Sr. Karina Conrad, CDP, offers hope to the poor as a mental health counselor

Sr. Karina Conrad, CDP, is the recipient of funding from the Catholic Extension's Sisters on the Frontlines program. Sr. Karina, a mental health counselor at the Society of Helpers The Circle/El Circulo Resource Center in the Brighton Park area of Chicago, ministers predominantly to Latina women. These women, many of whom are immigrants and heads of household, have struggled to maintain employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult for them to buy food and pay rent, utilities and medical bills. The funds Sr. Karina received helped to rescue one woman who was seeking counseling due to being threatened with eviction and facing homelessness. Last year, this woman was diagnosed with COVID-19 and eventually lost her job, further impacting her daily stress and trauma. Sr. Karina’s intervention with counseling, education, social opportunities and financial help brought hope and relief to this woman, as she was able to pay her rent and purchase food. Sr. Karina shared, "As a Sister of Divine Providence ... I am reminded of the call to mission we have as women religious to ease the suffering of those most in need and to bring God’s love and care to all."