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

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 www.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

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.

16th Annual Race To Embrace Independence: Marian House 5K Run & 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 advancement@marianhouse.org. 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 advancement@marianhouse.org.

 

Highlights from Blingo!

Blingo! was a huge success. Over 130 people filled the room at Notre Dame Preparatory this past May. The prizes, the food, the crowd, the games, and the emcee, Chris Brown, were all top-tier. We are already planning for next year! A special thanks to Carrie Schreiber (Board Chair), Anne Fader (Advancement Chair) and the entire Blingo! committee and Board volunteers. Share your favorite photos of the event to advancement@marianhouse.org. Enjoy our favorites below!

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 advancement@marianhouse.org. 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 advancement@marianhouse.org.

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 www.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