Sister Linda O’Rourke, a graduate of Boston College School of Social Work, is the Director at the Roarke Center, in Troy, New York which provides services those who are poor in the city. Troy, situated on the Hudson River, was once a manufacturing center but like many places in the Northeast, industry has moved away, leaving behind those who are most in need.

Sister Linda grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was taught by the Daughters of Charity in grade school. "The Sisters were our friends as well as our teachers. They shared their faith with us and I decided in the first grade that I would be one of them. I went with them to visit the poor at the county nursing home and helped to prepare baskets at holiday time. The seeds of my vocation were also sown in my family where I saw my father reach out to those most in need."

Sister Linda began her ministry as a Daughter of Charity in teaching. She taught elementary school for ten years "and loved it," while always harboring a desire to be a social worker. "I was so happy when the Community asked if I would study for a Master’s." She has been involved in direct child care, family therapy, and was an administrator at Catholic Charities, Boston prior to coming to the Roarke Center.

She loves reading, travel, and spending time with the Sisters and with friends.

"My life as a Daughter of Charity has been a source of great happiness. Life given over to God’s Providence is a great adventure. After nearly fifty years, I would not change a thing and would do it again! It is not always easy but always rewarding. Take a risk! You will not regret it"!