Malta Recovery Home Expands in Bowling Green, Ky.

Malta Recovery Home Expands in Bowling Green, Ky.

In Bowling Green, Kentucky, the growth of Malta, a recovery home, has exceeded expectations since it was established. A year after receiving recognition as a Hometown Hero, Nikki Turner, the driving force behind Malta, has successfully transformed what once was a 20-bed facility into a thriving network featuring four homes and a total of 18 beds in the original building.

A Vision for the Future

Turner, who also serves as the Director of Programming for Ohio River Health Centers, shared her insight on creating Malta with future regulations in mind. “When I opened Malta, I built it with the future in mind,” she noted. With upcoming certification requirements for sober living homes in Kentucky, Turner structured Malta to be compliant and prepared.

A Unique Approach to Recovery

Unlike many sober living homes, Malta goes above and beyond typical requirements. While many such facilities focus on attending meetings and securing employment, Malta’s program integrates mental health care into its core recovery process. Turner emphasized that residents must engage in therapy sessions and adhere to recommendations, including medication management when necessary. “Making mental health a part of Malta’s baseline requirements is what set it apart,” she explained. “I didn’t realize at the time how much it would grow into something bigger than I could have imagined.”

Collaboration and Community Support

In February, Turner was approached by Ohio River Health Centers to oversee their supportive housing program, Lanes to Victory. Under her leadership, ORHC has expanded to include four men’s houses, three women’s houses, and two exclusive Malta homes, establishing a comprehensive network aimed at supporting those in recovery.

Turner has also played a pivotal role in creating the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network, where local recovery homeowners collaborate to share best practices and stay updated on regulations. “It’s not about competition; it’s about making our recovery community the healthiest it can be,” she stated, highlighting the importance of strong relationships and shared ideas among recovery programs.

The Ripple Effect of Recovery

Turner recounted a powerful story that illustrates the far-reaching impact of her work. After her Hometown Hero recognition was featured on television, a woman from Los Angeles reached out to her. Struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, she traveled to Bowling Green and joined the Malta community. Today, she thrives, working as a facilitator at the Goodwill Career Center. “This business has taken on a life of its own, and I’m here for it,” Turner reflected. “We never know the depth of the ripple effect, but we can see it in snippets as we go.”

A Family Environment

The expansion of Malta has fostered a genuine sense of family among its residents. Turner observed how residents actively support one another, whether it’s driving a fellow resident to surgery or assisting someone in finding a treatment center. “To see that generational leverage we’re starting to get in the recovery community blows my mind,” she said. “They’re legit taking care of themselves and others around them, spreading what they’ve learned.”

Looking Ahead

As Malta continues to flourish, Turner remains dedicated to ensuring each resident enjoys a safe and supportive environment. She is committed to providing the necessary resources to help individuals succeed in their recovery journeys. With thoughts of her future vision, Turner remains resolute in her mission to make Malta a beacon of hope for those facing addiction.