BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – One year after Nikki Turner was named a Hughes & Coleman Hometown Hero, her convalescent home, Malta, has exceeded her wildest expectations.
The former 20-bed facility now comprises four houses with a total of 18 beds in the main building.
“When I opened Malta, I built it with the future in mind,” said Turner, who is also program director for Ohio River Health Centers. “I knew that Kentucky would eventually require certification of residential addiction facilities, so I was able to structure Malta around those upcoming regulations.”
Malta’s program goes beyond the typical requirements of residential addiction treatment centers, which usually require attending meetings, finding a sponsor and looking for work. Turner has integrated mental health care into the core of Malta’s recovery process, requiring residents to meet with therapists and follow their recommendations, including taking medication when needed.
“The fact that mental health became part of Malta’s basic requirements is what is special,” said Turner. “I didn’t realise at the time how much it would develop into something bigger than I could have imagined.”
In February, she was approached by Ohio River Health Centers (ORHC) to work with their Lanes to Victory assisted living program. Under her leadership, ORHC now operates four men’s shelters, three women’s shelters, and two Malta-only homes in Bowling Green, providing a comprehensive support network for those in recovery.
Through her work with the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network (KRHN), Turner also helped found the Southern Kentucky Recovery Residence Coalition, where local homeowners in rehabilitation meet monthly to discuss best practices and new regulations.
“It’s not about competition, it’s about making our recovery community as healthy as possible,” Turner said. “We’ve been able to build strong relationships and share ideas that improve our programs.”
Turner told a poignant story about the ripple effects of her recognition as a Hometown Hero. A woman from Los Angeles contacted her after seeing the feature on television. The woman, who struggled with addiction and mental health issues, traveled to Bowling Green and found a place in Malta.
Today, she works as a facilitator at the Goodwill Career Center and is making progress in her recovery.
“This business has taken on a life of its own, and I’m here for it,” Turner said. “We never know how deep the ripple effects will go, but we can see them in little snippets as we move forward.”
The growth of Malta and the surrounding recovery community has created a sense of family among residents. Turner described how residents support one another, from taking a fellow resident to surgery to helping someone find a treatment center.
“It blows my mind to see how much of an impact we have on a generational level in the recovery community,” Turner said. “They really care about themselves and the people around them and pass on their knowledge.”
As Malta continues to grow, Turner remains committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for those in recovery and ensuring each resident has the resources and support they need to succeed.
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