Foundation Listens to Hispanic Families on Johns Island

April 30, 2010

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina conducted its second listening session of the year. On Wednesday, April 28, Hispanic residents and community leaders and service providers came together for two separate sessions at Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services on Johns Island.

In the morning, 26 Hispanic families shared their experiences, including barriers and opportunities to live out of poverty.  Led by Foundation representatives who served as facilitators, the families engaged in dialogue sharing their stories.  Translators participated for those that may have not been proficient in English.

“The listening session on Johns Island was more beneficial to us, the Sisters of Charity Foundation, than to those who did the sharing.” said Tom Keith, president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. “We heard examples from those with first-hand experience as to what living in poverty is like. These stories are extremely important, and are a reminder as to why the Foundation works daily in hopes that one day families in South Carolina will have the resources to live out of poverty.”

The afternoon allowed community service providers and nonprofit leaders serving the Johns Island Hispanic population as well as some of the Hispanic residents to share their perspective on poverty through small group reflection and discussion.  Thirty-eight people were registered for the afternoon session.

 “We want to especially thank Sister Mary Joseph Ritter and the staff of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Center who ensured the listening session was a success,” said Keith.

As part of its commitment to reduce poverty in South Carolina, the Sisters of Charity Foundation will continue visiting communities across the state to listen directly to the voices of individuals and families around issues that surround poverty. It is a small step to achieve the Foundation's vision that families in South Carolina have the resources to live out of poverty. The Johns Island Listening Session was the second of several listening sessions the Foundation will hold in select geographic regions across the state.

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.

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