Malta House Provides "Hope for Life" for New and Expectant Mothers

New Canaan, CT, June 2, 2016—“Usually I’m in the role of program manager, counselor, and life coach,” explained Malta House Program Manager Claudia Nixon. “Often, however, I play the role of mom to the young women here who are working to improve their lives and the lives of their baby.”

Ms. Nixon recently presented the mission and goals of the non-profit Malta House to Kiwanis members, at a recent luncheon at South End.

Malta House, Inc., established in 1995, is a non-profit, located in Norwalk, which offers residential housing and educational programs covering housing, nutrition, parenting, and child development, to young women who are either pregnant or who have one child under the age of 3.

Mothers receive guidance designed to foster a positive self image for themselves and their children. Personal finance and budgeting advice is offered to promote self-sufficiency as these young families assimilate back into the community.

Their “Mentoring Moms” programs offers hands-on, experiential guidance from experienced mothers, as many of the women at Malta House may not have had a positive maternal role model, and may not know how to parent. The “Partnering Success” program at Malta House maintains contact with residents who have successfully completed the residence program.

Ongoing support is based on individual needs, and may include counseling, coaching, assistance with childcare, transportation, medical advocacy, housing and education.

According to Ms. Nixon, “the young mothers in our programs become more resourceful, more resilient, and receive guidance in parenting while providing for their children. They are encouraged to complete their education, and are supported on their career path. And, our residents’ children are safe and thriving as their parents are taught how to measure and improve their child’s development.”

To learn more about Malta House, please visit, www.maltahouse.org.

To learn more about Kiwanis, to become a member, or for more information on the New Canaan Kiwanis Club’s upcoming events and programs please “like” them on Facebook here.

Kiwanis International is a global non-profit organization of members of every age, who are dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Photo: from left to right: Susan Serven, Kiwanis, Claudia Nixon, Program Manager