Our Lady Star of the Sea Conference 

No work of charity is foreign to the Society. It includes any form of of help that alleviates suffering or deprivation and promotes human dignity and personal integrity in all dimensions. Vincentians serve Christ through service to those in need and bear witness to his compassionate and liberating love.

Thanks to Port Madison Enterprises for their generous support of the Birkenfeld Stella-Maris Women's Shelter

 SVdP Thrift Store - See Us on FACEBOOK

                     A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO                                                    EAST BREMERTON ROTARY CLUB                                       FOR THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE                BIRKENFELD STELLA-MARIS WOMEN'S SHELTER

The Birkenfeld Stella-Maris Women's Shelter

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SYSTEMIC CHANGE

Systemic Change among those living in poverty aims beyond providing food, clothing, shelter and alleviating immediate needs. It enables people themselves to engage in the identification of the root causes of their poverty and to create strategies, including advocacy, to change those structures which keep them in poverty. Systemic Change requires transforming attitudes.

A great example of systemic change can be seen at the (St. Vincent de Paul) Birkenfeld Stella-Maris House for women and children. Chellie Sewell is the case manager for the women's shelter and meets with each woman individually to help them with immediate issues and to lay out a plan for success for their future.  The goal is to help women residents restore their dignity, become self sufficient and to be responsible members of the community. This is a great example of helping in a systemic manner.

Chellie reports that recently our St. Vincent de Paul Friends of Stella-Maris Guild has been able to pay for flagger certification training for a women which led to her being hired by the company that trained her. Women have been given assistance for vehicle insurance, registration and repairs so that they are able to drive to job interviews, apply for housing and contact community resource offices. Funds were given for women to get their birth certificates so that they can get Washington IDs to apply for housing, SSDI and employment. Assistance for first month's rent and security deposit has been given to several women.

There are many more examples of how we are able to help the Shelter residents overcome poverty and become responsible women and moms. Thank you for your donations and gifts that enable us to make such a positive difference in people's lives.  

A Short Video on the Work of St. Vincent's 

               View St. Vincent de Paul's National Newsletter               May 23, 2019

CLICK HERE for more information from the SVdP National Website

Find Us Here

Cash donations can be made here. Thank you.

If you prefer, you may specify where you would like your donation to go when checking out with Paypal or credit card, i.e., Conference General Fund, Assistance Office, Women's Shelter, Thrift Store or for specific needs (rental, utility, funeral expenses, etc.) Thank You!

Birkenfeld - Stella Maris    Women's Shelter

  Current Needs

The Birkenfeld-Stella Maris needs “Celebrity Cooks”. If you have time to spare and would like to serve by preparing a meal for our women and children please contact Chellie at (360) 373-4505. Contact the Housing Solutions Center at (360) 473-2035 for more info about bed availability.

Thrift Store Donations   Click here to see Current Donation Information

Thrift Store

Current Needs

The Thrift Store needs volunteers ASAP! Click here to see our monthly calendar and available Volunteer positions, or call the Thrift Store and talk to Roger at (360) 377-2929, extension #3. Volunteering is a great way to “Help Us Help Others”.

Assistance Office

Thrift Store

Stella Maris Shelter

Friends of Stella Maris

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Website

Holy Trinity Parish Website

Vincentian Sunday Gospel Reflections