About Us

at the community garden near what is now the Village Green in Kingston, Washington.

Our co-founder, Jane Mack, was visiting the pea-patch with a friend when they noticed bedding and clothing belonging to a young couple who had moved into the toolshed for warmth and safe shelter.

They were only two of many youths living in the woods surrounding the community garden without a permanent place to call home. 

Highlighting the lack of affordable housing and accessible shelter for youth in our community, Jane heard a call to mobilize.

Our story began in a toolshed

sketch of a community garden pea-patch toolshed

Since that day over a decade ago, we’ve been rallying passionate community members to Care as an Action by creating a working circle of creative and hardworking volunteers to meet the immediate needs of our local children, young adults, seniors and any neighbor who is food or housing insecure. 

This work would not be possible without the ongoing collaboration with numerous partners including Village Green, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary, Greater Kingston Kiwanis, Kelly Foundation of Washington, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, Kitsap County, 1st Security Bank, and the sovereign nations of the Port Gamble S’Klallam and Suquamish, on whose ancestral lands we live and work throughout.

We invite you to join us on this rewarding journey as a volunteer, donor or collaborator growing our Circle of Care

Annual Report

Board of Directors

  • President

    Catherine brings an abundant skillset of project management and developing systems in the diverse arenas of retail, food service and technology, where her talents of managing logistics and caring for people make her an invaluable and beloved Board President. Knowing she and spouse Noeleen wanted to retire in the Pacific Northwest, the couple settled into their dream home in Kingston in 2021 after decades in the Bay Area, and quickly fell in love with the community. Initially serving at a Kingston Cares Community Meal with her Village Green pickleball team, Catherine began volunteering with Food4Kids and joined the Kingston Cares board of directors, where she served as Vice President before taking over for Stan Mack as President in 2025. Committed to lowering barriers for people to access support, Catherine believes, “We may not be able to fix all the world’s problems. But when we meet someone in our community who needs something, I’m grateful Kingston Cares is there to help them navigate their way toward finding the resources they deserve.”

  • Co-Founder & Secretary


    Kirsten is a lifelong resident of Kitsap County and has worked on affordable housing and homelessness issues for more than 20 years at the county and state government level. She is a proud founder of a number of local non-profit organizations, including Kingston Cares and the Kitsap Rowing Association. She cares deeply about creating and supporting thriving communities, based on her personal belief that "Everybody does better when everybody does better."  Kirsten supports Kingston Cares with her depth of non-profit experience, organizational and leadership skills, and housing expertise.  When she's not working or volunteering at various non-profits, she spends time with her family, sailing, gardening, playing games, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

  • Co-Founder

    After 46 years as a public education speech and language pathologist in both Seattle and North Kitsap, Sally enjoys retirement in the cottage she built on her daughter's Poulsbo property, close to her three grandkids and Siberian Husky Roo. Having lived in Poulsbo and Kingston, Sally’s served on numerous boards and committees, lending her experience and passion as a founding board member of Kingston Cares in the earliest days of the organization. Along with a steadfast presence with Food4Kids, you likely recognize her as the effervescent greeter at our monthly Community Meals!

  • Vice President

    Settling in Indianola in 2005, finally retiring from teaching and being a middle school librarian in 2012, Kathy looked for a way to give back to our community for all its goodness. Kingston Cares called! Helping orchestrate the monthly Community Meal, and helping staff our Severe Weather Shelter with volunteers, Kathy enjoys being a board member where opportunities abound! Kathy also loves hosting friends, her two sons and their families whenever possible. Sunny days you will find Kathy gardening or reading on her porch, the two requirements for a happy life.

  • Guided by a personal mission to relieve suffering and help all folks feel the love they deserve, Jane offers her innate compassion and ability to positively influence others as a central community connector in our North Kitsap community. Before moving to Kingston in 2002 with newly-retired husband Stan, Jane raised her family, volunteered with Navy spouse support organizations, and worked in early education, particularly in tutoring children with dyslexia and other learning differences. Moved by the plight of unhoused young adults, Jane co-founded Kingston Cares, where she's served as past President and current worker-bee. When she isn't busy motivating others for social change Jane enjoys reading, sewing, quilting and spending time with husband Stan, adorable pup BonBon, her amazing three children and granddaughter Olivia.

  • Drawn to the small town atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Nancy moved to Kingston in 2002 with her husband Charlie, and daughters Sarah and Emily. Nancy learned about Kingston Cares through friend and fellow board member Chris Anderson, and promptly got involved packing with Food4Kids and taking on shifts at the Severe Weather Shelter. Now a valued board member, Nancy brings her adaptable skills as a resourceful problem-solver to our fundraising committee, SWS team and Community Meals. After clocking out of work at a Seattle-based 3D printing company, Nancy loves spending time with family and friends and getting outside as much as possible.

  • Treasurer

    Residing in Kingston since 1992, Chris and her spouse of 36 years love the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of the local community. A mortgage residential home loan officer for 30 years, Chris lends her gifts of organization and attention to detail by serving as the Kingston Cares Treasurer and running the Little Free Pantry. In addition to her work and volunteerism, Chris is the co-owner of The Lounge at D’Vine Bistro in downtown Kingston, and in her free time loves to travel and spend time with her grown kids Riley and Emily, and dog Cash.

  • Co-Founder & Past President

    Having lived around the world for decades as a Navy Submariner, Stan and wife Jane settled in Kingston for retirement in 2002. Initially motivated by the community spirit demonstrated by building the Village Green Community Center, Stan helped co-found Kingston Cares where he serves as a faithful board member, program volunteer and past President. A proud Rotarian and active within the Kitsap County Advisory Council and Kingston Affordable Housing Working Groups, Stan spearheads our Affordable Housing initiatives. When he isn’t advocating, Stan loves to spend time with Jane, their three grown kids and granddaughter, and reading history with Bonnie, their small dog with a big personality.

  • Originally arriving in Kingston in 2007, Jennifer now lives near Suquamish and enjoys the unsurpassed beauty, incredible summers and proximity to loved ones that North Kitsap offers. Making time for travel, adventure, movies and connection with friends and family including 2 most amazing nieces, Jennifer counts community service as a central part of her life. Joining the Kingston Cares board after initially contributing to Food4Kids and the Community Meal, Jennifer brings her eclectic work experience as an elementary school teacher, swim coach, Peace Corps volunteer, HR staff, family business support and the Wilderness Land Trust by participating in our Housing Committee and serving wherever is needed! 

  • Bio coming soon!