GREENSBORO — Leaders from the Washington, D.C.-based Order of Malta Federal Association visited Room At The Inn in Greensboro Sept. 29. The order’s President Margaret Melady, Ph.D, and Executive Director Deacon Michael Stankewicz, along with Bob Scheppegrell of the Order of Malta Central North Carolina Region, toured the licensed maternity home and met its board of trustees.
A member agency of Catholic Charities USA and accredited by the Council on Accreditation, Room At The Inn houses homeless, single, pregnant women from across North Carolina and offers services and programs that support mothers and their children who strive to live lives of hope-filled independence.
“Women who come to you (Room At The Inn) at that stage of their lives really need help. That’s the Order of Malta’s point of view. We’re ready to help those women in need and support their wonderful lives and the lives of their babies,” Melady said.
“When you think of Catholic institutions throughout the ages who have made the mercy of Jesus real to those most vulnerable, the first name that comes to mind is the Order of Malta. Although we are located in an area with a small Catholic community, their local chapter has been very active in working with our mothers and children,” said Albert Hodges, president and CEO of Room At The Inn. “How blessed and honored we were to have Dr. Melady and Deacon Michael from the order’s Federal Association in D.C. join our local efforts.”
Room At The Inn is one of eight licensed maternity homes in the state and the only one that also houses clients’ older children. The life-skills classes, case management, one-on-one parenting classes, college program, and voluntary Pratt Proverbs 31 Spiritual Formation Program are just a few of the ways mothers can take steps toward finding their own home and being able to care for their children.
“I was first impressed so very much with the facilities. Everything for expecting moms was present, and while the house accommodates several moms at the same time, there was truly an atmosphere of being at home, not an institution. This feeling must no doubt help these women,” said Deacon Stankewicz. “The support provided by Room At The Inn, from shelter to caring for a mom’s other older children, can give these families a foundation from which to continue to improve their lives, in a better and more secure way. This helps not only these vulnerable families, but all of us and society.”
The D.C. visitors and members of the Order of Malta Central North Carolina Region served lunch to current and former clients of Room At The Inn and their children at St. Pius X Church’s Simmons Parish Center. The afternoon included food from GIA Restaurant, pumpkin painting, balloon animals and more.
“I had the chance to meet some of the clients later in the day, as well as their children. Considering what some of the families have had to overcome, I was truly inspired by where they are now going,” said Deacon Stankewicz.
Melady added, “It’s a wonderful program and definitely something we want to support. We are obviously very pro-life, and that’s a practical way that we should be involved – to really help those who need it at that time.”
Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church, is a member of the Order of Malta Central North Carolina Region, leading its formation in 2009 and serving as its magisterial chaplain. Before giving the blessing, Monsignor Marcaccio shared his thoughts on the bravery of the mothers present at the luncheon.
“We thank God for the gift of life. We thank you for what you did to protect that life. We want you to know we’re here to support you in your decision,” he said.
— Annie Ferguson, Correspondent. Editor’s note: Annie Ferguson also serves as the organizational development specialist for Room At The Inn.
