Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina Awards $260,000 in Grants

December 3, 2010

December 3, 2010 – The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina has awarded three grants totaling $260,000 to nonprofit organizations serving South Carolina.

Healthy Learners, a nonprofit organization meeting the health care needs of economically disadvantaged school children, receives $160,000. By working with school nurses and health care providers, Healthy Learners provides access to health care for uninsured and underinsured children. The program is serving children in multiple school districts in Richland and Lexington Counties as well as programs in Allendale, Dillon, Greenwood and Georgetown Counties.

Welvista, a private-public partnership of non-governmental health care intervention, receives a grant for $50,000. Welvista provides a single source through which health care providers, health care facilities and pharmaceutical companies can donate their resources. In 2009, 12 pharmaceutical companies donated over 250 name-brand medications, valued at over $47 million, which was dispensed to over 15,000 uninsured residents in South Carolina.

Teach My People, a faith-based nonprofit organization serving at-risk children in Georgetown County, receives $50,000. Teach My People offers a high quality, no-cost after-school program for 85 elementary, middle, and high school students, from low-income homes, along with an eight-week summer enrichment program. The program provides, spiritual nourishment, academic accountability, homework assistance, community service projects for students, life skills, nutritional education, fitness programs, SAT and ACT preparation, project oversight and assistance for school assignments, parental coaching and support and cultural enrichment.

“These organizations are working to address poverty in South Carolina through their programs and services,” said Yvonne Orr, board chair of the Foundation. “It is our hope that this funding will help strengthen these organizations as they serve those in need.”

Organizations wishing to apply for funding should visit the Foundation’s Web site, sistersofcharitysc.com, for information on the application process. The next grant application deadlines are March 1 (Responsive Grants) and June 2 (Caritas Grants).

About the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, established in 1996, is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. The Foundation is committed to addressing the needs of the poor and underserved in all 46 South Carolina counties, and strategically uses resources to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership.