It's not a large home, but the nurturing environment at Angela House is making a difference in women's lives after prison.

Angela House, 425 Shane, offers a variety of programs through the support of the Diocesan Services Fund and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Its programs include counseling in education, substance abuse, employment and referral services, and classes in parenting, anger control management, budgeting and life skills.

This ministry, founded in 2001 by Sister Maureen O'Connell, began as a partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, which offers food and services to individuals in need.

In July 2006, Angela House was established as a nonprofit agency.

O'Connell, Angela House executive director, is still intent on helping women build a full and productive life after incarceration.

"Most of these women have struggled with addiction and crimes that go along with that. We are giving them the tools to make them successful in life. Our success rate is very, very good. Our whole goal is to expose them to a community of support," she said.

The three-duplex facility houses a maximum of 12 women.

Clients, who are required to make a four-month commitment to the program, are responsible for their own rooms, and for laundry and other chores throughout the house.

The first 60 days of the program are used to assess personal needs and barriers to becoming self-sufficient.

Residents with a substance abuse history must attend a minimum of three addiction program meetings a week.

"This is a place for practicing change, making choices and pointing yourself to be in a community environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle," said O'Connell, a trained social worker with 20 years experience working with child abuse victims.

Adam Szczepanski, chairman of the board for Angela House, said he was thrilled to be part of a ministry that was missing from the community.

"Sister Maureen has done an outstanding job with structure and a lot of tough love and direction for these women," said Szczepanski, who has been with the organization since its inception.

"There are strong leaders and staff there to fulfill a critical need in the community. We love hearing stories about women getting jobs, apartments and health care.

"Angela House really helps folks get their life back on track."

For more information about volunteering or making a donation to Angela House, go to www.angelahouse.org.

Or they can call 281-445-9696.