Focusing on those most in need…

Dear Grantees

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland wants to share the stories of the impressive work of its grantee organizations on this site’s homepage. Has your organization earned special recognition? Is there a story involving the people you serve that could be profiled?

Let us know!

Grantee Profile:

The Kidney Foundation of Ohio

How does it feel to be told you have kidney failure at the age of 16? “Brian” felt confused, shocked and scared when he started on in-center hemodialysis and then transitioned to peritoneal dialysis in his home. After just a few years, he was fortunate to receive a successful kidney transplant.

Through everything, his mantra was: “Never give up!” The Kidney Foundation of Ohio offered vital assistance to support Brian's family's financial needs. Grant funding helped with transportation costs and emergency expenses. This fall, Brian starts another journey – college.

Cleveland Housing Network

After escaping an emotionally abusive marriage, my daughter Joy and I became homeless. We lived in a shelter, but I eventually succumbed to depression and turned to drugs and alcohol to mask the pain. I was utterly unrecognizable by any who knew me.

After I was introduced to Cleveland Housing Network and [social worker] Tamika in 2003, my life changed drastically. I have a home. I have conquered my demons. I have returned to college after 10 years, and I have a 4.0 GPA. Eventually I plan to earn a Masters Degree and a Doctorate. My daughter is an honor roll student.

Some people come into our lives to help us fulfill our destiny. I believe CHN came into my life to help me fulfill mine. Every day, I do two things: I wake up and see myself where I want to be and refuse to stop working toward that. And every day, I reinforce to my daughter that she can make it. I teach her to have the confidence that she can do anything.

I know that without the help of CHN, and my strength in God, none of this would have been possible. —Monique

Collaborative to End Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in the U.S. and around the world that subjects youths and adults to force, fraud, or coercion for sexual exploitation or forced labor. Seven religious congregations – Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, Sisters of the Incarnate Word, Sisters of St. Dominic of Akron, the Congregation of St. Joseph and Sisters of Notre Dame – and lay professionals operate educational and advocacy programs in Cleveland and Canton. Program expansion to Youngstown and western Ohio is planned.

Mission + Vision

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland improves the lives of those most in need with special attention to families, women and children living in poverty. Our primary focus is to increase the community’s capacity to meet the needs of the underserved. As a faith-based organization, the Foundation extends the values of Jesus Christ through the mission of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and also works to sustain the ministries of women religious.

Health Disparities Series

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland believes like many, that health is vital to supporting families, building stable neighborhoods and reducing poverty. Health disparities result from a complex array of socio-economic and environmental conditions, broader health system issues and personal behavior. Social determinants or root causes such as income and education inequality, standard of living, social inequality, and quality of the physical environment impact health outcomes far greater than biology, behavior and access. As disparities across our community, state and country continue to persist and widen, we must consider action towards addressing health equity by tackling the root causes of poor health in our communities.

Please join us in February for a two-part series on health disparities, with a special keynote address by Dr. Camara Jones, of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention. For more information download the event flier: Health Disparities Series Information

WOmen & Spirit

Coming to Cleveland in May 2010

Exhibit Reveals Role of Courageous Women in Shaping U.S. History

The Foundation is pleased to announce the traveling exhibit, Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America, produced by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious is coming to the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood, OH on May 9, 2010. A project supported by this Foundation at its earliest stage, the exhibit's first run at the Cincinnati Museum Center attracted more than 50,000 visitors who learned about the tremendous contributions of women religious throughout American history to today.

Rare artifacts, poignant photographs, compelling video and first-person accounts tell the stories of pioneering women who established schools, hospitals and other enduring institutions and continue to work for peace and social justice.

To date, key sponsors of the Cleveland presentation include Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, Notre Dame College, Ursuline College/Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, National City/Now A Part of PNC, Cleveland Clinic/Marymount Hospital, the Cleveland Foundation and Mt. Sinai Foundation.

WOMEN & SPIRIT is a project of The Leadership Conference of Women Religious, an association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States. The Conference has more than 1,500 members, representing about 95% of America’s 68,000 women religious.