Mary's Shelter

Mission and Services

Mary's Shelter is a residential shelter organization dedicated to sheltering women and their children, with a specific focus on serving expectant mothers. The organization operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive housing and support services to women in crisis situations.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Mary's Shelter welcomes expectant mothers who meet specific criteria for their residential program. To be eligible for services, applicants must be:
* At least eighteen years of age
* Motivated to make positive changes in their lives
* Expectant mothers seeking shelter and support

The organization maintains a dedicated intake process with specialized staff to evaluate and process applications from women seeking admission to their residential program.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

Mary's Shelter operates with a comprehensive team structure that includes both paid staff and dedicated volunteers:

Executive Leadership:
* Kathleen Wilson serves as Executive Director, providing overall organizational leadership
* Heather Sutherland works as Programs Director, overseeing service delivery

Support Staff:
* Chris Taraschke functions as Case Manager, providing individualized support to residents
* Sonia Spencer serves as Office Manager/Administrator
* Maria Davis works as Administrative Assistant
* Erin Shircliff handles Client Intake processes
* Kamie van Hoven manages facilities operations
* Araceli Guilloux provides operations support
* Madeline Whittaker serves as Prenatal/Birth Mentor and Assistant to Director
* Eve Muggeridge works as Curfew Officer and Soirée Coordinator

Professional Support:
* Linda Morgan provides accounting consultation
* Bonnie Betts offers technology support

Volunteer Team:
The organization relies heavily on volunteer support, including:
* Dee Smith, Mary Seyfried, and Kathleen O'Brien as Office Assistants
* Beth Jarrell and Hazel Armstrong managing the Boutique
* Janet Richardson coordinating babysitting services
* Todd Helbling providing handyman services

Board of Directors Governance

Mary's Shelter is governed by a Board of Directors that includes:
* Mark Rousseau as President
* Andrew Bodoh, Esq. as Secretary
* Scott Vezina as Treasurer
* Members-at-Large: David Bereit, James Crockett, Sean Kline, Greg Mueller, Cari Sewell, and Duke Storen

Community Support and Fundraising

The organization conducts various fundraising and community engagement activities:

Annual Soirée:
Mary's Shelter hosts an Annual Summer Soiree and Fundraiser, with planning already underway for the 2025 event. This signature fundraising event helps support the organization's operations and services.

Baby Bottle Campaigns:
The organization runs baby bottle fundraising campaigns as part of their community outreach and support efforts.

Donation Programs:
Mary's Shelter accepts both monetary donations and material goods donations to support their residents and operations. They coordinate donation drop-offs through their office scheduling system.

Volunteer Opportunities:
The organization offers various volunteer opportunities for community members wanting to support their mission.

Professional Services and Partnerships

Mary's Shelter receives donated professional services from local businesses:
* Kathryn Mandel Photography provides photography services
* The Design Room contributes graphic design services
* Stafford Printing offers printing services

Media Recognition and Outreach

The organization has received media attention for their work, including a feature interview with EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) in August 2021, which highlighted their ministry and services to the community.

Operational Details

Mary's Shelter operates with flexible hours that vary depending on the day. They maintain both general office operations and specialized intake services, with different contact numbers for each function. The organization encourages individuals to call their office for specific questions, appointment scheduling, and coordination of donation drop-offs.

The shelter provides home tours for interested community members and supporters who want to learn more about their facilities and services.

Location and Service Area

Mary's Shelter is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and serves women and children in the surrounding region. Their residential facility provides a safe, supportive environment for expectant mothers and their children during times of crisis and transition.