Laurel House had two milestones in 2024: the North Wales Renovation Project and our new Executive Director!

NORTH WALES RENOVATION PROJECT

In 2024, Laurel House began a renovation and expansion of our transitional housing building in North Wales, known as Nehemiah’s Way. Once part a large estate, this building was gifted to Laurel House over 20 years ago by another organization that had transformed it into individual apartments for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

The intent of the project was to increase the available apartments from 5 to 6 and to make one of the units fully ADA accessible. Renovations were complete by late summer, and we opened the doors to our newly-renovated Nehemiah’s Way in October of 2024!

Clients can stay in these apartments for up to 2 years. During a client’s stay with us, a full-time Housing Case Manager works with them to address the individual barriers they are facing, including employment assistance, gaining access to benefits, budgeting, finding childcare, locating permanent housing, and referrals for other community resources. This transitional housing program has been a lifeline for domestic violence survivors in need of housing.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In 2024, after a 19-year tenure of leading Laurel House and serving survivors of domestic violence, then-Executive Director Beth Sturman retired, and Stacy Dougherty was selected as our next Executive Director!

With an impressive background, including a master’s degree in public administration from West Chester University, and over 15 years of dedicated service at Laurel House in various roles from intern to Deputy Director, Stacy’s deep-rooted passion for our mission and the community we serve positions her perfectly to lead Laurel House into its next chapter.