The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts is proud to recognize Community Nurse, Inc., an Alliance member, following its national recognition through the New England Patriots Foundation’s 2025 Celebrate Volunteerism initiative.

During a pregame ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, January 4, the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette announced $185,000 in grants awarded to 17 nonprofit organizations across New England—each connected to a Patriots Difference Maker honored throughout the 2025 season.

Madeline Cooke of Community Nurse, Inc. was named the 2025 Patriots Difference Maker of the Year, earning a $25,000 grant for the organization. Each additional Difference Maker organization received a $10,000 grant in recognition of extraordinary volunteer service.

Community Nurse, Inc., based in Marion, Massachusetts, provides hospice and community-based nursing services that support patients and families across the South Coast. Madeline Cooke’s recognition reflects the essential role hospice volunteers play in delivering compassionate, person-centered care—particularly during the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic. Madeline continued visiting patients when many could not, offering companionship, dignity, and respite to families when it was needed most.

The Celebrate Volunteerism initiative highlights volunteers who strengthen New England communities across healthcare, disability support, homelessness, youth mentoring, and more. Collectively, the 2025 Difference Makers represent more than 122 years of service, ranging in age from 22 to 76.

The Alliance applauds Community Nurse, Inc. and all honorees for exemplifying the values that define care at home: compassion, commitment, and service. This recognition underscores the critical role nonprofit home- and community-based providers play in supporting individuals where they most want to be—at home.