MFHS is happy to announce that the 2016 Rose Allan Tucker Award recipient is Darlene Duggins-Magdalinski of Trucksville. Darlene is an inspiring, motivated worker who believes in empowering people to do their best for themselves and their community. Her strong belief in providing a safe communities for families and children is seen in her work with drug awareness and violence reduction campaigns, as well as her support of events and organizations that promote women & children’s safety.
In 2005, Darlene founded the organization “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” which raises awareness on the dangers of drugs, alcohol and gun violence. The organization brings guest speakers to the community and hosts a free drug-free block party every year on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. Darlene also supports annual Drug-Free Cleanups and Drug-Free Dances in the community. She is a regular speaker on drug awareness throughout Northeast Pennsylvania with organizations such as The Magnolia Project, Red Rocks Job Corps, and women’s empowerment seminars.
Darlene has also served on the board of Building Bridges NEPA. She has coordinated peace rallies and was honored with the Audrey Spence Commitment to Civic and Community Service Award by the NAACP. She worked with the Wilkes-Barre YMCA as a Program Coordinator for their Food-N-Fun at the Park summer program, a partnership between Wilkes-Barre City and the Commission on Economic Opportunity. She has volunteered her time with a variety of organizations, including Ruth’s Place Women’s Shelter, the Salvation Army, the McCauley House, the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department, and many more.
She is currently studying at Misercordia University, where she will graduate with a bachelor’s degree of science in Human Services with a minor in Psychology and a certification in Drug Addiction Counseling in December 2016. Thank you Darlene for all of your hard work and dedication on improving the lives of women, children and families in Northeast Pennsylvania and congratulations on being chosen for the 2016 Rose Allan Tucker Award!