Richard King Mellon Foundation awards $750,000 grant to Gateway Rehab Center
Funds to be used to create youth treatment center

PITTSBURGH—Robert E. Carter, chairman of the board of trustees of Gateway Rehab Center, announced that the Richard King Mellon Foundation awarded a $750,000 grant toward creation of a treatment center for youth with alcohol and other drug problems in the main building on Gateway Rehab’s campus in Center Township, Beaver County.  This grant is the single largest that Gateway Rehab has received in its history. 

Creation of a youth treatment center is the centerpiece of a $6 million capacity expansion project to better meet the need and demand for treatment of youth substance abusers.  Also targeted are improvements to adult treatment facilities and enhancement of education and prevention programs.

In announcing receipt of the grant, Carter expressed appreciation for the continued generosity of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, one of the original supporters of the creation of Gateway Rehab in the early 1970s.  “We are very grateful for this generous investment of the Richard King Mellon Foundation.  It clearly evidences the Foundation’s belief in the importance of treatment for alcohol and other drug problems while also demonstrating a serious commitment to the youth in need in our communities.  Lives and families will be saved and hope for a better life for addicted young people will be restored as a direct result of these grant funds.”

According to Gateway Rehab president and CEO Dr. Ken Ramsey, “the effort is only in its early stages and has generated over $2 million in commitments from staff, members of the board of directors, foundations, and private citizens.  Efforts are underway to create community awareness and obtain additional financial support.  Max Starks, offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has joined the effort as honorary chair.”

A nationally recognized leader in drug and alcohol treatment, not-for-profit Gateway Rehab provides care for more than 10,000 adults and youth annually within a network of 20 locations in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio.  Founded in 1972 Gateway has helped more than 80,000 individuals take the first steps toward recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

Created in 1947 by Richard King Mellon, chairman of Mellon Bank and a major civic, financial, and industrial leader in Pittsburgh, the Richard King Mellon Foundation is among the largest independent foundations in the country with assets of more than $1.7 billion.

Gateway Rehabilitation Center is a private, non-for-profit organization offering comprehensive prevention services and treatment for adults, youth and families with alcohol and other drug problems.  With locations throughout Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, Gateway provides services for over 9,000 individuals annually.