Portiuncula Foundation pledges $100,000 to Gateway Rehab for youth services campaign

Sister Ann Carville, superior general of the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale, presented a check from the Portiuncula Foundation to Gateway president and CEO Dr. Ken Ramsey on June 8 toward Gateway Rehab's $6 million fund raising campaign.

PITTSBURGH—The Portiuncula Foundation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale recently pledged $100,000 over five years toward Gateway Rehab’s $6 million campaign to expand treatment capacity for youth with alcohol and other drug problems and to improve services for adults at its main campus in Center Township, Beaver County, and also to enhance education and prevention programs. 

More than $2 million has already been committed to the campaign from foundations, individuals, board members, and Gateway Rehab staff.

Established in 2003 by the Millvale Franciscans, the Portiuncula Foundation supports health and wellness efforts directed primarily to families, women, and children in the communities where the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale serve in ministry.  The foundation’s initial funding came from the restricted charitable gifts formerly held by St. Francis Health System, St. Francis Hospital of New Castle, and St. Francis Medical Center, which closed in 2002.  Funds continue to be managed in accordance with the donors’ original intentions.

Gateway Rehab president and CEO Dr. Ken Ramsey said that history is nearly repeating itself with this grant.  “The Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale provided an initial grant over 35 years ago through St. Francis Hospital of Pittsburgh toward the creation of Gateway Rehab Center.  Dr. Abraham Twerski, then the clinical director of psychiatry at St. Francis and founder of Gateway, set out to open a treatment center dedicated to providing care for adults with alcohol and other drug problems.  The Sisters of St. Francis supported Dr. Twerski’s efforts and empowered him to move ahead.  The Pittsburgh philanthropic community rallied around this effort, and Gateway opened its doors in 1972.

“All these years later, Gateway is establishing a center specifically for youth with addiction-related problems.  Once again, the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale are among the initial supporters of this life saving effort.  We are immensely grateful for their generous investment in this campaign.”

Efforts continue to create community awareness and obtain additional financial support.  Last month, the Richard King Mellon Foundation granted $750,000 toward the campaign, the largest single grant ever received by Gateway Rehab.