HOMEPAGE for this issue: November 24, 2010

Centro's Sister Alicia Cuarón named Purpose Prize Fellow

Marycrest Franciscan Sister Alica V. Cuarón is a 2010 Purpose Prize Fellow, Civic Ventures announced Nov. 17.

Sister Cuaron was recognized as a social entrepreneur over 60, who in her encore career, is using her experience and passion to make an extraordinary impact on society’s biggest challenges. Now in its fifth year, the six-year, $17 million Purpose Prize program is the nation’s only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life.

Sister Cuarón was honored for her leadership and passion in the development of Bienestar Family Services, which she founded in 1998 to provide education and support services to Colorado’s rapidly expanding Spanish-speaking, low-income immigrant population. Bienestar is now a ministry of the Denver Archdiocese’s Centro San Juan Diego, which provides pastoral and family services to Hispanic Catholics. Centro has helped more than 7,000 immigrants integrate into the United States through culturally relevant adult education programs, civic development courses, employment training and family support services.

“Purpose Prize Fellows show what’s possible in our communities—and the world—when experienced adults apply their passion and skill to improve the lives of others,” said Alexandra Céspedes Kent, director of the Purpose Prize.

The 46 Purpose Prize Fellows of 2010 were honored at the Purpose Prize Summit Nov. 12-14 in Philadelphia. Five Fellows won $100,000 prizes and five won $50,000 prizes.

“The major life changes I’ve made from being a corporate executive to becoming a Franciscan nun has given me the opportunity to extend my gifts, my knowledge and expertise to the community as a whole,” Sister Cuarón said.  “I’m grateful and honored to be selected as a Purpose Prize Fellow. I intend to continue my personal mission to serve the community, which contributes to society as a whole.”