After years of planning, partnership, and generous support, the Epiphany Early Childhood Education Center is complete—and we invite you to celebrate this exciting milestone with us!
On August 18, 2026, Epiphany Center will officially open the doors to our expanded Early Childhood Education Center and Green School Yard with a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. This beautiful new space, featuring nature-based classrooms and outdoor learning environments, has tripled our capacity to serve children from birth through age 4.9, creating greater access to specialized, trauma-informed early childhood education for San Francisco's most vulnerable families. This achievement reflects the dedication of our community, partners, donors, and supporters who believed in the vision of expanding access to high-quality early education. Together, we have created a place where children can explore, learn, heal, and build a strong foundation for the future. We hope you will join us as we celebrate what we have accomplished together and the expanded opportunities this new center creates for the children and families we serve.
Thank you for helping make this dream a reality. We look forward to celebrating with you!
This project is MADE POSSIBLE BY
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Epiphany Early Childhood Education Center and Green School Yard
August 18, 2026 10:00 am - Tour New Spaces 10:30am - Program & Ribbon Cutting 2555 O'Farrell Street
San Francisco
RSVP or
Dear Friends of Epiphany,
This summer has been filled with reasons to celebrate.
As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we have also been blessed to celebrate the 100th birthdays of three longtime friends and supporters of Epiphany Center.
One of those remarkable women, LaVerne Reiterman, inspired her family to honor her birthday by transforming our TV rooms into welcoming recreation spaces for the women in our program. Her celebration also inspired additional gifts from family and friends. For decades, LaVerne has encouraged our women with kindness, reminding them
that their efforts to build better lives matter.
One of my younger brothers, Peter, celebrated his 75th birthday by inviting guests to support Epiphany through Peter Dunkel's Good Start Fund, helping provide essential infant and toddler parent support and staff services, as well as everyday necessities like food, clothing, cribs, and strollers.
These celebrations remind us how meaningful it is when our friends share the Epiphany story with others. Because we protect the privacy of the women and children we serve, we cannot publicly promote much of our work. Your willingness to introduce others to our mission helps ensure that more families can find hope and healing. We are also excited to announce the official Ribbon Cutting for our new Early
In Summer's Words
Each year at the Celebrating Mothers Luncheon, an Epiphany Center graduate shares her personal journey of addiction, recovery, and healing. These courageous stories remind us of the life-changing impact of compassionate care. This year, Summer shared her remarkable journey from childhood trauma and addiction to recovery, higher education, and advocacy—a powerful testament to what is possible when women are given the support and opportunity to rebuild their lives.
“My name is Summer, and I am a proud single mother of three beautiful children. I grew up in severe abuse and neglect, in a home filled with violence, fear, and chaos. From a very young age, I was exposed to violence, drugs, abuse, and constant instability.
Childhood Education Center on August 18.This beautiful new space will allow us to triple enrollment and expand access to high-quality early education for families in need.
That same day also marks the beginning of the Daughters of Charity's 175th year of serving women and children in San Francisco and the West. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, which has allowed this ministry to grow and respond to the changing needs of each generation.
Thank you for helping us continue this mission of hope and healing.
Blessings on you and those you love,
Sister Betty Marie Dunkel, D.C. Executive Director
I lived in fear every single day. I was sexually abused, severely bullied, and hurt by the one person who was supposed to protect me. I learned to stay silent, and as I got older, that pain turned into anger. I joined a gang, became a teen mom, and spent years trapped in violence, addiction, and survival mode.
Eventually, I found myself pregnant, homeless, struggling with addiction, and sitting in a jail cell during COVID. I felt like a failure as a mother, and I couldn't stop thinking about my daughter crying for me. That was the moment I knew I needed real help. That chance led me to Epiphany Center.
Continued on page 7
Epiphany Royale Raises
the Stakes at the 29th Annual Benefit Party & Show
On Thursday, March 5, the Epiphany League hosted the 29th Annual Benefit Party & Show — Epiphany Royale — an unforgettable evening of glamour, generosity, and game-changing impact in support of Epiphany Center's life-saving programs.
Inspired by the excitement of a classic casino night, guests were invited to "place their bets" on hope, healing, and the futures of the more than 300 at-risk families Epiphany serves each year.
Since its inception, the Benefit Party & Show has raised more than $3.5 million to sustain Epiphany's critical programs for women and children. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of this year's guests, sponsors, League members, and donors, the event raised over $160,000 in support of Epiphany's mission.
A highlight of the evening was the Fund-A-Need, where guests went "all in" to meet a bold $100,000 goal to restore Epiphany's Step-Down Transitional Housing. This essential program provides safe, stable housing where women and children can rebuild their lives and continue their recovery journeys.
Guests enjoyed non-prize casino games, dinner, dancing, a lively silent auction, and a spectacular musical revue performed by an all-volunteer cast. A heartfelt thank you to our cast, directors, orchestra, crew, auction donors, and everyone who helped make the evening such a success.
We are especially grateful to Epiphany graduate Tasha, whose powerful recovery story reminded us why this work matters, and to our sponsors, Epiphany League members, and Party Co-Chairs Jean Macaluso and Adrienne Murphy for their leadership and unwavering support.
Because of you, Epiphany Center continues its 174-year legacy of strengthening families, empowering women in recovery, and creating brighter futures for children. Thank you for making the 29th Annual Benefit Party &Show a royal success—we look forward to seeing you next year!
Photos by Scott Wall Photography. A) Chairs, Jean Macaluso and Adrienne Murphy B) Amazing Cast of the 2026 Epiphany Royale Show
C)Melody Lendaro, LaVerne Reiterman, Tim Reiterman D) Daughters of Charity E) Jean Macaluso, D’Arcy Owens, Sandy Lane
Where New Beginnings Take Root: Fund-A-Need 2026
For years, your generosity through Epiphany Center's annual Fund-A-Need has helped create safer, healthier, and more supportive spaces for the women and children we serve. Together, you have helped expand dental and vision care, purchase a 12-passenger van, replace aging windows, upgrade campus-wide Wi-Fi, install a three-stop elevator, and enhance campus security. Last year, your incredible support raised $75,000 to expand our Early Childhood Education Center—a project that is already changing lives.
This year, we're turning our attention to another place where new beginnings take root: Epiphany's Step-Down Transitional Housing Program.
Our three-story Victorian home provides safe, sober housing for up to 14 women and their children as they transition from residential treatment to independent living. Here, recovery deepens, parenting skills flourish, and families prepare for permanent housing. It is the bridge between treatment and a stable, independent future.
To ensure this special home continues serving families for years to come, we are raising funds to renovate eight bathrooms, create a welcoming family-centered kitchen, and restore the exterior of this historic home.Every improvement is an investment in healing, stability, and hope.
“Your gift does more than restore a building—it restores hope.”
We need your help to make this vision a reality. Please consider making a gift to the 2026 Fund-A-Need today using the QR code below.
Together, we can ensure more mothers and children have a safe place to take their next step toward a brighter future.
Donate Today?
18th Annual Celebrating Mothers Luncheon Honors Recovery, Resilience, and
On May 6, the Epiphany Center community gathered at the beautiful St. Francis Yacht Club for the 18th Annual Celebrating Mothers Luncheon—an inspiring afternoon honoring the women who shape our lives while raising critical funds to support women and children in recovery.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the San Francisco Bay, supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and friends came together to celebrate mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, and caregivers while uplifting families on their journey toward healing and stability.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees, sponsors, donors, and community partners, this year's luncheon raised more than $110,000 to support Epiphany Center's programs serving vulnerable women and children. A portion of the proceeds will help restore Epiphany's Step-Down Transitional Housing, providing safe, stable housing where women and children can continue their recovery journeys.
Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, gourmet lunch, orchid garden sale, and online silent auction, all in support of Epiphany's mission to help women recover, reunify with their children, and build brighter futures.
One of the afternoon's most moving moments was a heartfelt testimonial from an Epiphany graduate, who shared her journey from childhood trauma and addiction to recovery, higher education, and advocacy. Her story was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of compassionate support and opportunity. Read excerpts from her inspiring remarks on page 2 and 7.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Luncheon Chairs Nan Bouton and Brenda Maclean for their leadership, and to Matt Callahan, who once again inspired incredible generosity during the Fund-A-Need appeal.
Finally, thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and members of the Epiphany League. Your generosity ensures Epiphany Center can continue its mission of helping women and children heal, thrive, and build brighter futures.
Family
Photos by Scott Wall Photography. A) MacLean Marsten, Brenda MacLean, Rita O’Hara, Olga O’Hara, Colleen Knopf B) Madison DiNopoli, Laura Posten, Jessica Hewson C) Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory D) Marie Murphy, Elizabeth Smith, Clarice Baldwin, Michelle MacDonald E) Event Chairs Brenda MacLean, Nan Bouton
Toni Estacio Honored bySanFrancisco FamilyTreatment Court
Congratulations to Toni Estacio, Parent Education Specialist, on receiving the Community Supporter Honoree Award from San Francisco Family Treatment Court (FTC) in recognition of National Family Reunification Month.
The award honors individuals and community partners who help parents overcome challenges, strengthen their families, and safely reunify with their children.
San Francisco's Family Treatment Court brings together courts, child welfare professionals, treatment providers, and community organizations like Epiphany Center to help parents achieve recovery, strengthen parenting skills, and create safe, stable homes for their children.
For six years, Toni has supported mothers in recovery at Epiphany, helping them strengthen relationships with their children and work toward reunification.
"Family reunification is so much more than bringing a parent and child back together," Toni shared. "It is about restoring hope, healing relationships, rebuilding trust, and creating opportunities for families to thrive."
Toni's commitment to this work is deeply personal. Having recently celebrated nine years in recovery, she understands firsthand the courage it takes to make lasting change—and the importance of having someone who believes in you.
"I understand the importance of being seen, supported, and believed in," she said. "I know how powerful it can be when someone recognizes your potential even when you struggle to see it yourself."
We congratulate Toni on this well-deserved honor and thank her for the compassion and hope she brings to the families we serve. Her work reflects Epiphany Center's commitment to helping women in recovery strengthen their families and build healthier futures.
In May, Epiphany Center welcomed alumni back for our annual Alumni Reunion—an evening filled with laughter, connection, and celebration.
Former clients, staff, and families gathered to honor the journeys of recovery and the lasting bonds formed through the Epiphany community. The reunion was a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that no one has to walk the journey alone. Alumni shared stories of personal growth, milestones, and challenges overcome since leaving the program, inspiring one another and the staff who supported them along the way.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed food, activities, and meaningful conversations with friends old and new. The smiles, hugs, and heartfelt reunions reflected the strong sense of community that continues long after clients complete the program.
At Epiphany Center, we believe recovery is a lifelong journey, and our alumni are a testament to the hope and transformation made possible through support, perseverance, and connection. We are honored to celebrate their successes and grateful for the opportunity to remain part of their journeys.
This August 18th, we begin the countdown to the 175th Anniversary of the Daughters of Charity's arrival in California in 1852. Throughout the coming year, we'll share stories from our rich history, recognize those who have shaped our mission, and highlight the lives that continue to be transformed through your support. Throughout our history, the strength and impact of the Daughters of Charity has always been greatly aided by our partnership with our lay supporters. There have always been a group of committed lay citizens who have been eager to assist the Daughters in their mission of service. We are eternally grateful for the early support of the Sullivan and Oliver families, as well as the continuing support of all of you. It is through you and with you that we are able to continue to provide vital programs and services that
bring hope, healing, and opportunity to women, children, and families in need. Your generosity and commitment ensure that our mission, rooted in the values of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, continues to flourish nearly 175 years after the Daughters first arrived in California.
Together, we are carrying forward a legacy of compassion, dignity, and service. While the needs of our community have changed over the years, our commitment to responding with love, respect, and excellence has remained steadfast.
As we look ahead to celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Daughters of Charity's arrival in California, we do so with deep gratitude for your partnership. Together, we will continue this mission of service, ensuring that the legacy of the Daughters of Charity endures for generations to come.
Thank you for walking beside us on this remarkable journey.
Continued from Page 2
I arrived pregnant with my son, carrying my 6-monthold baby, separated from my older daughter, scared, and unable to trust anyone. But something about Epiphany was different. For the first time, I wasn't treated like my past. I was treated like a mother—like someone who mattered.
The staff met me with compassion instead of shame. They helped me understand my trauma, become the parent my children needed, and believe that healing was possible.
I made a promise to myself that when I left Epiphany, I was going to school, and I was going to help families like ours.
I completed the program, graduated with highest honors, earned multiple degrees, and today I'm a full-time student at Stanford University studying public policy. I'm also a Student Parent Advocate with
Generation Hope, helping other student parents succeed. My children and I are no longer living in poverty. We are stable, safe, and thriving. I broke the cycles of abuse, addiction, and survival that once defined my life.
None of this would have been possible without Epiphany Center. Six years ago, I thought my life was over. Today, I stand here sober, healing, and determined to give back.
Because of this program, I didn't just survive—I finally started living."
Former Epiphany Center Client
Leave a Legacy of Hope
We all hope to leave a positive impact on the people and causes we care about most. One meaningful way to continue your compassion and generosity is through a planned gift to Epiphany Center. By including Epiphany Center in your will or estate plans, you help ensure that women and children facing trauma, addiction, and poverty will continue to receive the care, support, and opportunities they need to heal and thrive. Legacy gifts provide lasting support for essential programs, including residential recovery services, mental health care, family support, and early childhood education. These gifts help sustain Epiphany Center's mission for years to come, creating brighter futures for generations of families. A planned gift is more than a financial contribution—it is a lasting expression of hope, faith, and commitment to transforming lives. Through your generosity, your legacy will live on in the women and children whose lives are changed through healing, stability, and opportunity.
To learn more about planned giving opportunities, please contact us or visit our website.
