ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) announced the company's Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Orlando's Intervention Services (ISI). ISI is committed to helping foster children become independent, productive citizens.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110124/CL34823 )

In helping young people in crisis, foster children without a safety net, ISI's The Village program helps to prevent homelessness and unemployment for youth who turn 18 and age out of the foster care system. The Village provides a comprehensive program of support services designed to promote independent growth and success.

Christopher M. Connor, Chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Company, joined 80 S-W Orlando paint plant associates as they celebrated The Village and their success stories. "The Sherwin-Williams foundation is dedicated to children's health and education, said Connor, that leads to economic independence. This $50,000 grant spotlights how a Public-Private partnership can bring a helping hand to communities in need."

The Sherwin-Williams team heard a powerful testimonial from Michelle Rivera-Concepcion, a current Village resident, who has battled abuse and neglect but has found a new road to success through the Village support program.

Michelle entered the foster care system at age 14. She experienced a failed adoption, was moved 8 times and attended 6 different high schools. At 17, Michelle moved into the Village Transitional Housing program and eventually moved out to her own apartment with a job and started college classes.

In the summer of 2010, Michelle experienced medical and personal problems that caused her to drop out of school, quit her job and eventually suffer eviction. Michelle returned to the Village until she could get back on her feet. Today, Michelle is enrolled full-time at Winter Park Tech, applying her artistic skills and love of drawing to interior design.

Anna Baznik, executive director of Intervention Services said, "the Sherwin-Williams grant is a tremendous helping hand in providing life saving, transformational support for children in need. You have touched the life of a child and for that we are so very grateful."

Additional Background

Intervention Services, Inc. (ISI) and The Village:

ISI has served children and families in Central Florida since 1994 with programs including behavioral health, foster care, independent living and education. Over the last 2 years, more than 6,500 at-risk families and children have received a helping hand.

Sherwin-Williams/ISI Partnership: Our partnership with ISI began with former plant manager Sara Moss' volunteer efforts at The Village. Sara began teaching youth cooking classes to build life skills. In addition, our Orlando associates have held various drives for the at-risk children, while providing volunteer painting teams.

The Sherwin-Williams Foundation

The Sherwin-Williams foundation is dedicated to children's health and education that leads to economic independence. The $50,000 grant maximizes Sherwin-Williams commitment to the community and reaffirms our Culture of Excellence and Guiding Values that are integral to every facet of our business: Integrity, People, Service, Quality, Performance, Innovation and Growth.

Sherwin-Williams

Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers.

S-W is the USA's #1 paint and coatings company; #3 in the world.

The company manufactures products under well-known brands such as Sherwin-Williams®, Dutch Boy®, Krylon®, Minwax®, Thompson's® Water Seal®, and many more.

With global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, Sherwin-Williams® branded products are sold exclusively through a chain of more than 3,354 company-operated stores and facilities, while the company's other brands are sold through leading mass merchandisers, home centers, independent paint dealers, hardware stores, automotive retailers, and industrial distributors.

The Sherwin-Williams Global Group distributes a wide range of products in 109 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.sherwin.com

Contact:

Mike Conway

Director Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Sherwin-Williams

Direct: 216-515-4393

Pager: 216-422-3751

mike.conway@sherwin.com

SOURCE Sherwin-Williams Company