Homeless Service Provider’s Network Presents Darlene Spencer with Annual Sister Rose Award

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City’s Homeless Service Provider’s Network (HSPN) has presented Darlene Spencer, Program Officer with the Carney Family Foundation, with its 2022 Sister Rose Award.

Named in honor of Sister Rosellen Gallogly who served as the Executive Director of Market Ministries in the City for years and was a founding member of the City’s Homeless Service Provider’s Network (HSPN), the Sister Rose Award was presented to Ms. Spencer by Joshua Amaral, Director of Community Development, at the December 2022 membership meeting of the HSPN.

In speaking of the recipient, Mayor Jon Mitchell stressed the importance of Ms. Spencer’s lifetime of service in the City of New Bedford and praised her commitment to vulnerable families in the community. “Darlene Spencer has been instrumental in assisting those experiencing homelessness with compassion and competence, whether it be someone in need of housing or someone seeking refuge after 2017’s Hurricane Maria. Her commitment to helping the people of New Bedford has been unwavering.”

Amaral noted, “Darlene Spencer has served the community admirably and capably for many years, as a state social worker, as the leader of the United Way’s Family Resource and Development Center, and now in the philanthropic world for the Carney Family Foundation. In this time, she has positively impacted the lives of countless vulnerable children, mothers, fathers, and family members.”

Ms. Spencer was cited as an “invaluable contributor to the HSPN” in a variety of roles but has also been a vital part of many community institutions including her leadership as a board member of the Cape Verdean Association, the Martha Briggs Educational Club, and others. She has been a leader and mentor to many in our field and beyond.

The Sister Rose Award is given annually to an individual from within the Continuum of Care in recognition of achievement, dedication, and compassion in one’s personal and professional life in living out the mission of the HSPN that is rooted in the belief that every person is entitled to live in dignity.