Our Mission Began with “Mothers”
Beginning in 1952, Blanchet House of Hospitality offered meals to anyone in need thanks to the volunteer efforts of many uncelebrated women. Every morning they showed up to cook, serve, clean and give love in a communal effort to build a charity dedicated to alleviating suffering. Inspired by their works of service we created a way to celebrate and honor our “mothers” today. Do you have a mother who taught you compassion and the importance of serving others? Honor her my adding her name to our list.
Dorothy Day: Mother of a Movement
The model of a House of Hospitality was invented by Dorothy Day, a woman of radical compassion. Day co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement in 1933 to tackle the issues of social justice. One of the movements guiding principles is showing hospitality towards those on the margin of society. Every House of Hospitality has a mission suited to it’s community. Blanchet House of Hospitality is dedicated to alleviating suffering by offering meals, clothing and transitional housing.
“It is necessary to embrace poverty and the Works of Mercy, to feed, clothe and shelter people who were in need.” -Dorothy Day
Mary Grace McDermott: A Lifetime of Service
One of the many uncelebrated women in Blanchet House’s history is Mary Grace McDermott. From Machu Picchu to under the Burnside Bridge, Mary Grace, spent her life caring for the outcasts, the poor and the suffering with humor and love. Sometimes caring for one foot at a time at Blanchet House. Read her inspiring and fun interview. >>
We thank our mothers for teaching us compassion and generosity.
Betty Bell
Jamie Anderson
Jean Carlin
Nora Casale
Helen Carter
Helen Dieringer
Lois Ann Eastman, 1926-1990
Barb Ehli
Pearl Martine Eisenman
Laura Fenner
Madelyn Bartholomew Ferry
Mary Elaine Garrow
Madeline Gefroh
Vicki Golda
Mary Veronica Gorman
Madeline Harrington
Valerie Harrington
Patty Hatten
Carol Patricia Hayden
Maurine Hill
Ursula Honig
Cathy Horey
Margaret Jacobson
Shirley P Kengla
Margaret Knoll
Helen Kennedy
Vincenta Lamb
Margaret Lee
Rose Mary Maertens
Imogene McBurney
Elizabeth McCabe
Kay McDonald
Vera McVein
Helen Meier
Louise C. Moodie
Kate Moore
Mary Ellen Moore
France O’Hanlon
Terry O’Hanlon
Joanne Margorie Merrick Owens
Betty J. McGrath
Susie Opal Pappas
Mary V.H. Parker
Vivan Ream-Dierksen
Rita Reiling
Sandra Reiling
Rose Marie Reilly
Jeanne Rusko
Marie Showers
Mary Ulring
Marie and Maggie (White)