Providence Family Services Receives Grant from Target for Counseling Services

[Chicago, Illinois] (Aug. 28, 2009) —Providence Family Services has been awarded a grant from Target in recognition of its efforts to provide affordable counseling services to the largely Spanish-speaking and often struggling population of the Humboldt Park region of Chicago.

Providence Family Services is a not-for-profit sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. and a program of Guerin Outreach Ministries. The charitable organization, which started with two Spanish-speaking counselors in 1993, has grown to include English as a Second Language classes, after-school tutoring and computer classes, parenting classes and, starting next year, citizenship classes.

The $1500 grant was awarded as part of Target’s Family Violence Prevention Program. The grant money will be used to fund counseling services, which are offered at free or reduced costs to make them affordable to all.

“I appreciate that a local company has an interest and wants to share with the community,” said Sister Patty Fillenwarth, SP, founder and director of Providence Family Services. “I also appreciate that they recognize domestic violence as a problem. It’s nice that a part of the community is helping to deal with the problem.”

The grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given five percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.

“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, president, Community Relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with Providence Family Services as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

“Those who will benefit from this grant will be parents and families living in the community and experiencing the need for help in solving problems of anger and frustration that lead to family violence. There has been a real increase in need lately as problems have been exacerbated by people losing jobs or losing their homes or having to move or relocate,” said Sister Patty, who also serves as one of Providence Family Services counselors.

“Through the counseling, we give our clients techniques to improve themselves: to help them communicate better and be more understanding of one another. Time with a counselor is a good time to step back and see the changes one needs to make. We help our clients to solve their own problems,” Sister Patty said.

Target also gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Target store grants support nonprofit programs that impact the arts, early childhood reading and family violence prevention.

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation serves guests at more than 1,600 stores nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices.