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Carey's Corner
An update from the Executive Director especially for you
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Dear Malta House Friend,
Happy first day of Fall! Such a beautiful season here in New England, and I hope where you are, too.
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While I was sure I would be sharing news of our move to MH2 in this newsletter, God has been teaching us much about patience as the adage “what could go wrong, has gone wrong” has played out over and over during the last few months. Although our problems were feeling like a game of “Whack-a-Mole” with new ones arising just as we knocked one out, we do believe all our “moles” are about to be history once and for all as we begin final testing and inspections and apply for our Certificate of Occupancy.
Although this process has taken much longer than expected, much good has come from this borrowed time. We have brought hundreds of guests for a full tour of our home, and we are humbled by the responses we have heard. The support, energy, and excitement for our work has been beyond what we ever could have hoped for, and we couldn’t be more grateful to this community.
Recently, we installed a Donor Wall that lists many of our Capital Campaign donors that allowed MH2 to become a reality. One of our new moms stood before the wall and said, “All those people did this for US?” I noted she didn’t say “...to build this building” but “...for us.” We tell our moms every day how loved they and their babies are, but seeing your names -- and telling them there are thousands more -- makes it so real.
We just can’t thank you enough.

Wishing you a healthy and happy Autumn,
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Carey Dougherty
Executive Director
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Resident Update
You are a blessing to our babies!
“At Malta House, we celebrate all of the big and little things. One of those big and little things is baby showers. Always a blessed and happy day in our home.” -- Carey Dougherty, Executive Director
Malta House held a baby shower recently for residents Annika and Marina, who are expecting any day now. Both Annika and Marina are residents in our Residential Program that provides moms with the guidance to foster a positive self-image for themselves and their children through providing them with education, financial training, childcare, and much more.
We joyfully wait for these bundles of joy to be born in our home. We remain grateful for all those who help us organize these events so that our moms feel right at home.
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“I baptize you….”
You are a child of God. You are wonderfully made, dearly loved, and precious in His sight. - Psalm 139
A Baptism is a special moment for those who live at Malta House. It is that moment where one is welcomed into Christianity and begins a new faith life.
We, at Malta House, celebrate all of these special moments as if they were our very own.
In early August, we were delighted to celebrate our resident, Jamie, and his Baptism with Fr. Rob and Fr. Rolando Arias of St. Aloysius Parish.
As a Malta House family, we united together to witness this beautiful sacrament where we all proclaimed to the world that he is a follower of Christ and has new life for him!
We know it is also important that the mothers be offered opportunities to develop their relationship with God and seek His support with the challenges they face in their new vocations as parents.
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Because of you, we sing,“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you….”
Malta House wishes two of our moms, Sabina and Ester, a happy birthday this month!"
Additionally, one of our babies, born to Malta House, celebrated her 1st birthday with us this month. Happy birthday, Flores!
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Let us welcome!
Malta House welcomes the new Spiritual Director, Pamela Shilling, to its staff.
Pamela Shilling joined Malta House in August 2021 as the Spiritual Director/Chaplain. She comes to Malta House from The Murphy Center of Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University. Pamela is a member of the Center’s college of directors and received her training and certifications in spiritual direction from the Center. She provides spiritual care and accompaniment to students, participants in the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Ambassador Program, and adults of all ages and faiths.
Pamela also trained as a chaplain at the Norwalk Hospital in the Clinical Pastoral Education program. While there, she ministered to patients, families, and staff during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She trained to become a member of the PACT Peer Support team that provided emotional support to members of the hospital community during the pandemic.
Pamela is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the Silver Hill Hospital.

Before her spiritual direction work, she was a kindergarten teacher at the New Canaan Country School and a preschool teacher at St. Mark’s Preschool.
Pamela has her CT State Department of Education teaching certification Grades K-6. Pamela has received VIRTUS Certification in Protecting God’s Children and Vulnerable Adults through the Diocese of Bridgeport Leadership Institute. Pamela is looking forward to serving the mothers and staff at Malta House.
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Malta House welcomes a new Child Development Specialist
to its staff

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Mary Daigle joined Malta House as our Child Development Specialist in July 2021.
She has a strong educational background in English Literature and Psychology.
Most recently, Mary earned a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Child Development. Working with children and their parents has been a passion of Mary’s for nearly ten years and she has ample experience volunteering and working at various nonprofit organizations.
Mary is an avid reader and forever learner who would attend school endlessly if time and money weren’t a concern!
In her spare time, she also enjoys baking, cooking, and crafting.
Mary believes that a warm cup of tea, a compassionate heart, and an empathetic ear typically make a world of difference.
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Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Pam and Mary to our staff!

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Malta House says a fond farewell to Valerie Vincent, Mental Health Counselor
After two years with Malta House as the Mental Health Counselor, Valerie Vincent transitioned into a new role in the school system. We remain grateful for all her work and the support she has provided to our moms and their babies.
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We wish her the very best in her next chapter.

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You can join our Malta House TEAM by volunteering your time!
Consider becoming a “Malta House Team” member by graciously donating your time and becoming a blessing to our mothers and their babies.
There are many ways you may volunteer here at Malta House.
The following opportunities are available to you; we have something for everyone who wants to participate in our mission.
Nursery
Mother Mentor
Driver
Meal Prep
Community Outreach
Front Desk Receptionist
Tutor
Events & Fundraising
Social Media Ambassador
Malta House Ambassador
Garden Yard & Maintenance
We can’t wait to welcome you “home!”
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Our families went back to school well supplied because you gave!
In early September, Malta House held a “Back-to-School” event sponsored by St. Aloysius Youth Group and Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church to help our current, former, and community families get a great start to the new year.
In total, 52 bookbags were distributed and many more school supplies.
We are grateful to our sponsors and to everyone who graciously donated to our families to enrich their lives.
Thank you for being a blessing.

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Through our Outreach Program, you help us live out our mission with dedication and compassion.
Malta House has an active Community Outreach Program. Malta House receives many generous donations of baby equipment, clothing, diapers, and food each week.
We have become known as a resource for these necessities and feel fortunate that we can share our gifts with former residents and other mothers in need living in the Fairfield County area.
To help us connect members of our community with moms and babies in need of baby items, small furniture, etc., we have an Outreach Group on Facebook where items are posted and given on a first-come-first-served basis. Follow the link below to join today!
To make your donation of new baby equipment, clothing, diapers, and more, please get in touch with Malta House at (203) 857-0088.

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Malta House: Your Impact Through Our Core Competencies |
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Your support provides educational courses, classes, books, and more to our mothers as they head out into their futures
Mothers at Malta House receive a full continuum of support centered on nine core competencies: education, employment, parenting, childcare, finance, mental health, spirituality, nutrition, and volunteerism.
Upon intake into our Residential Program, Case Workers ask the mothers for their highest level of completed education.
If the mother hasn’t completed high school, Case Workers discuss and encourage the mother to attend GED classes. If the mother has completed High School, they discuss college classes and job training classes. Your support of Malta House provides for such things as tuition costs, books and supply purchases, transportation to and from classes, and occupational licenses for our mothers.
As a result of this investment, by the time a mother leaves Malta House, she has
- Improved her educational attainment.
- Enrolled in GED courses, certificate programs, or college courses.
- Successfully passed the GED test, gained a certificate for job training, or received passing grades in college courses.
We could not center on these critical core competencies without you by our side partnering with us.

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Meet Tanya...
Because of you, Tanya is preparing for her newborn son's birth and forwarding her education!
Tanya, an expectant Malta House mom, spent the last month of her pregnancy preparing to meet her newborn son and her future with him. She recently expressed an interest in both a CAN and Early Childhood program and explored these two options.
In preparation, she completed a Connecticut Child Care and CPR Certificate through the Red Cross that you provided for her through supporting the Malta House Education Fund.
Because of you, Tanya is taking all the steps she needs to move towards her education and one day provide a solid and secure foundation for her newborn son. These achievements – small and large - help our women start a new life full of more hope and promise.
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Meet Jamie...
Because of you, Jamie will have a place of her own, a full-time job, and have taken steps towards her education.
Jamie is eager to be in her own home and is actively looking for an apartment in the Fairfield County and valley areas.
In the past month, she viewed a two-bedroom apartment and submitted a renter’s application. Jamie is confident that with the rental assistance from the Alliance program, her application will be accepted. She continues to work full-time and will be starting new classes in the fall.
Achievements like these would not be possible without your continued support.
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Tanya and Jamie both say “Thank You” for helping them and their new families a fresh start full of independence and brightness.
You are that one blessing!
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Join Malta House for a mysterious night of fun and laughs as we bring you an interactive dinner show where EVERYONE is part of the fun! |
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Thank YOU for your help in providing Hope for Life as our Malta House family continues to grow.
– the Board of Malta House
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Our Mission: Malta House promotes the dignity of God-given life by providing a nurturing home environment, support services, and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their children.
Mothers at Malta House receive on-site counseling, financial education, and parental development, followed by transitional and post-residential support.
Providing 'Hope for Life' for pregnant and parenting mothers and their children
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Don't forget to follow us on social media! |
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