Sister Betty Smigla joins Guerin Outreach Ministries board

Sister Betty Smigla, SP, was recently appointed to the Guerin Outreach Ministries board of directors.

Early in S. Betty’s life as a Sister of Providence, she spent seven years ministering in the South American country of Peru. Since returning to the United States she has continued to work with and advocate for the Hispanic population, mostly as a teacher and principal in the Chicago area.
Sister Betty currently ministers as an advocate at Taller de Jose, located in the Hispanic Little Village of Chicago.

“We serve people in crises and in need. The unique aspect is that we accompany them; go with them to court, hospitals, police, shelter, funerals or whatever they need. We provide a comfort level to trust. A lady came in last week and said, ‘I come for HOPE,’” S Betty said of her current ministry.

Sister Patty Fillenwarth, SP, president of the Guerin Outreach Ministries board of directors, has known Sister Betty since their days ministering together in Peru.

“I think that she is a perfect fit for us because the population she works for is very similar to those with whom we work. This is right up her alley. She knows exactly what the needs are of the people we are dealing with because she works with the same people.

Sister Betty has always had the same mind: to help people in need,” Sister Patty said.

Sister Betty said she was happy to accept the position.

“There’s a need, and I have the experience and background; the heart of hearing and seeing the needs of people. At Guerin Outreach Ministries we respond to a need; we help to make people whole by giving them respect,” Sister Betty said.

Guerin Outreach Ministries, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, carries out a mission to provide educational programs and family services to people in need. It exists to extend God’s loving Providence to those most in need by providing programs and services to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through works of love, mercy and justice. This ministry is carried out in three site locations: Providence Family Services in Chicago; Educational/Family Services in West Terre Haute, Ind.; and Providence in the Desert in Coachella, Calif.

Other members of Guerin Outreach Ministries Board of Directors include: Elizabeth Ramirez; Annette Maggio; Sister Mary Beth Klingel, SP; Sue B. Heck; Penny Sullivan; Sister Carol Nolan, SP; and Sister Patty Fillenwarth, SP.