OUR FOUNDER

Maureen O’Connell, OP, founded Angela House in 2001 to serve women coming out of incarceration. She thought it unconscionable that they had so many obstacles and so few opportunities to build a stable life and escape the cycle of recidivism. Sister Maureen set out to create a successful program to empower these women using a standard of care other programs could emulate.

Her wide range of experiences prepared her to create this successful ministry: 13 years as a Chicago police officer and police chaplain; 16 years as Clinical Services Coordinator at The Children’s Assessment Center in Houston and Victim’s Assistance Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; more than 40 years as a Dominican Sister, a religious order known for its commitment to social justice.

She developed a program of interventions focused on trauma-informed counseling, addiction recovery, employment readiness and personal and spiritual growth. Sister Maureen served as Executive Director for 17 years. She retired in 2018 and joined the Board of Directors in 2019. Angela House has served over 430 women in 18 years.

By raising awareness about the needs of formerly-incarcerated women, Sister Maureen provided Angela House with a community of supporters that sustain the ministry to this day. With characteristic humility, she credits the community for the success of Angela House:

“Most people have no idea about the obstacles women must confront after incarceration. From the outset, as people began to hear the Angela House story, we received the time, talent, treasure and spiritual support of individuals, faith communities and foundations. Our successes over these past 18 years are the direct result of the largesse of the people of Houston who chose to partner with us.”