News & Happenings

Four decades of supporting the Holyoke community’s most vulnerable

It was a night to remember. On April 25, about 180 people gathered for a gala at the Log Cabin venue to honor Sister Margaret McCleary, SP and to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Providence Ministries which she founded.

The theme of the event was “Nourishing the Community – 45 Years of Impact Worth Celebrating.”

FOR OVER FOUR DECADES Providence Ministries has been at the forefront of supporting the Holyoke community’s most vulnerable individuals through life-sustaining and life-changing programs. This year noted a significant milestone—45 years of the initial ministry called Kate’s Kitchen and named after Catherine Horan—Mother Mary of Providence, the diocesan foundress of the Sisters of Providence.

Chair of the Board Brenda McGiverin welcomed the guests saying that “Tonight, we gather to honor a remarkable organization that opened both its doors and its heart 45 years ago. In 1980, Kate’s Kitchen served its very first meal. From that moment on, Providence Ministries has been an integral part of our community.” With increasing need, Kate’s Kitchen—that is open seven days a week—served 74,000 meals in 2024! 

Ms. McGiverin added: “The programs of Providence Ministries continue to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve—whether through Kate’s Kitchen, Margaret’s Pantry (groceries), St Jude’s (clothing), Foodwork’s (training in culinary arts), or our three sober living programs. These programs have touched—and in many cases transformed—an estimated 3 million lives over the past four and a half decades.” For example, Margaret’s Pantry provided 2.7 million pounds of food this past year to families in need.

Executive Director Jennie Adamczyk, pictured at left with Sister Margaret, shared a video that incorporated reflections by those who have participated in Providence Ministries programs how their lives were changed by the respect, care and compassion they received.

“As the Executive Director….for the last 6 years,” she commented, “I have continued to see the increased need for our services. Food insecurity, in particular, is on the rise and affecting all people groups including the middle class. We are proudly meeting the community need, just as it was met 45 years ago when Sister Margaret started Kate’s Kitchen.”

Ms. Adamczyk spoke highly of the influence Sister Margaret has had on her and her staff, asserting that Sister Margaret is the model they strive to emulate.

Sister Margaret then came to the podium and shared personal stories on the challenges she encountered, the blessings she received, and the ways God’s Providence guided her in establishing Providence Ministries. She concluded her remarks by expressing strong confidence in those who are carrying on Providence Ministries stating: “It is clearly evident that employees, the Board of Trustees and volunteers understand the spirit of the Sisters of Providence to stand in compassionate love with the poor and with all who suffer. We see this by their actions. Because of this, our legacy will continue for years to come. For this I give thanks.”   

Following the dinner, Providence Ministries recognized three organizations/persons who have greatly supported Kate’s Kitchen and the other ministries, namely, Sunshine Village, the Hibernians, and Marcotte Ford. In addition, from a raffle and silent auction to the heartwarming Giving Tree, there was something for everyone—all designed to raise essential funds for the community served by Providence Ministries. 

Sisters of Providence Mary Caritas Geary and Kathleen Popko joined in celebrating Sister Margaret McCleary on the 45th Anniversary of Providence Ministries.

The oversize hand-made banner on display at the 45th Anniversary of Providence Ministries embodies the ministry’s mission, “God hears the cry of the poor.”