At Clare Senior Care AFC|GAFC, we believe that care extends far beyond medical needs—it is about nourishment, community, and consistency. That is why we are incredibly honored to collaborate with a true Harbor Point legend, Sister Joyce McMullen, and her dedicated team known as “The Crew” for the community Bread Run.
Led by our Head Nurse and Director, Thai Nguyen, the Clare team has joined forces with this lively group to help ensure that fresh bread continues to reach the tables of our neighbors, continuing a tradition that has spanned over half a century.
A Half-Century of Service: The Story of Sister Joyce
To understand the importance of the Bread Run, you must understand the woman who started it all.
Sister Joyce McMullen, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN), is now 83 years old. Earlier this year, she entered what she calls her “soft-retirement,” tying up loose ends on the incredible programs she has led for decades.
Her journey began in 1973, when she co-founded Project Care and Concern (PCC) in Dorchester. For over 50 years, Sister Joyce has been the heartbeat of this neighborhood. Longtime residents remember the sight of her large, black, 15-passenger van making the trek to Newton, where she grew up, to pick up bushels of bread. She would then turn right back around to distribute them to Harbor Point (formerly Columbia Point) residents.
Through her tireless work, she didn’t just deliver food; she helped a previously isolated community expand their horizons and feel seen.
April 8, 2025: “Sister Joyce McMullen Day”
Sister Joyce’s impact is so profound that the City of Boston officially recognized her service earlier this year.
April 8, 2025, was declared “Sister Joyce McMullen Day” in the City of Boston. The celebration included:
- A Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Michelle Wu.
- A resolution endorsed by Dorchester City Councillor John Fitzgerald.
- A Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from US Rep. Stephen Lynch of South Boston.
These accolades celebrate her decades of service to the state and congratulate her on her well-earned retirement—a transition she says she is anticipating with “a certain acceptance.”
The Bread Run Continues: Meeting “The Crew”
While Sister Joyce steps into her soft-retirement, the work continues with the help of “The Crew.”
This is a lively, dedicated group of six volunteers who handle the pantry for their community. They are the muscle and the heart behind the operation, helping members of the community by setting up and breaking down the stations for Bread Run days.
For Thai Nguyen and the Clare Senior Care team, working alongside “The Crew” is a privilege. We assist in bringing in the bread and managing the distribution, learning from the example of service set by Sister Joyce and her team.
Pictured Above (Left to Right): —]’s Mother, Sister Joyce, Thai Nguyen, Jenny, —-, Lilian, Jamal, Diane Crump, and Deacon Johnny.
A Community That Cares
The Bread Run is more than just food distribution; it is a symbol of endurance and neighborly love. We are proud to stand next to Deacon Johnny, Diane Crump, Lilian, Jamal, and the rest of the team to keep this tradition alive.
Thank you, Sister Joyce, for paving the way. We promise to help keep the van moving and the bread coming.
- Source:
- https://www.dotnews.com/2025/after-decades-community-service-dorchester-residents-sister-joyce/
- https://www.thebostonpilot.com/article.php?ID=198368
- https://boston.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7286533&GUID=3FC35909-4384-4CF8-B0B4-1957672E07C4&Options=&Search=
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