Sharing Our Mission: Community Partner Expo

A special part of our 175th Anniversary Celebration on December 7, 2025, was the Sharing Our Mission—Community Partner Expo. This event offered a unique opportunity for guests to learn about twelve organizations with which the Sisters partner. Each organization hosted a table and shared information about its mission and programs, allowing guests to discover meaningful work and how the Sisters have collaborated with these partners over the years.

Preaching Hope for the Future
For 175 years, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have carried the torch of truth, love, and justice—lighting paths, inspiring minds, comforting hearts, and confronting the world’s most urgent needs with the hope of the Gospel. The symbol of the torch draws its roots from more than 850 years ago, when Blessed Jane d’Aza, while pregnant with Dominic, dreamt of a dog with a torch in its mouth, setting the world ablaze with the Gospel. This flame has illumined our history and continues to light a path forward. First lit in California in 1850, this light was never meant to stay in one place—it was always meant to be shared.

As our congregation evolves, the mission entrusted to us has never felt more urgent. The world still thirsts for justice, still aches for compassion, still longs for truth. And so, we share the torch with those we’ve taught, those we’ve served, and those who have stood beside us in ministry.

The Dominican charism is not tied to numbers or buildings. It lives in every life touched, every mind opened, every soul stirred to action. As it is embodied in us, so too, it lives among our lay partners, collaborators, friends in the wider Dominican family, and all those who continue to live and preach with their lives.

We are called to invite others into the bright energy found in pursuits of truth, love, and justice—to kindle a spark—by sharing our story and preaching by our lives. We see hope in the growing number of lay leaders carrying forward our ministries, in alums leading with integrity, in parish and community partners walking the path of justice and mercy.

The next 175 years may not look like the past—but the light shines on. We are not just celebrating where we’ve been, we are investing in where we’re going. And so as long as people are willing to stand for truth, to serve with love, and to pursue justice with courage, the Dominican spirit will only burn brighter.

Let us continue together—carrying the torch, sharing the light, setting the world ablaze with the Gospel, and preaching hope for the future!

Participating Community Partners

Canal Alliance
Website: https://canalalliance.org
Founded: 1982
Location: San Rafael, Marin County

Building an Equitable Marin for All
Canal Alliance is a nonprofit championing Marin’s Latino immigrant community, helping families overcome barriers through legal services, education, career programs, and social support. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty and create a Marin where everyone can live, learn, work, and thrive.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael share this commitment to justice and human dignity. Guided by their corporate stance on immigration, the Sisters have long partnered with Canal Alliance in support of its mission. Over the years, Sisters including the late Sr. Anna Louise LaVoy, OP, Sr. Brigid Noonan, OP, and (currently) Sr. Carla Kovack, OP have volunteered as tutors and classroom assistants in Canal Alliance’s English language and education programs—continuing a legacy of accompaniment, advocacy, and compassionate service to immigrant families in Marin.

Center for Domestic Peace
Website: https://centerfordomesticpeace.org
Founded: 1977
Location: Marin County

Promoting Safety, Healing, and Justice
Founded in 1977, the Center for Domestic Peace (C4DP) addresses domestic violence at every level in Marin County—crisis response, survivor support, prevention, and systems change. Originally founded as Marin Abused Women’s Services, C4DP has become a leading voice for safety, dignity, and long-term healing for survivors and families affected by domestic violence.

Sr. Patricia Dougherty, OP and Dr. LeeAnn Bartolini led various initiatives during their tenure with the Dominican University Honors Program including performances and community engagement projects—such as benefit productions of The Vagina Monologues and Women’s Studies programming—raising both funds and awareness for survivors of domestic violence. Faculty members and students continue to collaborate with C4DP on outreach, education, and trauma-
informed initiatives.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and the Center for Domestic Peace have shared a long and meaningful partnership grounded in the common mission to uphold human dignity, justice, and peace. The Sisters have supported the organization through both financial gifts and institutional collaboration. In 2015, a major donation from the Dominican Sisters helped expand C4DP’s emergency shelter, adding ten new beds and increasing the center’s capacity by nearly 50%.

Together, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and the Center for Domestic Peace embody a shared belief that when people are safe, supported, and seen, domestic peace becomes not only possible, but a shared reality for the whole community.

Community Health Alliance
Website: https://www.chanevada.org/
Founded: 2012
Location: Northern Nevada

Established in July 2012, Community Health Alliance is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that serves as the largest provider of primary medical and dental services to Medicaid patients in Northern Nevada. At its inception, CHA was formed to take over the community health clinics founded by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center when it was sold to for-profit Prime Healthcare.

Sr. Peter Damian Lang, OP, was instrumental in establishing the first community health clinic in the Sun Valley area of Reno in 1993. Some years later, Sr. Jeremy Carmody, OP helped to found the Nell J. Redfield (Neil Road) clinic. Today, Community Health Alliance operates seven primary care health centers in Reno and Sparks, as well as three mobile medical and dental units. CHA also has an integrated behavioral health care program, two in-house pharmacies, a comprehensive Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and a prescription food pantry to assist patients who are food insecure.

Echoing the lifework of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, who founded Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in 1908, today, Community Health Alliance’s mission is to fulfill the Reno/Sparks community’s needs for dignified, respectful, high-quality, and affordable health care. When Sr. Peter Damian served at St. Mary’s Hospital, she was instrumental in establishing health centers in impoverished areas in northern Nevada. When the hospital was sold by Dignity Heath these health centers found new partners and operated independently, and others have since been established. The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are proud to support their mission financially and through serving on the Board.

Dominican University of California
Website: https://www.dominican.edu
Founded: 1890
Location: San Rafael, Marin County

A Legacy of Learning
Founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael as a Catholic college for women, Dominican University of California has grown into a vibrant, independent, coeducational institution offering more than 60 programs of study. The University’s roots trace back to the Sisters’ earliest educational missions in Monterey (1850) and Benicia, before establishing their motherhouse and college in San Rafael under Mother Louis O’Donnell.

Dominican became one of the first Catholic colleges in California to grant bachelor’s degrees to women and transitioned to coeducation in 1971, later earning university status in 2000.

Throughout its 130-year history, Dominican has earned distinction for academic excellence, research, and community engagement. The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael remain deeply connected as alumnae, board members, and faculty—most recently through Sisters Aaron Winkelman, OP, Patricia Dougherty, OP, and Sue Pixley, OP, the University’s last teaching Sisters—continuing their enduring mission to educate the mind, inspire the heart, and serve the world.

Homeward Bound of Marin
Website: https://hbofm.org
Founded: 1974
Location: Marin County

Supporting Families on the Path to Stability
Founded in 1974, Homeward Bound of Marin provides resources and support to homeless adults, families, and veterans in Marin County, welcoming approximately 1,000 people annually through 18 programs. Their services include safe housing, compassionate care, and job training to help participants achieve long-term stability.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been long-standing partners, offering physical space at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent for transitional housing programs through the Yellow Hallway program, through the leadership of Sr. Patricia Simpson, OP, and offering furnishings at Jonathan’s Place, where Sr. Carla Kovack, OP, ministers as Chaplain after 22-years of service on the Board of Directors. Homeward Bound manages these programs, providing social services, counseling, and guidance toward permanent housing, while the Sisters provide housing, financial support, and assistance with program logistics.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to dignity, compassion, and pathways to self-sufficiency for families experiencing homelessness.

Lima Center, St. Dominic’s Parish
Website: https://stdominics.org/lima-center
Founded: 2005
Location: San Francisco

A Place of Refuge and Hope
Founded in 2005 by Sr. Anne Bertain, OP, as part of St. Dominic’s Community Service Program which was also developed by Sr. Anne, the Lima Center at St. Dominic’s Parish in San Francisco provides essential services to the local community, including daily meals, a weekly store offering food and gently used clothing, and a safe, welcoming space for those in need.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have a long history of partnership with St. Dominic’s, beginning in the early 1900s when Sisters served as teachers in the parish school. Sisters Lois Silva, OP, Susannah Malarkey, OP, and Cathryn deBack, OP were faithful volunteers at its inception, and when Sr. Anne retired in 2015, Sr. Colleen McDermott, OP became Director of Community Services for several years.

Today, the Sisters continue to support the Center through staffing, program oversight, and volunteer efforts, reflecting their enduring commitment to compassion, social justice, and community care. The Lima Center exemplifies the Sisters’ mission to provide hope, dignity, and tangible support to those experiencing homelessness and hardship in San Francisco.

Marin Interfaith Council
Website: https://www.marinifc.org
Founded: 1982
Location: Marin County

Celebrating Faith, Advocating Justice, Building Community
Founded in 1982, the Marin Interfaith Council (MIC) brings together faith communities, religious leaders, and community members to celebrate faith, advocate for justice, and foster a more vibrant and equitable Marin County where all are welcome. MIC honors the rich diversity of Marin County’s faith traditions, convenes leaders for dialogue and collaboration, and hosts community vigils and events to support resilience, healing, and solidarity.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have a long-standing and active partnership with MIC, participating in collaborative events, social justice advocacy, and institutional support. Over the years, several Sisters have served as liaisons between the congregation and MIC; currently, Sr. Patricia Bruno, OP holds this role. Sisters have also served as guest speakers, and Sr. Pat Farrell, OP recently led a meditation event.

The Sisters have sponsored programs, conferences, and workshops on immigration, community engagement, and social issues. Through this ongoing partnership, MIC and the Dominican Sisters exemplify shared values of faith, justice, and community-building, nurturing dialogue, understanding, and compassionate action across Marin County.

Marin Organizing Committee
Website: www.moc-iaf.org
Founded: 2009
Location: Marin County

Organizing for the Common Good
The Marin Organizing Committee (MOC), an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), unites faith-based, nonprofit, educational, and civic institutions to address shared community concerns and take collective action for the common good. Rooted in the belief that a healthy democracy depends on the active participation of ordinary people, MOC develops multi-issue agendas through conversations across its member institutions on topics ranging from affordable housing and mental health support to immigrant advocacy and services for the elderly and disabled.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have partnered with MOC since its founding in 2009, with Sr. Marion Irvine, OP and Sr. Bernadette Wombacher, OP helping to lay its groundwork. Over the years, Sisters have participated in meetings, public actions, and local government hearings, supported virtual sessions during the pandemic, and hosted gatherings in their Gathering Space. Today, their ongoing involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to advocacy, justice, and community engagement.

Rose Court
Website:  www.sanrafaelop.org
Founded: 2001
Location: San Francisco

A Community Rooted in Care and Dignity
As a sponsored ministry of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Rose Court is a unique community in San Francisco providing affordable rental apartments for eighteen families and a neighborhood childcare center for preschool children. Established on the historic site of St. Rose Academy, which closed after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Rose Court welcomed its first residents in 2001, with Sr. Cathryn deBack, OP serving as the first Resident Manager. Sr. Pat Farrell, OP, currently leads the community.

Rose Court fosters a supportive and diverse environment where residents care for one another, share resources, and build a safe, peaceful home. The presence of the Dominican Sisters nearby adds spiritual support and community connection. Through its ongoing ministry, Rose Court exemplifies the Sisters’ commitment to human dignity, social justice, and compassionate service, providing families with affordable housing, childcare, and a nurturing neighborhood where both children and elders can thrive.

San Domenico School
Website: https://www.sandomenico.org
Founded: 1850
Location: San Anselmo, Marin County

Rooted in Values, Driven by Purpose
Founded in 1850 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, San Domenico School traces its origins to Santa Catalina in Monterey, later moving to Benicia as St. Catherine’s Academy, then to San Rafael as Dominican Convent Lower and Upper School, before establishing its permanent home in San Anselmo.

While no longer formally sponsored by the Sisters, the school’s legacy of academic excellence is grounded in Dominican values of study, reflection, community, and service. The Sisters continue to be active as board members, alumni, and faculty, and Sr. Gervaise Valpey, OP, a longtime leader, remains involved in an emerita role.

Today, San Domenico brings together students from the Bay Area, across the country, and around the world on its 515-acre campus. Through inquiry, reflection, and joyful discovery, students cultivate compassion, leadership, and critical thinking, preparing them to make a meaningful impact and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

St. Mary’s Community Services
Website: https://smcares.org/
Founded: 1966
Location: Stockton, San Joaquin County

St. Mary’s Community Services exists to create pathways out of homelessness and poverty by offering essential daily services and supportive programs provided with dignity. St. Mary’s Community Services strives for all individuals to obtain and remain in safe, affordable housing, and envisions a community in which homelessness and poverty are rare, temporary, and non-recurring.

Working with their community, they work to create pathways out of homelessness and poverty through compassionate care, dignity, and respect. In addition to serving three hot meals every day to more than 500 individuals, the staff, partner agencies, and volunteers create individualized pathways to achieve enhanced personal well-being and housing solutions. The Dominican Sisters have deep roots in the Stockton community, having founded schools and St. Joseph’s hospital, and continue to minister to the people of Stockton through their active support of St. Mary’s.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have a long-standing connection to St. Mary’s Community Services (St. Mary’s Dining Room) in Stockton through financial support, board service, and shared mission. The Dominican Sisters provided seed money for the expansion of the dinner meal service and continue to support the organization through service on the board, with at least one sister currently serving in that role.

St. Vincent de Paul Conference, St. Raphael Parish
Website: https://www.saintraphael.com/st-vincent-de-paul-society
Founded: 1960
Location: San Rafael, Marin County

Serving Those in Need
Founded in 1960, the St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference at St. Raphael Parish has served the San Rafael community for more than 65 years. Inspired by Gospel values, the Conference provides food, clothing, rent assistance, and other essential support to families and individuals in need, often visiting homes to assess specific circumstances and offer personalized help.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael share a longstanding connection with the Conference, partnering in service to uphold the dignity of all people. Sisters have actively volunteered with supplying goods for and serving at the SVDP food pantry and supported parish-based initiatives, reflecting their commitment to compassionate care and community outreach.

Currently, Sisters Gervaise Valpey, OP and Mary Kieffer, OP lead the efforts for the Dominican Sisters, and through this enduring partnership, the Sisters and the St. Vincent de Paul Society continue to embody a shared mission of service, spiritual growth, and social justice, providing vital assistance and hope to vulnerable members of the San Rafael community.