Honoring a Legacy: Mary Pleger Retires After 30+ Years of Extraordinary Service

June 30, 2026—The foundation of Kinship support in Washington State exists today because of the unwavering dedication of Mary Pleger. After more than 30 years of extraordinary service with Catholic Charities, Mary is officially retiring, marking the conclusion of a career that has shaped the lives of countless families.

Mary first joined the agency in 1993 as a case manager with the First Steps Program, where she supported pregnant and parenting women. She later transitioned to the adoption program, working closely with birth mothers to develop parenting plans, and served as a confidential intermediary to help families reunite with their relatives. In 2002, Mary brought this deep well of experience to the Kinship Program. As one of Washington State's very first Kinship Navigators, her influence became woven into the fabric of nearly every Kinship support effort across the state. Her leadership has always been defined by action, professionalism, and a rare ability to think critically while keeping deep compassion at the center of every decision.

Beyond the programs she built, Mary has been a vital mentor, guide, and inspiration to new Navigators entering the field. Her steady encouragement, generosity with her time, and commitment to evidence-based strategies have helped shape the next generation of professionals. This enduring legacy of service ensures a bright future for kinship families, carried forward by her dedicated team members: Kinship Lead Laura Dow, Kinship Navigator Mariela Valencia, and Kinship Program Manager Jasmine Marquez. To ensure a smooth transition, Mary will still be around helping the team through the summer months in the interim of finding a third navigator.

The impact of Mary's work was beautifully highlighted in the event pamphlet for the recent 23rd annual Voices of Children Raised by Grandparents and Other Relatives contest. The publication features a special dedication to Mary, celebrating a legacy that will continue to ripple across our communities for generations.

Many Kinship families are in a better place today because of Mary’s dedication and her unwavering heart. Please join all of us at Catholic Charities in wishing Mary the absolute best as she steps into retirement and begins her next great adventures!

----

About the Catholic Charities Kinship Program

Every child deserves the support of a loving family. While extended family members are rarely prepared to suddenly take over the care of a child relative, Catholic Charities is here to help you navigate the legal, financial, and emotional challenges of assuming this responsibility.

Our Kinship Navigators help caregivers overcome barriers to:

• Navigating government systems and accessing medical coverage
• Seeking legal advice and qualifying for financial support
• Enrolling students in school and connecting to behavioral health resources
• Accessing once-a-year financial assistance for unexpected expenses (like food, clothing, extracurricular activities, and legal fees) for qualifying families

Need support? Please fill out our online inquiry form to connect with a Kinship Navigator and request services today.