Our Mission
at Martha & Mary
Martha & Mary provides quality, compassionate care and intergenerational experiences for children, adults, and seniors regardless of faith, ethnicity, or economic status. We do this in a Christian manner by offering those we serve caring rehabilitation, a safe place to grow and learn, and an opportunity to live with dignity, honor and individuality.
Trust
We value the confidence placed in us to care for those we serve.
Compassion
We care for each person with dignity and respect.
Excellence
We are continually improving and strive to be the best.
Stewardship
We use our talents and resources wisely.
Service
We are sensitive to the needs of those we serve.
A history of community service
Martha & Mary's founder
In 1891, Reverend Ingebrit Tollefson and other leaders of the First Lutheran Church (Fordefjord Congregation, at that time, a member of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church) built a home to care for 20 children in Poulsbo. The establishment of this orphanage marks the official beginnings of Martha & Mary.
Poulsbo was a growing town in the early years of the 20th century. An "old folks" home opened in 1909 as a board and care place named Ebenezer. The three-story wood-framed building overlooked Liberty Bay, originally called Dogfish Bay.
During World War II, the original wood frame building was torn down, and a three story brick building was constructed in its place. During the late 1940s, the Home become a facility for "disturbed" boys. As these types of behavior problems increased in severity, obtaining properly trained and qualified staff became very difficult.
In 1953, the leadership determined that the organization could best serve community needs by offering nursing care for the elderly. The brick building began a transition to become the Martha & Mary Nursing Home. A new wing was added to increase the number of beds, and the facility continued to expand over the years as community needs grew.
In 1980, after decades of service, the Ebenezer "board and care" closed. Total renovation of the building was undertaken in 1984. It reopened in 1985 as Ebenezer Residential Center with apartments for residents age 62 and older.
In 1983, Martha & Mary again returned to caring for children, and employees were offered child care in a little red building on the grounds of the Nursing Home. Six children attended the first day. Enrollment soon grew to its capacity of 15 children, ages four weeks through 11 years.
In response to the community's need for high-quality child care, Trustees voted to expand services to community families. Childcare assistance became available to low-income parents. The enrollment grew to 69 children.
1995 brought a major expansion and renovation to the Martha & Mary Nursing Home. The building incorporated the Scandinavian culture of Poulsbo into the architectural design and detail. The nursing home name was changed to Martha & Mary Health Services. New look! New name! New services!
In January 2001, Martha and Mary began offering before and after school programs at seven of the North Kitsap School District elementary schools. This program is open during school breaks.
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The Silverdale Head Start program moved into a brand new facility in November 2003, built to accommodate 110 infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Children’s Services enrolls more families eligible for child care assistance than any other provider in Kitsap County, receiving DSHS reimbursement for more than 170 children each month.
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Changes in how health care is provided resulted in Health Services “growing” rehabilitation services for those who require short-term stays. Our health center chose a new name, “Martha & Mary Health and Rehab Center” so more people would know about the rehab services that MMHS offers.
Recognizing that the number of seniors who want to stay in their own homes is increasing, Martha & Mary took steps to begin providing “in home care". The home care company is a part of the Martha & Mary Home and Community Services, formerly known as Simeon Services.
1995 brought a major expansion and renovation to the Martha & Mary Nursing Home. The building incorporated the Scandinavian culture of Poulsbo into the architectural design and detail. The nursing home name was changed to Martha & Mary Health Services. New look! New name! New services!
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In 2024, the CCLC opened its doors and welcomed children from our two smaller child care centers in Poulsbo. Sharing the same roof with our seniors has enriched our well-known Intergenerational Programs, bringing the children and seniors together, fostering fun, creating memories, and bridging the generations we serve.
A community resource since 1891
In 1891, Reverend Ingebrit Tollefson and other leaders of the First Lutheran Church (Fordefjord Congregation) saw the need for an orphanage for the community. Together, they built a home in Poulsbo to care for 20 children. This was the official beginning of Martha & Mary.
Poulsbo was a growing town, and soon Martha & Mary felt the need for an "old folks" home as well, which opened in 1909 as a board and care place named Ebenezer. The three-story wood-framed building overlooked Liberty Bay, originally called Dogfish Bay.
During World War II, the original wood frame building was torn down, and a three story brick building was constructed in its place. During the late 1940s, the orphanage become a facility for "disturbed" boys, but in 1953, the leadership determined that the organization could best serve community needs by offering nursing care for the elderly. The home for boys was closed, and the brick building began a transition to become the Martha & Mary Nursing Home.
Fast forward to 1980, when, after decades of service, the Ebenezer "board and care" closed. It reopened in 1985 as Ebenezer Residential Center with apartments for residents age 62 and older.
In 1983, Martha & Mary again returned to caring for children, offering child care to employees in a little red building on the grounds of the Nursing Home. Six children attended the first day. Eventually, Trustees voted to expand services to community families, particularly low income parents.
1995 brought a major expansion and renovation to the Martha & Mary Nursing Home. The name was changed to Martha & Mary Health Services, more fully mirroring the many new services available to the community.
In January 2001, Martha and Mary began offering before and after school programs at seven North Kitsap School District elementary schools. This program was available during school breaks. Today, this program increases the number of children served throughout Kitsap County to close to 1,000, making it nationally the largest childcare program associated with eldercare.
In 2005, changes in how health care is provided resulted in Health Services "growing" its rehabilitation services for those who require short-term stays. Then, in 2010, recognizing that the number of seniors who want to stay in their own homes was increasing, Martha & Mary took steps to add in-home care to our list of services. In 2012 and 2013 we also took over Bay Vista Commons and added Village Green, both independent senior living apartments, to the Martha & Mary family.
To date, we’ve cared for tens of thousands of people in Kitsap County, over multiple generations.
The mission and ministry begin with a children’s home
Reverend Ingebrit Tollefson and his congregation decide to build an orphanage.
M&M adds Head Start classes
The annex, now called the Children's Learning Center, was purchased and M&M partnered with Kitsap Community Resources to offer Head Start classes.
First “Old Folks” home opens
An "old folks" home opened in 1909 as a board and care place named Ebenezer.
Before and after school programs begin
In January 2001, Martha and Mary began offering before and after school programs at seven North Kitsap School District elementary schools. This program was available during school breaks.
Children’s home becomes a facility for “disturbed boys”
The Home become a facility for "disturbed" boys. As these types of behavior problems increased in severity, obtaining properly trained and qualified staff became very difficult.
Early learning center opens in Silverdale
Martha and Mary began offering before and after school programs at seven North Kitsap School District elementary schools. This program was available during school breaks.
First nursing home opens
Leadership determined that the organization could best serve community needs by offering nursing care for the elderly. The home for boys was closed, and the transition began to become the Martha & Mary Nursing Home. A new wing was added to increase the number of beds.
Rehabilitation Center opens
Changes in how health care is provided resulted in Health Services "growing" its rehabilitation services for those who require short-term stays.
M&M returns to child care
Martha & Mary again returned to caring for children, and employees were offered child care in a little red building on the grounds of the Nursing Home. Six children attended the first day.
M&M begins offering at-home care
Recognizing that the number of seniors who want to stay in their own homes was increasing, Martha & Mary took steps to add "in home care" to our family of services.
Child Care & Learning Center Opens
In 2024, the CCLC opened its doors and welcomed children from our two smaller child care centers in Poulsbo. Sharing the same roof with our seniors has enriched our well-known Intergenerational Programs, bringing the children and seniors together, fostering fun, creating memories, and bridging the generations we serve.
Martha & Mary Leadership
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Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
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Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
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Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
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Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
Sit quis egestas libero nisl sed. Eget a aliquam ut ac. A ut amet tempor non enim aliquet risus urna. Non pretium pellentesque arcu sed porttitor turpis. Ut placerat nibh eget nunc etiam amet potenti auctor. Aenean orci laoreet viverra pretium. Eget mauris sapien aliquet augue. Nisl egestas eget mi aliquet nibh sed justo amet tellus. Congue viverra at iaculis eu elementum gravida. Accumsan rhoncus elementum ligula consequat dis elementum vel.
Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
Sit quis egestas libero nisl sed. Eget a aliquam ut ac. A ut amet tempor non enim aliquet risus urna. Non pretium pellentesque arcu sed porttitor turpis. Ut placerat nibh eget nunc etiam amet potenti auctor. Aenean orci laoreet viverra pretium. Eget mauris sapien aliquet augue. Nisl egestas eget mi aliquet nibh sed justo amet tellus. Congue viverra at iaculis eu elementum gravida. Accumsan rhoncus elementum ligula consequat dis elementum vel.
Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
Sit quis egestas libero nisl sed. Eget a aliquam ut ac. A ut amet tempor non enim aliquet risus urna. Non pretium pellentesque arcu sed porttitor turpis. Ut placerat nibh eget nunc etiam amet potenti auctor. Aenean orci laoreet viverra pretium. Eget mauris sapien aliquet augue. Nisl egestas eget mi aliquet nibh sed justo amet tellus. Congue viverra at iaculis eu elementum gravida. Accumsan rhoncus elementum ligula consequat dis elementum vel.
Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
Sit quis egestas libero nisl sed. Eget a aliquam ut ac. A ut amet tempor non enim aliquet risus urna. Non pretium pellentesque arcu sed porttitor turpis. Ut placerat nibh eget nunc etiam amet potenti auctor. Aenean orci laoreet viverra pretium. Eget mauris sapien aliquet augue. Nisl egestas eget mi aliquet nibh sed justo amet tellus. Congue viverra at iaculis eu elementum gravida. Accumsan rhoncus elementum ligula consequat dis elementum vel.
Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
Sit quis egestas libero nisl sed. Eget a aliquam ut ac. A ut amet tempor non enim aliquet risus urna. Non pretium pellentesque arcu sed porttitor turpis. Ut placerat nibh eget nunc etiam amet potenti auctor. Aenean orci laoreet viverra pretium. Eget mauris sapien aliquet augue. Nisl egestas eget mi aliquet nibh sed justo amet tellus. Congue viverra at iaculis eu elementum gravida. Accumsan rhoncus elementum ligula consequat dis elementum vel.
Felis sit purus hendrerit diam risus convallis. Pharetra enim at et mattis semper. Nec tortor porttitor ut tortor massa lectus vitae eget. Quis tristique volutpat integer fermentum. Ac lacus vel praesent sem ornare bibendum fringilla elementum. Fringilla commodo pulvinar in posuere donec amet pulvinar lobortis lacinia. Porttitor sed id potenti non feugiat auctor elementum mauris enim. Fusce a est justo velit curabitur vehicula vel et condimentum.
Our Board of Trustees
Our member congregations
Throughout our history, Lutheran churches in Kitsap County and beyond have supported our mission of caring. We are endlessly grateful our member congregations.
- Bethany Lutheran Church, Bainbridge Island
- First Lutheran Church, Poulsbo
- Peace Lutheran Church, Bremerton
- Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Bremerton
- Port Madison Lutheran Church, Bainbridge Island
- Silverdale Lutheran Church, Silverdale
- Vinland Lutheran Church, Poulsbo
- Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Bremerton
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