Press Release
For more information about Erie Family Health Center, please contact Valerie Comprelli at 312.432.7463 or vcomprelli@eriefamilyhealth.org
Erie Family Health Center Receives $25,000 from the Walmart Foundation to Assist with Healthy Women Pre-Diabetes Program
Donation to help Humboldt Park community
Chicago, IL, Sept. 17, 2009 – Erie Family Health Center today received a $25,000 contribution to assist with a Healthy Women Pre-Diabetes program for low-income, at-risk Latino women. The grant – which was given through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will work to educate Latino women about diabetes risk factors.
Ivonne Silva Erica Plaisier Amy Valukas John Bisio (Walmart) Lee Francis Margarita Sanchez Mary Sommers Nancy Serrata
“Walmart Foundation’s grant will help us to promote positive lifestyle changes to women who are at-risk for developing diabetes. This program provides health education and support to a medically underserved population in an economically challenged neighborhood,” said Lee Francis, President and CEO of Erie Family Health Center. “Walmart is helping us change the lives of women facing unimaginable challenge and we cannot thank them enough for their support.”
The grant was presented to Dr. Francis during a check presentation ceremony held today at the Erie Family Health Center on North Avenue in Humboldt Park. During the ceremony, John Bisio of Walmart presented the check.
The program will consist of classes in Spanish that promote positive lifestyle changes to women who are at risk for developing diabetes. Erie Family Health Center will provide 150 low-income Latino women access to education about diabetes risk factors, nutrition counseling, physical activity, wellness programs, motivational tools and healthy foods.
Program participants also will receive a record of their activities and health status indicators as part of their “passport to health.” This donation also will help fund community outreach activities for local residents.
“Walmart is very pleased to be supporting Erie Family Health Center and their pre-diabetes program, and are committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” said John Bisio, Walmart representative. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that these women in the Humboldt community will increase their knowledge about nutrition and exercise before the onset of diabetes.”
The contribution to the Erie Family Health Center was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Illinois State Giving Program (SGP). Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
Last year, the Illinois State Giving Program awarded more than $14 million to local organizations such as Special Olympics of Illinois and the Illinois Food Bank Association. In Illinois, a team of local associates determine needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.
To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
From February 2008 through January 2009, Walmart and its Foundations awarded more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts, an $85.6 million increase over its global giving in the previous year. Walmart’s FYE 2009 giving breakdown:
- In the U.S., Walmart gave more than $378 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $296 million in 2007.
- In international markets, Walmart gave $45.5 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $41 million in 2007.
- Globally, Walmart’s customers and associates gave more than $106 million through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities.
- In total, Walmart, its Foundations, its customers and its associates supported communities around the globe with nearly $530 million in charitable contributions during FYE 2009.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
