Stella’s Circle
Stella's Circle is a St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador non-profit that provides wrap-around housing, mental health, and employment services to marginalized adults, supplemented by five social enterprises that double as vocational training platforms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersSt. John's, Canada
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Stella’s Circle does
Stella's Circle is a St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador-based non-profit charitable organization that delivers wrap-around social services to adults facing barriers to community participation, including mental health challenges, addictions, trauma, poverty, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, low literacy, and unemployment. Founded in 2005 (as a registered Foundation) and operationalized under its current name in 2007 — evolving out of Emmanuel House and named after Dr. Stella Burry — the organization operates as an outreach ministry of the United Church of Canada and is governed by a 12-16 member Board of Directors, with Dean Brinton serving as Executive Director. Its service portfolio is organized around three core pillars: Housing (Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre, the Naomi Centre youth shelter, and a portfolio of 133+ affordable housing units making it the third-largest provider in the province), Mental Health (Emmanuel House residential program, Just Us Women's Centre, and the Community Support Program, all delivered under harm-reduction and trauma-informed frameworks), and Employment (job-readiness training, workplace-based training, Adult Basic Education, and English as an Additional Language).
The business model is a hybrid of government and foundation grants, corporate and individual donations, and earned revenue from five wholly-owned social enterprises: Hungry Heart Café & Catering (flagship food service, first Buy Canada accredited social enterprise in Atlantic Canada, relocated to Pleasantville in 2025), Clean Start (commercial cleaning), Home To Stay (home renovations for seniors and accessibility modifications), Venue at 142 Military (event space), and Raised Garden Boxes (seasonal product line). These enterprises double as vocational training platforms, with 100% of Clean Start trainees reportedly transitioning to other employment annually. Funding comes from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, multiple Government of Newfoundland and Labrador departments, Correctional Services Canada, the United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund, Vancouver Foundation, MAZON Canada, the Rotary Club of St. John's ($100K-$499K tier), Suncor Energy, Nasdaq Verafin, and the annual Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women. There is no proprietary technology platform; service delivery is human-staff-intensive and supported by standard back-office tools plus an E2RM donation portal. The organization served 1,512 community members in the most recently reported year, with 102 individuals placed in stable housing, 278 starting or maintaining employment, and 518 group counselling sessions delivered.
Stella’s Circle firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Stella’s Circle
- Legal name
- Stella's Circle
- Website
- https://stellascircle.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Stella's Circle is a St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador non-profit that provides wrap-around housing, mental health, and employment services to marginalized adults, supplemented by five social enterprises that double as vocational training platforms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Stella’s Circle industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Social Services
- NAICS
- Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Individual and Family Services (6241), Community Food Services (624210)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG), Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO), Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)
Keywords
Where Stella’s Circle is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- St. John's
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices8 records
Markets served
Stella’s Circle business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Social Enterprise Sales: Revenue generated through multiple social enterprises: Hungry Heart Café & Catering (food service), Clean Start (commercial cleaning), Home To Stay (home renovations), Venue at 142 Military (event space rental), and Raised Garden Boxes (seasonal product sales). These enterprises provide employment and training to participants while generating operational revenue.
- Government and Foundation Funding: Major funding from government bodies including Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (multiple departments), Government of Canada (Correctional Services Canada), and foundations including United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund, Vancouver Foundation, and MAZON Canada.
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Donations from individuals, corporate donors, and organizations including Rotary Club of St. John's, Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women, Suncor Energy Inc., and numerous individual benefactors. The organization operates a donation portal through E2RM platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Full Garden Installation - Complete setup with delivery and installation |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Replenishment Kit - Re-planting and soil refreshment |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Do-It-Yourself Kit - Dismantled box for self-assembly |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessible Garden Installation - Off-the-ground custom planter |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Venue Rental at 142 Military Road |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Stella’s Circle product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Stella's Circle provides integrated wrap-around social services to adults facing barriers such as mental illness, addictions, homelessness, poverty, and criminal justice involvement in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Its core offerings span three pillars — housing (including emergency shelter, affordable units, and housing navigation), mental health (trauma-informed and harm-reduction counselling in residential, community, and correctional settings), and employment (training, adult basic education, social enterprises). Services are funded through government grants, charitable donations, and revenue from social enterprises (café/catering, cleaning, renovations, venue rental, garden boxes).
Product overview
Stella's Circle is a community organization offering wrap-around social services rather than a technology product. Its portfolio consists of three core service pillars (housing, mental health, and employment) delivered through integrated programs, supplemented by social enterprises that provide employment training while generating revenue. The core services include Mental Health Services (Emmanuel House, Community Support Program, Just Us Women's Centre), Housing Services (Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre, Naomi Centre), and Employment Services (with Adult Basic Education and English as Additional Language). The social enterprises include Hungry Heart Cafe & Catering (flagship restaurant and catering), Clean Start (commercial cleaning), Home To Stay (home renovations), and Venue at 142 Military (event space). Additional offerings include the Inclusion Choir and seasonal Raised Garden Boxes. The organization follows a Housing-First philosophy and trauma-informed care approach.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Hungry Heart Café & Catering: Flagship award-winning social enterprise and first Buy Canada accredited social enterprise in Atlantic Canada, providing full-service restaurant and catering business that employs Stella's Circle participants.
- Clean Start
- Home To Stay
- Venue at 142 Military
- Inclusion Choir
- Emmanuel House
- Just Us Women's Centre
- Naomi Centre
- Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre
- Community Support Program
Products and services
- Mental Health Services A range of mental health and addictions services grounded in harm-reduction and trauma-informed care, offered in residential, community, or correctional facilities to help underserved community members improve their lives. Includes Emmanuel House (the only community-based residential mental health and addictions program in Newfoundland and Labrador), the Community Support Program (highest level of community support for adults with complex mental health needs), and Just Us Women's Centre (the only program in the province dedicated to supporting women and gender-diverse individuals with criminal justice experience).
- Housing Services Safe, affordable housing support following a Housing-First approach, including emergency shelter, housing navigation, walk-in resource services, and affordable housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. Includes the Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre (walk-in centre connecting those experiencing homelessness with housing options) and the Naomi Centre (the only emergency shelter in Newfoundland and Labrador for young women and gender-diverse people ages 18-29).
- Employment Services Employment and education programs helping people discover their talents and create opportunities for meaningful work, including individual and group employment services, workplace-based training, Adult Basic Education, and English as an Additional Language programs for participants facing barriers to employment.
- Hungry Heart Cafe & Catering Flagship, award-winning social enterprise of Stella's Circle providing full-service restaurant dining and catering services while employing Stella's Circle participants and supporting food security. First Buy Canada accredited social enterprise in Atlantic Canada, with 17+ years of operation as a community hub.
- Clean Start Commercial cleaning services social enterprise providing meaningful employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work. Offers office cleaning, property maintenance, Airbnb turnovers, new-construction cleaning, and commercial linen services for businesses.
- Home To Stay Home renovation and modification services social enterprise offering grab bar installation, doorway widening, bathroom modifications, and small renovations to help seniors and people with mobility challenges live independently. Participants work alongside Red Seal carpenters, gaining trade skills and employment training.
- Venue at 142 Military Event space for rental at 142 Military Road (Rawlins Cross), accommodating up to 34 seated guests or 45 for a standing reception. Suited for workshops, training sessions, celebrations, and private events, with optional catering from the Hungry Heart team.
- Inclusion Choir A welcoming choir space for Stella's Circle participants, staff, and volunteers to build social connections through group singing, with 150+ performances since founding in 2007 including collaborations with local artists.
- Raised Garden Boxes Custom-made 3' x 6' vegetable and herb garden boxes built, assembled, and installed by Stella's Circle participants working alongside Conservation Corps NL. Available in four options: Full Garden Installation ($209.99 + tax), Replenishment Kit ($84.99 + tax), Do-It-Yourself Kit ($104.99 + tax), and Accessible Garden Installation (off-the-ground custom planter, quote-based pricing).
Quantifiable outcome
- 1512 community members served in one year
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Stella’s Circle
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Stella’s Circle technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Stella’s Circle partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered major partner, core partner and program partner.
- Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Womenmajor partnerAnnual fundraising event in St. John's raising funds specifically for Naomi Centre and Just Us Women's Centre programs supporting women's mental health. Funds help provide safe housing, trauma-informed counselling, and support services.
- End Homelessness St. John'score partnerStella's Circle is a founding member of End Homelessness St. John's, collaborating on regional homelessness prevention and response strategies.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labradorprogram partnerAcademic institution partnering with Stella's Circle for educational programs, research collaboration, and community engagement initiatives.
- Keyin Collegeprogram partnerTechnical college partner supporting employment and education programs for Stella's Circle participants.
- Conservation Corps NLprogram partnerPartners with Stella's Green Team to build, assemble, and install Raised Garden Boxes for community members.
- First Voice Urban Indigenous Coalitioncore partnerStella's Circle is a partner in the First Voice Urban Indigenous Coalition, acknowledging that St. John's is home to a rich, diverse, and vibrant urban Indigenous community.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Stella’s Circle competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Choices for Youth: St. John's-based nonprofit serving at-risk youth and young adults facing homelessness, mental health, and employment barriers — directly overlapping with Stella's Circle's youth housing and employment mandates.
- Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador: NL affiliate of Habitat for Humanity providing affordable housing and home renovation services — directly comparable to Stella's Circle's housing and Home To Stay social enterprise.
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Newfoundland and Labrador Division: Direct peer providing community mental health and addictions services across NL, overlapping with Stella's Circle's Emmanuel House and Community Support Program. Both deliver residential and outpatient mental health support.
- YWCA St. John's: Local YWCA providing shelter, housing, and women's support services — comparable to the Naomi Centre and Just Us Women's Centre offerings of Stella's Circle.
- End Homelessness St. John's: Coalition of which Stella's Circle is a founding member; coordinates regional homelessness prevention and housing-first strategies with overlapping mission and partner base.
- Emmaus Canada (Pennyworth): National network of poverty-focused organizations running social enterprises similar to Stella's Circle's Clean Start and Home To Stay to provide training and employment.
- John Howard Society of Newfoundland and Labrador: Provides reintegration support for people involved in the criminal justice system — directly overlapping with Stella's Circle's Just Us Women's Centre mission.
Broad incumbents
- United Way Newfoundland and Labrador: Broader community-funder and coordinator across the NL social services sector; provides grants to many of Stella's Circle's partner organizations and overlaps in mission and donor base.
- Canadian Centre for Housing Policy (subject Alt: Raising the Roof): National homelessness-focused charity supporting Housing-First programs across Canada; comparable in mission and policy engagement to Stella's Circle's housing portfolio.
Regional players
- Thrive Community Youth Network (NL): Regional NL youth support and community organization with overlapping mission in youth homelessness, mental health, and employment services for marginalized populations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Stella’s Circle social profiles
Digital presenceStella’s Circle financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Stella’s Circle leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Stella’s Circle subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Stella’s Circle funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Stella’s Circle M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Stella’s Circle
What does Stella’s Circle do?
Stella's Circle provides integrated wrap-around social services to adults facing barriers such as mental illness, addictions, homelessness, poverty, and criminal justice involvement in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Its core offerings span three pillars — housing (including emergency shelter, affordable units, and housing navigation), mental health (trauma-informed and harm-reduction counselling in residential, community, and correctional settings), and employment (training, adult basic education, social enterprises). Services are funded through government grants, charitable donations, and revenue from social enterprises (café/catering, cleaning, renovations, venue rental, garden boxes).
Is Stella’s Circle a public or private company?
Stella’s Circle is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Stella’s Circle founded?
Stella’s Circle was founded in 2007. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Stella’s Circle based?
Stella’s Circle is headquartered in St. John's, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Stella’s Circle make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Social Enterprise Sales are the primary driver. The others are government and Foundation Funding and donations and Charitable Contributions.
Who are Stella’s Circle's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Choices for Youth, Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Newfoundland and Labrador Division, YWCA St. John's, End Homelessness St. John's, Emmaus Canada (Pennyworth) and John Howard Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Broad incumbents are United Way Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian Centre for Housing Policy (subject Alt: Raising the Roof). Thrive Community Youth Network (NL) is listed as a regional player.
Does Stella’s Circle have an API?
No public API is recorded for Stella’s Circle.
What industry is Stella’s Circle in?
Stella’s Circle's product category is Community Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAB, Housing Assistance & Homeless Services, with a secondary code of BPAGAJAG, Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling). Its NAICS code is 62422 and its SIC code is 8300.