would give her a scholarship for college. The Marian House woman went on to major in Philosophy at CNDM, graduated with honors, and received a scholarship to the University of Chicago to continue her studies in Philosophy.

Sr. Kathleen remains an unstoppable force in uplifting women through education, spirituality, writing, and creating strong bonds both locally and overseas. After retiring as President of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 1992, she founded Marian House’s partner organization, the Caroline Center, a job-training center for women. She then spent many years in ministry teaching abroad in Africa and Australia. Sr. Kathleen eventually arrived back at the same place she left: Baltimore. In 2015, she was appointed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame to serve on the Marian House Board of Directors. Now, at the age of 95, Sr. Kathleen will be departing from the Board of Directors but remains a supporter of Marian House, volunteering whenever possible. This year, Sr. Kathleen was a top Ravens Raffle ticket seller, and she is very excited to participate in the Annual 5K race on September 28th

Sr. Kathleen has been a true blessing to us, and we are grateful for her wisdom and dedication to Marian House!

LETTER FROM KATIE

Celebrating Every Win!

Hello Friends,  

Just like the seasons, Marian House is abuzz with change, growth and transition. New women are entering Marian House I full of hope and anticipation. Several women completed their first in-person mock interviews with over 8 interviewers from corporate partners since COVID. Ladies in Marian House II are achieving goals, gaining financial stability, and pursuing their dreams.  

With your support, Marian House helps residents to develop the skills to achieve their independence and move into the world with confidence. Phyllis is a prime example; she has grown stronger everyday since she started with us. She is a living of example of “not looking like what she has been through”. Lisa (Lisa Shifren Photography) and Donna Maria took stunning photographs of over 20 women and children of Marian House at Christmas. Please read Phyllis’ encouraging story in the Resident Spotlight. She is one of many women supported by your love and generosity. (We have also shared a few holiday photos on page 4). 

On April 12th, we celebrated 42 years of ministry and service. To celebrate, we held an online day of giving and celebration. In May, our Ravens Raffle Ticket sales begin. Take a chance to win season tickets with us. Also, we are returning Blingo! You can play Bingo and win jewelry and accessories valued over $100. Tickets are $50 per person. Blingo is being held on May 10, 2024 at Notre Dame Preparatory. Details on all these events are inside.  

We are in full swing planning for our 16th Annual Race to Embrace Independence on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Early bird registration begins soon for the reduced price of $40. We hope you will partner with us, sponsor our race, and join the festivities. As always, we need volunteers, sponsors, and runners. I can’t wait to celebrate all great things happening with you in person. We are going to have a great time! Thank you in advance supporting our events and activities.  

The biggest news to start the season – Marian House was among more than 250 awardees from across the country selected by MacKenzie Scott through the Yield Giving Open Call to receive $2 million dollars! We are overjoyed and overwhelmed with gratitude! There are not enough words to express our thanks for their vote of confidence in us and their investment in our work in Baltimore through Mackenzie Scott’s Yield Giving (Read full Press Release on our website). We will steward your gift with love and wisdom, as we house and lead women and their families on their healing journey. 

  

In leadership, gratitude & joy, 

Katie Allston LCSW-C 

President & CEO 

Resident Spotlight – Phyllis

“Marian House taught me love, accountability  and new coping skills.”

Phyllis entered Marian House in March of 2020. After completing Marian House I successfully, she lived in Marian House II, and plans to move with her family at the time of publication. Phyllis, who was battling stage 3 colon cancer, bravely stands with us today to tell her story—now cancer-free.

How did you feel when you first entered Marian House?

I was really hopeful. God orchestrated this new direction for me, so I was excited, and expecting great things. It was my turn.

What led you to Marian House?
Over four years ago, I lost my husband of 40+ years. I used alcohol to cover-up what was really going on inside of me. It was my Band-aid, but I knew I needed some serious help with that and my mental health. I ended up losing my house to property taxes. I had to change my life. While I was in Nilsson House, the ladies at Marian House came to visit and told us about the requirements for the program—I knew Marian House was where I wanted to go. I was qualified and ready.

What has been the most helpful to you at Marian House?
The group meetings, all the support as far as how to cope with life without drinking, and how to acknowledge
anything that is unusual. Getting to know the other ladies, we were able to express how we really feel and even now
that I’m exiting Marian House II to live with family, I can recognize I’ve learned a lot from that, and I know how to
handle myself. I must say that I’m really proud of myself, especially with this colon cancer that hit me. Marian House
helped me connect to my health benefits to even figure out that I had stage 3 colon cancer. With the drinking and
everything, I wasn’t eating properly, and so stuff started to develop. Marian House was my support team, and the
doctors and the nurses I dealt with—they were awesome.

What is something you learned at Marian House that you’ll take with you wherever you go?
Marian House taught me love, accountability, and new coping skills, being mindful of what I do. I think there’s a lot
that’s with me. I love the women that are here, the women that I came up with. And I’m proud of myself.

When people support Marian House, what are they supporting?
Actually getting the right counseling and what you need to know how to cope. Marian House is very beneficial
especially to those who can’t afford healthcare, it helps us to better our life, going to school, and getting jobs. I’ve
been trying for years to get back to nursing, and in February of last year I did.

If you could talk to your younger self (5 or 10 years ago), what would you tell them?
Nothing is impossible. It could have been worse but you’ve been through plenty, so you got this. You can be stubborn, but if you have a desire to accomplish and overcome you, that’s the first part. Nobody is going to force you to do anything.

16th Annual Race to Embrace Independence Marian House 5k Run and Walk

Save the Date 

September 28, 2024

GET READY! Our 16th Annual Race to Embrace Independence 5K is approaching! Please join hundreds of us for a delightful run/walk that begins and ends at Marian House. Our 2024 race will offer both virtual and in-person options. Registration is open April through May for $40. Regular price is June through July $45. Create a team and set a fundraising goal! Remember the virtual component allows you to select teammates from across the country, and the world! Last year we had runners in France! Let’s go worldwide – virtual and in-person.  

Help us meet our goal of $100,000 in sponsorships! Sponsorships are still available from $250 – $10,000—a great team building event for local companies. Call us for more information at 410-467-4250. 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Carol Gorsuch

Carol Gorsuch’s history with Marian House goes back to when renovations began on Independence Place in 2017. As a Preconstruction Engineer at the local general contracting firm, Urban Built, Carol and her dedicated team took on the monumental job of helping renovate the Mercy and Notre Dame Residences of Independence Place, which now provide transitional supportive housing for women and families. Carol’s involvement did not stop there—through a Marian House Instagram story, she learned that volunteers could adopt a woman, or multiple women, and provide gifts for the holiday season. For Carol, her husband, Tim, and their family, Christmas is a time to give back in memory of their son, Tim Jr., who passed away at 23 while he was serving in the Navy. With a very open heart, Carol asks, “How do you take somebody passing and turn that into keeping their light shining?”

Timmy’s brightness shines on as Carol and Tim connect with each woman through their wish lists, every request
deepening their understanding of specific interests the women have. From baking sheets to Harry Potter Xbox
games, Carol and Tim make it their mission to check off every single item. In 2023, they adopted 18 women. We
thank them immensely for their dedication, and for recognizing and empowering each woman at Marian House.
Carol believes in the power of assisting people of all ages and backgrounds. She expresses, “If you’re only going
to support one type of organization, you’re missing an opportunity to meet some really neat people.”

To volunteer alongside Carol and her family, please visit our website at: marianhouse.org/how-you-can-
help/volunteer.