Franciscan Sisters Honored with Good Neighbor Award

Carroll Chamber of Commerce recognizes FSPA's century of service to the community.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) from La Crosse, Wisconsin were presented with the Good Neighbor Award from the Carroll Chamber of Commerce Banquet earlier this month. The Sisters have been serving the Carroll community for over a century, helping establish a Catholic parish school in the late 1800s, assisting with health services at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in 1903, and later supporting New Hope Village in 1977.

Why it matters

The award recognizes FSPA's consistent and impactful presence in the Carroll community over the past century. The Sisters have been integral to the development of key institutions like the Kuemper Catholic school system and St. Anthony Regional Hospital, demonstrating a long-term commitment to serving the needs of the local area.

The details

During the nomination speech, St. Anthony Regional Hospital Foundation Director Sarah Foley praised FSPA, saying they "didn't just get started in Carroll, they kept going, for over a century." The Sisters were unable to attend the banquet, so Foley accepted the award on their behalf.

  • FSPA was first asked to help establish a Catholic parish school in Carroll in the late 1800s.
  • In 1903, FSPA assisted with health services at St. Anthony Regional Hospital.
  • In 1977, FSPA supported the establishment of New Hope Village.

The players

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA)

A religious congregation of Catholic women based in La Crosse, Wisconsin that has been serving the Carroll community for over a century.

Sarah Foley

The director of the St. Anthony Regional Hospital Foundation, who presented the Good Neighbor Award to FSPA.

Sister Joanne Moeller

A member of FSPA who expressed gratitude for the recognition, though she said it was never the intention of their work.

Sister Rose Elsbernd

A member of FSPA who emphasized that their service was not just the work of FSPA, but of multiple people serving one mission.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration's century-long commitment to serving the Carroll community, through the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other vital institutions, demonstrates the lasting impact that mission-driven organizations can have on a local area when they remain steadfast in their values and service.