Martha & Mary is proud to be the one of the primary not-for-profit organizations in western Washington, providing critical services to families living on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas. Our organization has adapted and evolved through the years, thanks to the commitment of our leadership and flexibility of our staff to better meet the needs of those we serve. This is our story...

In 1891, Reverend Ingebrecht Tollefson saw the need for an orphanage, and with the help of community members and friends from his church, he built a home in Poulsbo to care for 20 children. Originally called "The West Coast Lutheran School and Charity Association", this name remained in effect until years later when it was officially changed to Martha and Mary Lutheran Services. Reverend Tollefson and the other founders envisioned opening a high school and even a college. Part of this vision was realized with the development of the high school. Although the school didn't last beyond two years, the children's home continued. During the first part of this century, additions were made to the original building until it housed about 60 children. In the early days, the employees of the facility often received room and board in lieu of salary. The organization was a well-known charity within the Lutheran Church, and there were Martha & Mary Societies throughout the United States, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest.

The original wooden building remained for almost 50 years. Eventually, it became apparent that the building was inconvenient and did not meet modern standards. A new brick building was constructed and dedicated on May 30, 1941, the golden anniversary of the organization. To this day, the site of the dedication remains as the center section of our existing building.

As the times changed, so did the organization. The orphanage became a home for troubled boys around 1950. In 1955, it was decided that the most pressing need in the community was for a long-term care facility.

Over the next forty-eight years there would be a number of continued improvements and renovations to our facilities here in Poulsbo. In 1980, after 71 years of operation, the Ebenezer (the "old folks home" on the hill) was closed. After a complete renovation, it was re-opened in 1985 as Martha and Mary Retirement Apartments. It presently houses 24 independent living units.

In 1983, Martha & Mary returned to caring for children when employees were offered childcare in a little red house on the grounds of the Health Care Center. Six children attended the first day, and enrollment soon grew to its capacity of 15 children. Seeing the need for competent childcare, the organization expanded its campus to offer a variety of children's services to the community. Today, Martha & Mary Children's Services (MMCS) serves over 1000 children at ten sites throughout the county - including the Early Learning Center that opened in the Fall of 2003 at the Joanna Carlson Campus in Silverdale. MMCS offers daycare, before and after school programs, kindergarten, Head Start, and intergenerational programs with residents of the Health Center.

Following a major remodel in 1999, the Health Center became a modern 190-bed healthcare facility and received national recognition for its beauty and design. It now serves as the cornerstone of the organization with its view over Liberty Bay and easy walking-distance to quaint downtown Poulsbo.

Needless to say, we are very proud of our campuses in both Poulsbo and Silverdale. We continually strive to create a meaningful "community" in which the children, residents, staff, and volunteers grow in understanding and appreciation of the gifts both young and old bring into our lives.