Sisters of Charity Foundation celebrates 10th anniversary
Contributed by the Sisters of Charity Foundation

Tom Keith, the Foundation's executive director, and John Boudreaux, the Foundation's Board of Trustees president.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Augustine, celebrates its ten-year anniversary next month. The Foundation, formed out of the sale of fifty percent of Providence Hospital in 1996, is the only statewide grantmaker having awarded grants in all 46 South Carolina counties.

"The work of this foundation has been inspiring, rewarding and challenging," said Tom Keith, executive director. "We have learned so much about ourselves and those we work with, and we have been constant to our mission to address poverty related issues."

Since its beginning, the Sisters of Charity Foundation has awarded more than 1,100 grants and over $32 million to faith-based and non-profit organizations throughout the state.

Over 260 grants, totaling more than $5.2 million have been granted to programs in Lexington and Richland counties. These grants helped fund many programs for organizations.

The Foundation has spent significant dollars and effort towards helping low-income fathers reconnect with their children. It has also addressed other important areas which impact these men like child support payments, lack of job training, lack of education and often substance abuse problems. The Fatherhood Initiative has received national recognition for its innovative approach. There are nine active programs throughout the state and hundreds of men are being helped each year. Additionally, in 2002 the Foundation founded the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop and support a statewide infrastructure to strengthen relationships between fathers and families throughout South Carolina.

"We have many fathers participating in our programs who have taken responsibility for their children, secured employment, and become involved in their community," said Patricia Littlejohn, interim executive director for the Center. "We have also made great strides in the policy arena where lawmakers, judges and administrators better understand the complexities of the system that fathers face." The foundation has directed more than $9 million to fatherhood programs and leveraged additional dollars through partnerships with other funders including the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

The creation of the foundation ties back to the original mission of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. "The foundation serves as a catalyst for positive change in communities and the lives of others."

The Sisters of Charity Foundation will host a special luncheon September 15, 2006. Call 803-254-0230 or visit www.sistersofcharitysc.com.