Erica`s Story

power-recovery.com
|
fall 2016
Erica’s Story
Erica is a licensed nurse, financial planner and an ordained minister who
gives back to her community and is an inspiration to her adult daughter.
If you were to meet this vibrant, caring woman you would never know
that years ago, her life was in a downward spiral.
As a young woman, Erica was the accomplished, responsible one in her
family; the one everyone went to for help. Her life revolved around her
daughter, her nursing career, and her church. Then a boyfriend introduced
her to drugs and she became addicted. She stopped going to work
and stopped being there for her daughter. For two years her life was a
vicious cycle of trying to get high and feeling guilty. “I didn’t feel like I
was living,” she says.
Finally, Erica found POWER and changed her life. Among the important
things POWER did for her, Erica says, was to help her deal with her feelings,
especially those about a childhood trauma. POWER also helped re-build
her self-esteem. Her addiction made her feel worthless; like a failure.
When her counselor at POWER told her, “You’re
not a failure. You have a disease,” Erica was able
to stop blaming herself and start working on
recovery. With POWER’s help, she succeeded.
Finally, Erica
found POWER
and changed
her life.
That was 24 years ago and Erica has been going
strong ever since. In addition to her work, she
has designed a line of clothing for people who
are physically disabled and made missionary trips to Haiti where she
helped set up a health clinic after the 2010 earthquake. Erica’s daughter
now credits her own successes to the lessons she learned watching her
mother overcome addiction.
Reflecting on her years of hard work towards her recovery, Erica says,
“There are so many awesome things I can do now that I am sober.”
Last year, POWER served more than
1,300 women in recovery from addiction.
The Healing
POWER of Art
POWER’s new Artist in Residency
project provides another way
for women in recovery to
creatively express themselves
and experience the healing power
of art. Artist Amber Coppings
meets with residents at POWER
House to help develop their
artistic skills and is exploring
ways of marketing their work
through the POWER Collection.
Our thanks to Shadyside
Presbyterian Church for funding
this important initiative.
Board of Directors
Erin M. Felix, President
Sherree R. Goldstein, Vice President
Tina Flowers, Secretary
Eileen Simmons, Treasurer
Steven Alschuler
Emmie Calland
Susan S. Everingham
Judith Griggs, PhD
Nancy Kurdyla
Mary Prezioso
Margaret Sitko
Virginia Volponi
John Wilds, PhD
Advisory Council
Arthur M. Scully, III, Chair
Jan Bleier
Paul E. Block
Candi Castleberry Singleton
Darieth Chisolm
Christopher Dunn
Karen Farmer White
Dr. Andrea Fox
Judge Livingstone M. Johnson
Gayle Manning
Grant McLaughlin
Terry Miller
Tom Murphy
Boyd Murray
Raj Narendran
Jan Pagliari
Norma Raiff
Kristi Rogers
Cindy Shapira
Mindy Shreve
Lora Sigesmund
Joy Starzl
Jim Turner
Dr. Abraham Twerski
Mike Walsh, PhD
Sheila Washington
Brenda Joyce Waters
Lois R. O’Connor, Emeritus
Administration
Rosa Davis, MSW, ACSW
Dear Friends,
As our 25th anniversary year draws to a close, I’ve been thinking
about some of the changes I’ve seen over time. While the opioid
epidemic seems to be grabbing the headlines these days, we’ve seen
women suffering for many years. The overwhelming proliferation of
opioids has moved the conversation from a crime problem to a health
crisis. It’s also provided opportunities for long-overdue discussions
that may result in reducing the stigma that often gets in the way of people seeking
treatment. A few examples:
• Mom is a television show that I’ve watched recently, which
features as its main characters a mother and daughter who
are both in recovery. Although it’s a sitcom, it deals effectively
with real issues facing people in recovery. A recent episode
included an overdose death. The program was followed by a
reminder by the Surgeon General that everyone struggling with
addiction needs access to treatment, compassion and support.
These brave
families in the midst
of their pain, are
honoring their loved
ones’ memories…
• I read almost daily articles about addiction and the opioid crisis in area newspapers. While
the statistics are discouraging, the attention being paid to addiction issues is heartening.
• Legislators and other public figures are now speaking openly about addiction and hosting
public forums, conferences, and community meetings featuring experts in the field, people
in recovery, and family members – many of whom have lost someone they love to addiction.
• Finally, I’ve noticed that grief-stricken parents who have lost a beloved child are including
addiction as the cause of death in obituaries. These brave families, in the midst of their
pain, are honoring their loved ones’ memories to say that their child died of a disease and
they no longer have to remain silent or feel shame.
I applaud these efforts to speak out and assure you that all of us at POWER will continue
to work toward increasing access to quality care with compassion and respect.
Executive Director
Makesha West, BS
Director of Programs & Clinical
Operations
Madelon Edelstone, MEd
Associate & Development Director
Rosa Davis, MSW, ACSW
Executive Director
Debra Raubenstrauch, MPM
Director of Finance & Operations
Olivia Zitelli, SPHR
Director of Human Resources, HR-C
POWER welcomes comments and
suggestions from our readers.
Please send inquiries to:
Editor
Mary Ellen Muth
Communications & Development Associate
[email protected]
Contributing Writers
Rosa Davis
Executive Director
Madelon Edelstone
Associate & Development Director
Karen Clark
Volunteer Coordinator
Design: sjh-design.com
POWER Welcomes Makesha West
POWER welcomes Makesha West as the new Director of
Programs and Clinical Operations. Makesha previously served
as the Quality Assurance Coordinator for Allegheny County’s
Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health,
Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services. She will be responsible
for the clinical direction and business development of POWER’s
continuum of care for women in recovery from addiction.
“We are delighted that Makesha is a member of the POWER family,” says POWER
Executive Director Rosa Davis. “She’s a welcome addition as she brings a wealth of
experience and a passionate commitment to women in recovery.”
Celebrating 25 Years at
POWER Promises
It was a memorable night as more than 450 guests celebrated POWER’s
25th anniversary at POWER Promises — A Night of Hope on May 18th at
the Westin Convention Center. The event included the POWER of Art sale
with works by 25 local artists. The highlight of the evening was a special
tribute to 25 POWER graduates.
Among the many notable guests were Honorary Chair Leslie C. Davis
of UPMC, Emcee Brenda Waters of KDKA-TV, Auctioneer Tom Murphy,
Guest Speaker David Hickton, U.S Attorney for Western PA, Sally
Wiggin of WTAE-TV, Cara Sapida of WPXI-TV, and David Conrad,
actor and community activist.
POWER Board VP Sherree Goldstein, Tom Murphy
and Board President Erin Felix
The highlight of the evening was a special
tribute to 25 POWER graduates.
“It was gratifying to see the outpouring of support after 25 years,” said
POWER Executive Director Rosa Davis. “POWER is needed now more
than ever as more women begin the journey of recovery and realize the
promise of a better future.”
The POWER of Art sale curated by Jeffrey Jarzynka
Over $170,000 was raised for women in recovery. Our thanks to all of the
guests and sponsors for making the night a great success including UPMC,
UPMC Health Plan and Magee Women’s Hospital of UPMC, Giant Eagle,
Levin Furniture, Square Cafe, GlaxoSmithKline, Highmark Blue Cross
Blue Shield, Allegheny Health Network, Sitko Bruno, Huntington National
Bank, University of Pittsburgh, and Citizens Bank.
Emcee Brenda Waters and City Council
President Bruce Kraus
POWER Steps Up for
Recovery Walk
Join the POWER team for the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk on
Saturday, September 10 at 10 a.m., downtown to celebrate
and support the journey of recovery. The route starts at 11th
Street and Liberty Avenue ending at Market Square where the
festivities continue with fun activities, live music and special
guests including Mayor Bill Peduto as Grand Marshal. The event
is FREE and open to the public. Visit pghrecoverywalk.org to
learn more and register to walk with the POWER team!
#3511
Please remember POWER in your United Way pledge.
Your gift helps women build a strong foundation
for recovery so they can be the mothers, sisters,
daughters and friends they want to be. Thank you.
Donor Honor Roll
Garden of Promise ($1,000 +)
Allegheny County
Conservation District
Allegheny Health Network
Steven Alschuler & Hannah Arnold
Amcom Office Systems
Anonymous
Valerie & Paul Bacharach
BNY Mellon Community
Partnership
The Burke Foundation
BYS Yoga
Campos Inc
Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania
C. H. Snyder Fund
Cochenour Law Offices PC
Kathy D’Appolonia
James D. Darby, Jr.
The David S. and
Karen A. Shapira Foundation
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Rosa Davis
Patty Devlin
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Chris & Barb Dunn
Duquesne University
East End Food Co-op
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
Erin Felix
First Commonwealth Bank
FISA Foundation
Fitness Essentials
Tina Flowers
Fragasso Financial Advisors
Gateway Rehabilitation Center
Giant Eagle, Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
Sherree Goldstein
Gymkhana Gymnastics
W. Clark Hagan Trust
Thank you for your generous support!
Recognition is based on cumulative gifts received from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
A full list of donors can be found at power-recovery.com.
Arthur & Debbie Scully
Shadyside Presbyterian Church
Cindy & David Shapira
Eileen Simmons
Sitko Bruno, LLC
Margaret Sitko
Heather Sotomayor
Wesley Sowers, MD
& Sara C. Hamel
Square Café
Thomas Marshall Foundation
Marilee & Robert Tudi
University of Pittsburgh
UPMC, UPMC Health Plan
and Magee Women’s Hospital
of UPMC
Virginia Volponi
Alan & Karen Waggoner
John Wilds, PhD
The Wilson Group, LLC
Duffy Rooney
Nikolyn Roumm
& Mary Jeanne Serafin
Judith Ruszkowski & Ken Regal
Linda Scanlon
Dean Thompson
& Lauren Schneider
Charles & Betsy Schumacher
Shady Avenue Magazine
Mindy J. Shreve
William & Jeannette Smith
Soroptimist International of
Pittsburgh Inc.
David Townley
Union Baptist Church
Robert Vasko
Verizon TelecomPioneers
Sheila Washington
Mr. & Mrs. David B. Yates
Olivia Zitelli
Benefactors ($500-$999)
Gifts In-Kind
3 Rivers Combined
Federal Campaign
All Covered
Christine Andrews
Adam & Liza Baron
Bethel Park Printing
Paul Block
Jim and Cheryl Bowler
Kelli Burns
Emmie Calland
Carnegie Mellon University
Stephen & Dianne Carpenter
Celerity LLC
Michele Colvard
Rob & LuAnn Cottington
Panera Bread
Rachel A. Croitoru
Discovery House
Allison McGeary Florist, Inc.
Baron Batch
Bella Christie &
Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique
BNY Mellon
Karyn Bradley
BYS Yoga
Caesar’s Designs
Fine Jewelry Creations
Cafe Cravings
Capriccio
Carabella
Maria Carlini
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Caruso Cumberledge
Hospitality Interior Design
Classic Lines
Kathleen Cleaver
Clifford’s Restaurant
Color Me Mine
Carol Constantine
Contemporary Concepts
Vivian Croft & Jared Miller
Daviea Davis
Dinette
Madelon Edelstone
Eyetique
Feathers
Terry Fedele
Lyn Ferlo
First Unitarian Church
Kathy Garrison
Dawn Getty
Giant Eagle, Inc.
Griffith Incorporated
Gymkhana Gymnastics
Jean Haller & Henry Haller, III
Franco Harris
Heinz History Center
Henne Jewelers
Hepatica
Susie Hernishin
Christine Hoover
Karen Howard
Interior Supply Inc
Izzazu Salon Spa & Serata
James Floral & Gift Shoppe
Carol Jeffrey
Kate Joyce
LaVerne Kemp
JFK Piano & Furniture Service
Joe King
Celebrating 25 years of helping
women in recovery from addiction.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Kevin & Laura Horner
Huntington National Bank
Jody R. Schurman Fund of the
Cornell University Foundation
John R. McCune Charitable Trust
Lab 8 Designs, inc.
Levin Furniture
Robert Levin & Dr. Kerry Bron
Local Goodness LLC
Gerard Love
Gayle Manning
Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation
Massey Charitable Trust
Lynn McCarthy
Theresa M. Miller and
Mary Ellen Trenga
Tom & Mona Murphy
Lois O’Connor
Judi & Ron Owen
Janice & Richard Pagliari
Suzanne Parks
Point Legal LLC
Mary Prezioso & Nicholas Payiavlas
Cathy Raphael
Debra Raubenstrauch & Dan May
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Roy A. Hunt Foundation
Fred P. Eldridge
Fair Oaks Foundation Inc.
Fitness Essentials
Hans & Leslie Fleischner
Lindsey & William Fustos
Marlayna Gehrking
Patty Genday
Carol Haley-Smith
& Ronnie J. Smith
Jean Haller & Henry Haller, III
Christy Hatfield
Kevin Hayes
Julie Hecker
Christine Hoover
Jeffrey Hudale
Joseph Huduck
Melissa Kovtun
Lisa Kuzma
Mike & Diana Larson
Mary Jo Levine
Littles Shoes
Grant & Joyce McLaughlin
Lisa & Steve Nakamura
Shirley Novak, Esq.
Barbara Parees
Steve & Debbie Paschall
Charleen Roland
Pamela E. Rollings
Please report any errors or omissions to 412.243.7535, ext. 223 — thank you!
Karen Larson
Angela Longo
Michael Lotenero
Gayle Manning
Margaret’s Fine Imports
Maxalto
Jenny Menhennet
Tom & Mona Murphy
Nancy’s East End Diner
Shirley Novak
One Brilliant Boutique
Pamar
Patricia Boutique
Perlora
Marian Phillips
Pittsburgh Glass Center
Posy Florist
Judith Prezioso
Johno & Maria DeSimone Prascak
Pursuits
Katie Reardon
Riverside Design Group +
Plates with Purpose
Sherri Roberts
Kristi Rogers
Bonnie Rubin
Judith Ruszkowski
Keith Schmiedlin
Dean Thompson
& Lauren Schneider
Sea Glass Fine Art
Shannopin Country Club
Kathy Sickels
Lora & Perry Sigesmund
Eileen Simmons
Margaret Sitko
Jeffrey Smith Salon
Marcia Smith
Michelle Spirnak
Kathryn Stanko
Kathy Stewart
Studio Booth
Christine Tumpson
Typhoon Lighting
UPMC Health Plan
Brenda J. Waters
Karen Farmer White
Jonathan Winslow
Olivia Zitelli
In Honor
Winifred Bagley
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Joan Bird
David Townley
Rhett Cherkin
Sukanya & Henry Willis
Genevieve Davidson
Kathy & Stewart Bleckman
Theresa M. Miller
Karen Waggoner
Madelon Edelstone
Adam & Liza Baron
Jessica Flamos
Lia Reese
Sherree Goldstein
Jean Comber
Michael & Lori Comber
Ann Harris
Georgia & Bob Hernandez
Christy Hatfield
Megan King
Patty Himes
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Rosemary Hulsman
Marc Hulsman
Dorothy Ingersoll
Barbara S. Moore
Valery Keibler
Leslee Keibler
Patty Lilja
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Theresa Miller
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Susan Money
Donna P. Leone
Kristine Nipaver
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Lois O’Connor
Dolores Barber
Lois Mikus
Henry and Hilda Sundermann
Mary Phillips
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Charleen Roland
Anonymous
William & Jeannette Smith
Mindy Shreve
Jerry Rabinowitz
Tina Verba
Gen & Hugh Davidson
Karen Waggoner
Gen & Hugh Davidson
In Memory
Amy Caruso
Caruso & Weiksnar Family Fund
James Goldstein
Christine Andrews
Madelon Edelstone
Matthew Siegler
& Erika Freiberger
Michael A. Jacobs
Barbara C. Lindner
Ellen Marks
Pittsburgh Biker
Chicks Motorcycle Club
Mindy J. Shreve
Teresa Stayduhar
Tracey Stayduhar
John R. Walsh
Sally Levin
Robert Levin
Michaela McBride-Bradley
Stephen & Alicia Arbuckle
Susan Money
Dale Ketcham Graves
Donna P. Leone
Victor & Thelma Novak
Shirley Novak
Lecia Paris
Barry Gerber
Carrie Work
Robert Parker
Madelon Edelstone
Serena Powers
Rachel A. Croitoru
Debra Weigner
Mindy J. Shreve
Donate Online: power-recovery.com
Donor Honor Roll
Friend ($250-499)
Lori Abbott & John Amato
Karen Allen
Maryann Bacharach
Alison & Jim Bischoff
Keri Brown
Mary Burke
Caesar’s Designs Fine Jewelry
Creations
Chatham University
G. Reynolds Clark
& Linda Walker Clark
Vivian Lee Croft & Jared Miller
Delta Kappa Gamma
Theta Chapter
Beth Docherty
Jane M. Dudley
Mary Duffy
Madelon Edelstone
EQT Corporation
Susan Everingham
Stacy Freeman
Julie Gulick
Brandi Gurcak
Marie J. Hamblett
Kristen Hannan
Cynthia Hasenjager Banks
Denise Haver
Judith Herstine
Rosemary Hulsman
Grant E. & Mary Irwin-Scott
Nora Jarvie
Barbara A. Johnson, MD
Karen Kondos
John Lovelace
Peter Madden
Sophie Malli
Ellen Marks
Kathleen Matesic
Kathleen D. McCauley
Kathy McCauley
Paul and Penny McKenna
Rich & Tara Nagy
Jessica Nikolakopoulos
Kate Passarelli
Cindy W. & Lance Pastin
Pittsburgh Biker Chicks
Motorcycle Club
Herky Pollock and Lisa Acquaviva
Thank you for your generous support!
Recognition is based on cumulative gifts received from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
A full list of donors can be found at power-recovery.com.
Patty Preisinger
Giuseppe & Laura Frano Ragazzino
William Rankin
Revive Marketing Group
Patrick & Carol Riley
Rebecca Roush
Florence Rouzier
Tammy Sadler
Richard Schmidt
Joel & Debbie Sigal
Jeanne Simmons
Mary Beth Simon
Henry and Hilda Sundermann
Patrick Sweeney
Sharon Tomko
Kristen Trombetta
Jim Turner
Stacey Vespaziani
Phyllis Wechsler
Roxanne Wolk
Perry Younger
Heather Zimmer
Supporter ($100-$249)
Laura Abbate
Dolores & John Barber
Virginia Beaumont
Marsha Bingler
Carol R. Brown
Dina Caruso
Jean Comber
Sandra Dacosta
Diane & Tom Everett
Alan & Barbara Felix
Jenny Flanagan
Lindsay Gates
John Hartman
Bob & Leslie Hausmann
Georgia & Bob Hernandez
Deborah Hughes
Marc Hulsman
William Kelly
Megan King
Nancy Kurdyla
Ladies Ancient Order
of Hibernians, Inc.
Russell & Shelby Livingston
Carolyn Maue & Bryan Hunt
Barbara S. Moore
Boyd S. Murray
Jerry & Mary Rabinowitz
Lia Reese
Kathleen Regan
Maria D. Richter
Swissvale Economic
Development Corporation
Swissvale Women’s Group
United Methodist Women
of Wurtemberg United
Methodist Church
Cheryl Vallecorsa
Chuck & Mary Lee Wetmore
Contributor (Up to $99)
Alessandra Almeida
Terri Anderson
Stephen & Alicia Arbuckle
Ronna & Harry Back
Beverly Banovatz
Lee Ann G. Bennardo
Bill & Sallyann Bensur
Kathy and Stewart Bleckman
Claudia Broman
Tiffany Bryne
Patricia Calabro
Vicky Yolton
Karen Clark
Judith Cohen
Pamela Collier
Michael & Lori Comber
Erin Conley
Jody Copeland & Sandra Goldstein
Amber Coppings
Creative Therapies Enterprises
Greg Daily
Erica DeLattre
Kamala D. DeVivo, R.N.
Mary Diaddigo
Deborah Drummond
Lisa Dukes-Garner
Kathi Elliot
Donna Fey
Jessica Flamos
Matthew Siegler
& Erika Freiberger
Barry Gerber
Dawn Getty
Jody Copeland & Sandra Goldstein
Please report any errors or omissions to 412.243.7535, ext. 223 — thank you!
GoodShop
Dale Ketcham Graves
Jennifer Hammerstrom
Janet Hatfield
Carla Hill
David Hogg
Theresa & Robert C. Howard
Robin Hummel-Johnson
Dottie Ingersoll
Michael A. Jacobs
Carol Jeffrey
Gerry & Donald Johnson
Diane F. Johnson
& Christopher Laemmle
Fred & Patricia Just
Leslee Keibler
Dianne Kelleher
Melissa Kelley
Patricia Kuba
Donna P. Leone
Gary Lewis
Lisa Iadicicco Ligday
Barbara C. Lindner
Prudence Marasigan
Darryl Matevish
Wayne & Connie Maue
Anne M. McArdle
Ann S. McDonough
Barbara McKelway
Mary McKinney
Victoria Medved
Lois Mikus
Michele Morris
Mary Ellen Muth
Marsha A. Nicholas
Yvonne Novick
Katie O’Brien
Linda Perkins
Lora & Perry Sigesmund
Carol Ramsey
RAND Corporation
Leslie Reicher
Sherri Roberts
Bonnie Rubin
Mary Rygiel
Amy Scanlon
Diane Schiavo
Katie Scholl
Deborah L. Slocum
Marcia Smith & Barbara J. Gundy
South Hills Power Yoga
Tracey Stayduhar
Teresa Stayduhar
Laurie Streiner
Sandie Stuart
Suzanna Styles
Meghan Sullivan
Mary Swatsworth
Virginia Swetland
Swissvale United
Methodist Church
J.W. Tabacchi
Sandy Thompson
Stephanie Ulmer
Kristen Vehar
Elise Villella
Jean Vinski
Barbara J. Vock
John R. Walsh
Caruso & Weiksnar Family Fund
Dee & Jeff Weinberg
Cheryl B. & Steven Werber
Makesha West
Katie Whelan
Sukanya and Henry Willis
Susan Wonsock
Carrie Work
Y12SR Recover Yoga Classes
Vivian Young
Donate Online: power-recovery.com
Legacy Society
Member Spotlight
Suzanne Parks is a former President
of POWER’s Board of Directors and
a longtime POWER champion. She
recently spoke about her reasons
for creating a planned giving bequest
for POWER:
“
I decided to become a member
of POWER’s Legacy Society
because I believe in POWER’s
mission. There are so many
issues that deserve our attention
and it’s hard to know where to
start. I decided to invest in the
organizations in which I have
had leadership roles as a way to
make a substantial and meaningful
financial contribution. Whether
or not someone is a POWER donor
or former board member, the
issue of addiction affects us all.
I urge others to consider making
a lasting impact by creating a
planned gift to POWER.
Volunteer Corner
We are fortunate to have great volunteers at POWER who enhance every
aspect of our work. For more information about volunteer opportunities,
contact Karen Clark, Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]
or call 412-243-7535, x214.
Harriet King and Holly Palumbo of BNY Mellon
are two of the 55 volunteers who staffed POWER’s
annual fund raiser, POWER Promises.
Connie Cheng, Lydia Newman, Judy Dodd,
Leah Russano, Candy Abram & Valerie Pedigo
gave presentations on nutrition and finances,
sponsored by Giant Eagle and Citizens Bank.
Cody and his friend Michele Bossers lead
POWER House residents on walks.
Carol Martin staffs the administration and
outpatient reception desk.
“
View more
volunteer
photos on
our website.
If you are interested in learning
more about planned giving, please
contact Madelon Edelstone,
Mahogany Thaxton teaches grammar skills.
Associate & Development Director,
Debbie Scribner teaches cooking
skills while making delicious lunches.
at 412-243-7535, ext. 215 or
[email protected]
Shop for a Cause
Opioids were identified
as the most significant
cause of overdose deaths in
Allegheny County last year.
Looking for a special gift that also gives back? The POWER
Collection features original pieces by area artists available for sale
online through Local Goodness. A portion of your purchase benefits
POWER. Visit localgoodness.com to view the collection.
7501 Penn Avenue • Suite 8
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Phone 412.243.7535
power-recovery.com
#3511
#85191
The official registration and financial
information of Pennsylvania Organization
for Women in Early Recovery may
be obtained from the Pennsylvania
Department of State by calling toll free,
within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement.
Our Mission
Helping women reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction to alcohol and
other drugs, and reducing the incidence of addiction in future generations
POWER Mentor Featured in PSA
POWER Mentor Carol Ramsey
was recently featured in a public
service announcement produced
by the Pennsylvania Board of
Pardons. Carol was granted a
pardon from Governor Tom
Wolf last May for nonviolent
crimes that occurred more than
25 years ago when she was
addicted to drugs. Carol
overcame her addiction long ago and has helped many women in
recovery. But she worried that her past criminal record would interfere
with her ability to apply for senior housing. After four years of hard work
and with the support of family and loved ones, Carol received a pardon
and closed a chapter of her old life stating: “I’m now a 65-year-old
woman where my past no longer hinders my present.”
View more of Carol’s story on our website.
SEPTEMBER 21
Wednesday, September 21 is the
new Day of Giving sponsored
by The Pittsburgh Foundation.
We hope you’ll consider a gift to
POWER on that day. It’s easy to do.
Just visit pittsburghgives.org and
click on POWER. Your gift will support
POWER’s work to help women who
are coping with the disease of addiction
as they begin the journey of
recovery. Thank you.