Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, MD, receipient of the prestegious National Careing Award, was named "One of the ten Most Caring Persons in America."

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If you have ever listened to or read about Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, MD you already know what an inspirational woman she is. We are thrilled that she once again has gained national recognition for her work with the homeless in Phoenix, AZ. Adele was named "One of the ten Most Caring Persons in America", received the prestigious National Caring Award, and was honored at two gala events in Washington, DC in April. Adele agreed to accept the honor because she knew it would draw people to her work with the homeless.

God certainly planned this well as much to our surprise, a number of CSJ’s were going to be in DC at the same time. Adele and Helen Virginia planned to attend. Michelle Humke, Sharon Becker (Orange) and I (Mary Sevilla) were all in the Capitol attending a seminar during those days. Theresa Kvale had just finished a workshop close by and Janet Mock (Baden) was returning to her ministry in DC so all were able to join Adele for the impressive events.

We were all very proud of Adele and were inspired by her acceptance speech. She spoke lovingly of being a doctor and the privilege of "laying on hands" and helping others to heal; of entering into their world and hearing their life stories. Most of her words, however, were directed to her first and foremost being a Sister of St. Joseph and the blessing of belonging to a community for which she is continually grateful. Adele talked about our roots in France and the Sisters work among the poor women, the street people of that era. The Sisters lived together in community, prayed together and went out into the streets to do what the community was founded to do: love God and love neighbor without distinction. These early Sisters of St. Joseph taught the women to make lace so that the women could better their lives and care for their families.

Adele described herself as a Sister of St. Joseph, over 350 years later, carrying out that heritage with the street people of Phoenix. She has come to know the people who live on the streets, in alleys, cars, campsites of every kind and she compassionately cares for them.

Adele has been the medical director of the Health Care for the Homeless of Maricopa County in Phoenix, Arizona for a dozen years but it doesn’t end there.

She has been a tenacious advocate for the many needs of those who are homeless and frequently interacts with other agencies and inspires them to assist her in her work. Her previous honor of being selected as National Family Physician of the Year brought her work into the limelight and many people reached out to help her in any way they could. Hundreds of people and several organizations came forward to offer financial and personal assistance. The offers were overwhelming and she believed that the Spirit was leading all these people for good reason. She spent numerous hours and days with a small group of organizers that has now expanded into a multifaceted organization. From the energy and spirit of many people in Phoenix, Circle the City was born.

Adele explains, "Circle the City" is currently a sponsored project of Sisters of St. Joseph Ministerial Services, and its programs are helping to meet several critical needs of the homeless of Phoenix during times of illness. These programs include uninsured specialty health care, vision services, and counseling for victims of sexual abuse, many of whom have been trafficked. Circle the City also sponsors a Housing First project, and approximately 150 persons, more than half of them children, have been assisted into safe and permanent housing through this program.

However, the huge need that must be addressed is still ahead: the establishment of a Recuperative Care Center, where homeless persons may recover from illness or hospitalization away from the rigors of the street. There is no such facility in Arizona at this time. In order to begin the process of addressing this need, Circle the City has now separately incorporated in Arizona, and a local Board of Directors has taken the responsibility for moving the project forward. This Board, motivated by the values in the Mission Statement of the Sisters of St. Joseph, is moving ahead with determination toward making the Phoenix Recuperative Care Center a reality.