This month, we’re honored to spotlight Marian House as our Community Partner of the Month. As a trusted MVLS partner, Marian House plays an essential role in supporting individuals on their path toward stability and independence. Read on to learn more about their work and what partnership with MVLS means to them.

How long have you been in existence, and what is your organization’s mission?  
Marian House was founded in 1982 by the Sisters of Mercy, School Sisters of Notre Dame, and lay women who noticed that it was difficult, if not impossible, for many of the women being released from incarceration to rebuild their lives, as housing, employment, and support were scarce.

Marian House is a holistic, healing community for women and their children who are in need of supportive housing and rehabilitative services. We provide a safe, sober, and loving environment that challenges women to respect and love themselves and others, confront emotional and socioeconomic barriers, and transition to stable and independent lives.

What/who/how do you serve your community?
For over 40 years, Marian House has continued to expand its programs, providing both transitional and permanent supportive housing and rehabilitative services to women and their children experiencing homelessness, who are in a period of crisis, who may suffer from trauma, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, physical and sexual abuse, and/or re-entering the community from incarceration and other unstable life situations.

Why do you think it is important to work with a legal services program, like MVLS?
Marian House serves women with complex histories of trauma who have historically been underserved. All the women who enter Marian House were previously homeless, unemployed, and living in poverty. Most women had previously been incarcerated, been at an in-patient drug/alcohol rehabilitation center, or living at a shelter or another unstable environment. Of these women, most are women of color, directly impacted by systemic and institutionalized racism daily.

MVLS provides the personalized, trauma-informed services that are essential resources for women who cannot afford civil legal help. MVLS assists the women of Marian House with their legal challenges in a way that is respectful and professional, without shame or loss of dignity. Our residents feel safe with MVLS providers.

Is there anything upcoming you would like to highlight or promote?
Marian House welcomes referrals of single women or women with children for our transitional housing programs. Please contact Intake Coordinator Erica Goldman at 410-467-4121 to refer a client or to obtain more information about eligibility and services.