- [Announcer] Funding for this film was made possible by grants from the Northeastern Bank of Pennsylvania, the Scranton Area Foundation, Friends from the Jewish community of Scranton, the Pennsylvania Public Television Network, and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

(children squealing) - [Girl] We are one.

- Hi, I'm Martin Sheen, and I'd like to tell you an unusual love story about a special kind of love that began in a most unlikely place.

The abandoned and worn-out coal mines around Scranton, Pennsylvania.

But the setting could just as easily be Massachusetts or Michigan, Kentucky or California.

(gentle music) In Scranton, Pennsylvania, despite valiant efforts to overcome it, unemployment has been high for a long time.

Too many who have stayed are poor, old, and above all, lonely.

To help ease the pain of loneliness, to invigorate the mind and enrich the spirit of anyone who needs her help, one remarkable woman has dedicated her life.

Her name is Adrian Barrett and this is her story.

(sirens wailing) (police officer speaking indistinctly) - Oh, he's doing so well in school.

You know, Michael took care of our children at camp and I can tell where Michael Mayon got his smile.

Even when he's in pain, he smiles, and I see that his grandmother does the same thing, right, May?

- She has a possible fracture of the left hip.

Family physician is Dr.

Feeny Probini.

- [Sister Adrian] There was no way under the sun that I could see a 75-year-old lovely lady go out alone.

No, I would be frightened.

And I just thought, "Well, I'm gonna run over and get in that ambulance."

Be at peace and it's gonna be okay.

Have mercy.

So many of our people go out alone and they go into the emergency room and until it's decided how serious the illness is, I try to stay with them.

- You weren't knocked out or anything, were you?

- No, I wasn't knocked out because I bled all the way from the paddock into the dining room.

- [Martin] Not only in hospitals, but in high rise seclusion, the elderly endure an everyday emergency.

Their children are gone, their wives or husbands are dead.

Few understand as well as Sister Adrian what this can mean.

- [Sister Adrian] The intensity of loneliness among the elderly is probably the greatest poverty they suffer.

Sometimes we don't realize it, but our senior citizens are captives of the high-rise situation.

Many of them don't have cars.

Many do not have family members that can come and take them out.

- [Woman] Who's that, honey?

- [Sister Adrian] One thing we do is, every Monday, the senior citizens go to the Castle Restaurant.

They get a full course meal for a dollar and a half.

I didn't realize what that meant until I walked in the projects.

They started getting dressed at 10 in the morning because they're going out to eat that afternoon.

Something to look forward to, you know, something joyous.

All the way up here.

- [Martin] Scranton is an old and proud town, but many here are being forced to find new friends, a new sense of dignity.

One outpost of hope is the West Side Center.

Here, some 100 senior citizens gather each day and find, with the help of Adrian and her staff, a new kind of family.

- Where were you February 29th.

I waited and I waited and I waited.

And this gentleman, I thought all you fellas would come running.

Not a one of you came darkening my door.

- You know something?

And I'm single.

- You're single?

(man chuckling) Well, I'm a double.

I think a senior citizen center is a home away from home.

They laugh, they cry, they enjoy one another, they encourage one another and they become a family.

They become a community of people.

(seniors singing) - [Martin] Sister Adrian was born here 55 years ago.

For much of her life, she was a teacher, but her compassion led her to champion the elderly and the poor.

Whatever the crisis, Adrian is there.

She's the inspiration and energy behind five non-sectarian social service centers that serve the entire community.

When the people of Scranton turn out to have a good time, Sister Adrian is there as well, leading the young and the disadvantaged.

(energetic percussive music) - Happy St.

Patrick's Day!

(energetic percussive music continuing) - [Martin] She stands just four feet, 11 inches tall in her favorite tennis shoes.

But Sister Adrian is a giant here.

Local leaders and politicians who help get her support.

Those who don't hear from her in no uncertain terms.

(upbeat music) Adrian's home base is the Progressive Center, which offers daycare for children, food, clothing, and help for anyone in need.

- [Sister Adrian] Just a peaceful little boy.

- [Martin] It's the day before Thanksgiving and over 1200 food baskets are prepared by volunteers.

- Morning, everybody.

- [Martin] For those who would otherwise have no Thanksgiving, - [Sister Adrian] We welcome you home to us once again.

The new poors, it's a very tragic thing because they're ashamed to come out.

They're ashamed to admit that they do not have.

(somber music) The layoffs are present in our society.

Do you think any man would stand four hours to get food for his family unless there were a need?

I don't know of a man anywhere that would take that option rather than working.

- [Woman] We've gotta get going, Sister.

- Can we go in now?

- Yeah.

- All right.

Any of our families, Dawn Brennan's our executive director.

- [Dawn] Hi, everybody.

- We have our staff ready and willing and waiting.

- Yeah, they've been waiting.

- Dawn is our executive director and we work very closely together.

She's our administrator and she has a responsibility of five centers, does a heck of a lot by way of funding proposals, much of the sophisticated work of structure and so forth.

Yet she can always take time out to help the poor, and that she does.

That's a great inspiration to me.

Apples?

We beg, we actually beg.

We beg for almost everything and anything.

I use that word "beg" with great dignity.

It's difficult, but it gives one a sense of poverty.

When I have to get on the phone and beg, I don't have to beg for my own food, but God knows, I know what a privilege it is to beg for the food of others, and it makes me poor when I'm turned down.

I'd like to bring it to the Progressive Center, dear, and we'll try to contact her through the Department of Public Welfare.

But so many times, people responded beautifully and the turn-downs are very few.

I was looking forward today meeting you and thanking you because I think you're part of a group of people that are carrying on to serve others.

I think that's special.

The bird is coming with $80.

- [Man] She's coming tomorrow.

She had better.

- Catherine, my dear.

This is Sister Adrian.

I'm in a turkey depression over here and I'm sweating blood, sweat, and tears over here.

What about the $5,000 worth of turkeys?

We're desperately waiting here.

Do you know if the truck is on the road?

He promised me that within an hour and that was over an hour ago.

Amen.

I had a police alert out for you.

Fred was in the city lockup if these weren't here in five minutes.

Just kidding.

You ought to be on the Notre Dame team.

They wouldn't have lost to Penn State.

(uplifting music) May God bless you and to each and every one and to your families, from all of us at United Neighborhood Centers, a very happy Thanksgiving.

We have communions at the Progressive Center.

We have so many people who are so humble and loving and in need to receive.

We have so many people who are generous and wish to give and to bring the two together, it is just a great joy Come on over here.

It makes a very small, short, fat, middle-aged nun stretch and grow.

Here's the turkey.

Okay?

Okay.

- Hey, we're almost there.

- Are you sure?

- Oh, yeah.

- [Martin] The next day, over 300 of the poor and elderly are expected for dinner here at the Progressive Center.

- What makes you think you're gonna have more this year than last year?

- Because everybody in town knows that.

I just got word from your friend Bonnie.

Okay, she walked in here.

She's very pregnant, as you know, and she said it's all over town that regular people can come too.

Now, you know we can't turn people away, especially when we have 20 turkeys and all this food.

- We can't put 300 people in that gym either.

- [Sister Adrian] Well, we have to put as many, we have more them, right?

There's too much room down there.

My gosh.

- It's the same way it was two years ago.

- No, no.

It isn't.

- Yes, it is.

- How many seats?

I know I have to know how many seats there are.

I can't serve a dinner like that.

("Battle Hymn of the Republic" playing) ♪ Seen the glory of the coming of the Lord ♪ ♪ He is trampling out the vintage ♪ ♪ Where the grapes of wrath are stored ♪ ♪ He hath loosed the fateful lightning ♪ ♪ Of His terrible swift sword ♪ ♪ His truth is marching on ♪ Etta, sing!

♪ Glory, glory Hallelujah ♪ ♪ Glory, glory Hallelujah ♪ ♪ Glory, glory Hallelujah ♪ ♪ His truth is marching on ♪ ("Amazing Grace" playing) ♪ I once was lost but now am found ♪ ♪ Was blind but now I see ♪ ♪ 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear ♪ - [Martin] Sometimes, Sister Adrian must go her way alone.

Many friends couldn't understand when she defended a young woman named Sharon Steers.

Held in jail, Steers will be sentenced today as an accomplice in the murder of her mother.

- Good afternoon, Sergeant Hawkins.

How are you?

How are you?

Good to see you.

Good morning.

How's everybody here today?

- Fine.

- Good.

Can I see Sharon Steers, if I may?

- [Martin] Sister Adrian has worked with Sharon for nearly five years and has never wavered in her support.

- I know that Sharon didn't murder her mother.

I know she didn't.

Sharon came from a very fragmented home situation.

She had no father and there were many family conflicts.

Her grandfather was so strong on being a miser about his money.

There was a deprivation, an enforced deprivation, and she never felt loved.

And emotionally she went and literally turned herself in to Lourdesmont, which is a home for delinquent girls.

After she left Lourdesmont, she got married, she was pregnant.

And after several months, that fell all apart.

Thank you, Sergeant.

- You're welcome, sister.

- Morning, officer.

How are you this morning?

How could you not stick with Sharon?

You don't stand by people just in good time.

Anybody can do that.

The blessing of love is to stand by people when they are down and out, when they are in need.

I do not come to judge the people, but to serve.

There are enough people in this world making judgements.

Don't worry about it.

Don't worry about it, okay?

How you doing, honey?

- Oh, terrible.

- I know, I know.

Okay.

It's gonna be a difficult day, but you know what?

You're ready and we're going to be there.

Dawn will be there and I'll be there.

- Thank you.

- [Sister Adrian] Judge Kozak is going to let me say some words on your behalf and I'm honored to do that.

- Thank you.

- It's a privilege.

- Oh, I feel honored today.

- No matter how bad you feel today, think of that little 4-year-old, 'cause you're doing it for her, right?

Get it over with and be ready.

Be ready to return to her.

Okay?

Oh gosh.

Is there anything you wanna tell me or anything or you all right?

- I just feel so badly.

- I know you feel so badly.

We all do.

You know, you can't make anything feel good about this, but I want you to feel good that you're doing what's right.

Would you pray the "Our Father" with me?

Our Father, who art in Heaven.

- [Both] Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

(gentle music) Dawn, Sharon's going to be sentenced and I'm really concerned.

Third degree murder can be 10 to 20 years and I don't know what she's going to get, but we're really at the mercy of the court right now and all we can do is comfort her and be present.

Judge Kozak is going to allow me to speak on your behalf.

Attorney Dunne will be there also.

All right?

And that'll be prior to your going into the courtroom.

All right?

- Thank you.

- [Sister Adrian] And if you can, try to keep calm.

(Sharon chuckles ruefully) Dawn and I will both be there.

- You look beautiful, honey.

- Thank you.

- [Sister Adrian] And we're going to walk you up just like we always do it.

- Unfortunately, she has just associated herself with people who are not of good character.

You know, she has to make up her own mind.

She has to be more definitive in what she does and do it.

- Is he just gonna see her in his chambers?

- Yes.

- Or in the court?

- I think in his chambers.

- Okay.

- I think Sharon knows, and we know, that there is to be a time and a time served for the death of her mother.

But that with direction, guidance, and Sharon's goal-oriented.

She's suffered a lot.

She's lost her mother and the reality of that has set in very strongly.

She's been stripped of so much and been sentenced to things long before she committed any acts.

Sentenced to difficulties.

So Judge Kozak, in the spirit of justice, I personally plead, together with all of us at United Neighborhood Centers, that Sharon's time could possibly be of short duration, but yet for what will contribute to her growth.

- We recognize that you've been effective in this kind of work.

And we always appreciate having your word on behalf of anybody confronted with circumstances, as is this defendant here with us today.

So thank you very much.

(gentle music) - [Sister Adrian] Sharon got six to 20 years, third-degree murder.

Keep that chin up.

All right?

Peace about it.

That's all now.

Sharon, don't be afraid to cry.

You can cry.

There's nothing wrong with it.

(gentle music continuing) - [Martin] At times, even Sister Adrian's spirit falters.

Then she retreats to St.

Gabriel's Monastery near Scranton.

- [Sister Adrian] I get worn out and I get tired and I get beaten and I get bowed low.

I'll go so long and I'll find out that I'm just like a desert.

I can't give life to anybody anymore.

I can't even impart encouragement.

You know, I sin.

I'm a very human person.

I have a lot of weaknesses.

I've hurt other people in anger or pride, very stubborn person, self-willed.

I don't like to be told what to do.

When things just get too much for me, I go up to the mountain and let God do his work.

Serving the poor is a very beautiful work of God and it's very humbling.

And I'm always worried that I'm not worthy to serve the poor.

And I know, but for the grace of God, I couldn't do it.

So I think it's a constant gift I've got to pray to be worthy of.

(gentle music continuing) Many times we've gone for long walks together.

Many times we've sat and talked and you can just unburden yourself and sort of, you know, let them know what your weaknesses are, let them know what your strengths are and let them help you.

They are nothing.

They pack me up and send me off and I go back and do the work of the city once again.

And then I'm good for another three or four months.

- [Martin] Every May for the last 16 years, Sister Adrian begins a spring roundup in Scranton, enlisting children for a summer camp she calls Project Hope.

- So you can come to camp?

Would you like to come to camp?

- [Mother] Well, he cries to go on the bus mornings.

- Did you ever play baseball?

You never played baseball?

- I don't.

(cheerful music) - Did you ever play basketball?

Did you ever play races or jogging?

Did you ever play tennis?

No.

But when you come to camp, you're gonna do a lot of things, okay?

David and Debbie Stein?

- [Martin] Project Hope brings excitement and new experiences to some 500 youngsters from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania.

95% of them live below the poverty line.

The camp staffed, by some 75 counselors, is like nothing they have ever known.

(upbeat music) (children and counselors singing) ♪ We can build a beautiful city ♪ ♪ Yes we can ♪ ♪ Yes we can ♪ ♪ We can build a beautiful city ♪ ♪ Finally a city of man ♪ - [Counselor] One more time!

Nice and loud!

("The Star-Spangled Banner" playing) - Okay, this side, beginners.

Sit on the steps, but don't go in.

Okay, everybody go ahead.

I'll be right here.

(counselor whistling) - Oh, swimming.

You know, it's so important for the children, because many of them are afraid of the water.

They're afraid of a natural lake.

(children shrieking) You hungry?

Come on.

There's more to love than just, you know, saying it.

First of all, feed the children.

We need to be nourished in body before you can even feel love.

We do so much eating and God knows I look every bit of it.

Hamburger?

Did you have a good lunch?

We have a very fine educational program.

We have six teachers from the Scranton School District and we have reading, math, science.

We want them to feel that they can become better in what they already are doing.

- Around this camp.

(cheerful music) Okay.

Make sure your feet go the way you're walking.

Oh God.

Oh God.

Oh God!

(everyone laughing) - Tomorrow senior citizens are gonna come up to camp and they're gonna spend the day with us.

Now, what we want you to do is, please make one picture so you can give to the senior citizens when they come.

Does everybody think they can do that?

- Will you make one?

- Yeah.

- [Child] 'Cause I can't do it.

- Okay.

- You got mine.

(children chattering) - [Sister Adrian] I think another great thing about camp is the interaction between the campers and the counselors.

They love that physical touch of "we love you."

All year, I'm with the senior citizens, and then all of a sudden comes May and June and I take off with the children to camp.

And we want to let them know that we're thinking about them.

And I personally want to bring the senior citizens and the children together.

Guess what?

When I went home last night, the telephone in the convent kept ringing and ringing and ringing - [Boy] Because senior citizens were calling.

- They were calling.

They said, "What time does the bus leave?"

And they said, "Do you have a little boy?

Do you have a camper for me?

Do you have a girl for me?"

And they said, "You know what we like most about the camp?"

They didn't say the songs and they didn't say the food.

Guess what they like most?

- [Children] The kids.

- The kids!

(upbeat guitar music) ♪ What makes love grow ♪ ♪ Can you tell me what makes love grow ♪ ♪ A smiling face and a helping hand ♪ ♪ Are some of the things that make love grow ♪ (Sister Adrian humming) And the campers in Village Five and Village Four and Village Three, each one of them are going to take a senior citizen and they're going to give them a lot of love.

Gimme five.

Gimme five, Raymond.

Gimme five, will ya?

Now, I'm a senior citizen, and I'm 90 years old, and it's my first time at camp.

Will you say to me, "Welcome to camp"?

- Welcome to camp.

- Will you say, "Have a good day"?

- Have a good day.

- I don't have any boys or girls and I don't have anyone ever to give me a kiss.

Would anyone give me a kiss?

- Me!

- [Sister Adrian] Oh, okay.

Now wait, honey, just Raymond.

Okay.

(cheerful music) ♪ Oh we have peace and love ♪ ♪ And hope in the middle ♪ ♪ Peace and love and hope in the middle ♪ ♪ Peace and love and hope in the middle ♪ ♪ And we'd like to share with you ♪ ♪ Peace and love and hope in the middle ♪ ♪ Peace and love and hope in the middle ♪ ♪ And we'd like to share with you ♪ (everyone cheering) - And we did take them- - Take them over to hear the singing and get flowers.

All right, one more for Hilda right over here, honey, how about some flowers for Hilda?

All right?

(children singing) Welcome to camp.

Right through there.

Right through there.

Let's make a parapet.

Thank you.

I need some campers right here.

I think the magic moment is when they find themselves alone with their senior citizen.

They're interacting person to person, child to the senior citizen.

"Who are you?

What do you like?

Can we share today?

I'll care for you if you care for me.

Let's sit down and have a meal together."

(everyone chattering) (upbeat guitar music) (children singing indistinctly) ♪ We can build a beautiful city ♪ ♪ Yes we can ♪ ♪ Yes we can ♪ ♪ We can build a beautiful city ♪ ♪ The other day ♪ ♪ The other day ♪ ♪ I met a bear ♪ ♪ I met a bear ♪ ♪ Up in the woods ♪ ♪ Up in the woods ♪ ♪ Oh, way out there ♪ ♪ Oh, way out there ♪ ♪ The other day I met a bear ♪ ♪ Up in the woods ♪ ♪ Oh, way over there ♪ (inspiring music)