Massachusetts State Rep Fiola honors Fall River woman for community work, becoming foster mom to nearly 300 children

A Fall River woman has been recognized for her efforts in the community.

At a ceremony outside of Resiliency Preparatory Academy in Fall River, Massachusetts State Representative Carole Fiola presented a citation to Arlene Omosefunmi in recognition of being nominated for the Commonwealth Heroine Award.

Every year legislators are invited to nominate a woman from their district for the award which is given to outstanding women in the community by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

This year, Representative Fiola nominated Arlene because of her incredible work with children in Fall River, including her work at Resiliency Preparatory Academy, the Boys and Girls Club, the summer lunch program and as a foster mom.

“It was an honor to nominate Arlene Omosefunmi, an incredible human, for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s Commonwealth Heroine Class of 2022. Arlene has made a life working as a cook at the Boys and Girls Club and Resiliency Preparatory Academy in Fall River, impacting the lives of our children through food, while also helping so many children throughout her life as a foster mom to nearly 300 children! In and out of the kitchen, Arlene has been serving the children of Fall River for decades. Thank you, Arlene, from me, the community, and all of the youth you have made an impact on. Our Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools, Boys and Girls Club Fall River and one of her very first foster children Jay Campbell were on hand to honor her.”