Sisters' Portiuncula Foundation Awards Grants and Scholarship

Pittsburgh, PA, May 8, 2009 – The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities will award $66,750 in scholarships and grants through their Portiuncula Foundation during a 10:30 a.m. brunch Wednesday, May 27 at Mount Alvernia, 146 Hawthorne Road in Millvale. The following individuals and organizations will receive awards:

2009 Scholarship Recipients:

Forrest Ellsworth Nursing Scholarship ($1,500)
Michele Dudek, a student of Carlow University, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Major Helen C. Humenansky Nursing Scholarship ($2,000)
Jodi L. Gasper, a student of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Teresa (Terri) Lynn Deithorn Memorial Scholarship ($2,500 each)
Amy E. Adams, student of St. Francis University in Loretto, Pa.
Christine L. Horvath, student of Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

2009 Grant Recipients:

• Gateway Rehabilitation Center: $20,000 pledge to capital campaign for new youth center
• Change a Heart Volunteer Program: $8,000 to help fund living expenses of a full time program participant for one year of service
• North Hills Youth Ministry: $8,000 to provide professional consultation to staff and students of Shaler Area School District in the completion of the program,  Building Developmental Assets
• Mount Alvernia High School: $7,500 pledge to the scholarship fund
• Sisters of St. Francis: $5,000 to help with the expenses of the Health/Wellness Ministry
• North Side Christian Health Center: $5,000 to help with the Close Our Gap campaign goal
• Lydia’s Place, Inc.: $3,000 to support the A Mother’s Voiceprogram
• Sisters of Charity: $1,000 for the Seton Arts Service Corp. (Teaching supplies)
• Sisters of St. Francis: $750 for Vocations Office Summer Service Camp

The Portiuncula Foundation was created to advance the health and well-being of residents in communities where the Sisters of St. Francis minister.  In November 2003 it became the recipient of the restricted gifts and charitable funds held by the former St. Francis Health System (Pittsburgh, Pa.).  The foundation manages the funds in keeping with the intent of the original donors to the best of its ability. 

Nursing scholarships originally established at the former St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing in Pittsburgh are administered by the Portiuncula Foundation. Awards are made to students who are studying full-time for a nursing certificate, an associate, bachelor or master’s degree at an accredited Catholic educational institution in western Pennsylvania.

Grants are available to not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organizations for programs that empower the marginalized, especially women and children; advance health and wellness-related education; act as responsible and just stewards of funds in conformity with the ethical and moral teachings of the Catholic church; champion a broad vision of health including spiritual, emotional, physical, social and economic well-being; and encourage collaboration.

The Portiuncula Foundation takes its name from the Chapel of the Portiuncula near Assisi, Italy, which is known as the birthplace of the Franciscan Order.  When translated literally, it means “little portion” and represents the “little portion” God has given the Sisters of St. Francis to help further the work of the church in the communities where they minister.