Since her appointment in 1985, Project HOPE Boston, Inc. has grown from being an Emergency Shelter serving 8 homeless families, to a multi-service center with an array of educational and economic empowerment programs serving families in the North Dorchester/Roxbury neighborhoods. In 2006 a four-story "green" building was constructed on Dudley Street in Roxbury to house those programs, while the original site, a Victorian home in North Dorchester, continues to house a family shelter and children's center. Using an intensive case management model Project HOPE Boston, Inc. is a pioneer in the movement to prevent homelessness from occurring.

In addition to fostering internal growth, Sister Margaret has been a catalyst in forging strategic alliances, partnerships, and collaborations at the local, city, and state levels that create a continuum of care and support for low-income families in the movement from crisis to stability. Sister Margaret has long served on the Boards of the Pine Street Inn, Homes for Families, and the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative.

Sister Margaret has been honored for her achievements throughout her career. In 2008 she received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from her alma mater, Assumption College, for her lifelong commitment to improving society - one person, one family, and one community at a time. In 2009 she received honorary degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Tufts University. She was also selected to be a Barr Fellow in 2009.