New SPHS complex dedicated in Charleroi
CHARLEROI - Senior center volunteer Linda Angelo is proud to have found a new home with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Inc. family.
Angelo, a Charleroi resident, had volunteered at Charleroi's senior center for six years.
The center, now called Riverside Place, recently relocated to the newly opened SPHS headquarters at 300 Chamber Plaza in Charleroi.
Angelo said the expanded senior center has offered more for the residents and has opened the door for a promising future.
"This is fantastic," she said. "We're increasing with the people coming in and we've got new things coming in. I'm sure it's going to take off really well."
About 100 people, including many SPHS leaders and local elected officials, shared that positive outlook Tuesday during a dedication ceremony at the new SPHS location.
SPHS offers health and human services to more than 50,000 people of all ages each year in Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette and Greene counties. Its services include mental health counseling, mental retardation services, community living assistance, substance abuse treatment, aging programs, primary and pediatric health care, homeless assistance, family support programs and alternative education.
SPHS first operated in Charleroi in the 1960s.
In 1972, it moved to the Mon Valley Community Health Center. For years, it was Monessen's largest employer.
SPHS, which had been leasing space at the health center, decided to relocate after negotiations fell through with city council and the Mon Valley Health and Welfare Authority to buy the building.
The Monessen health center is still home to several SPHS operations, including primary care, day care, Women, Infants and Children, and other consumer-driven services.
SPHS plans on moving those offices to the former Giant Eagle building at the adjacent Mon Valley Shopping Plaza after it is renovated.
In December, the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors unanimously voted to enter into a sales agreement with SPHS for part of the former Montgomery Ward complex.
A three-month, $2.9 million renovation project transformed the former store into the new 52,000-square-foot hub.
SPHS opened its new location in Charleroi June 16. The new building houses offices for 200 professional and support staff members and the new senior center.
Those involved with the move and many local supporters came to the social hall of Riverside Place Tuesday to celebrate the new beginning.
SPHS board president Fred Exley noted the decades of commitment SPHS has offered to the Valley.
"In a real sense, our location here in Charleroi is a return to our roots," he said. "Forty years ago, our first offices were located right over there in the Mon Valley chamber building. Later, when we started to grow, we moved to the former Second Street School just a few blocks from here.
"Forty years from now, it's our hope, our vision and our prayer that those who follow us will marvel at what we've done here to sustain a system of service."
Washington County Commissioner J. Bracken Burns Sr. honored the SPHS mission and those who work to make it happen.
"It is indeed a great day in the Mon Valley as we come together to celebrate this building, but more importantly the people within it ... the individuals committed to meeting the needs of our society. And that's what it's all about," he said. "I'm proud that we would build this kind of an edifice to conduct business in; that we would hire this many people to get the job done so that nobody would fall through the cracks."
Diana Irey said she has been in touch with SPHS throughout the 10 years she has been a Washington County Commissioner.
"One of the first things I did was come to find out all of the social services that you provide," she said. "I have really enjoyed the relationship that the county has with SPHS. I can't tell you how pleased we are at what SPHS does for our communities. It is such a fabric of what we believe in and do for one another here in the Valley."
Charleroi Mayor Frank Paterra offered an official welcome.
"Your contribution to our society is priceless. Social workers are the missionaries of America. May all of you succeed in your endeavors," he said.
Charleroi Council President Mark Alterici said he is proud that Charleroi will house a vital part of the region's well being.
"As a business owner in town, seeing this parking lot filled everyday, it's like I'm a kid again," he said. "But, this is not a win for Charleroi; this is a win for the entire Valley. I thank you all for being here."
Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce President Armand Ferarra said it is a promising new era for SPHS.
"I look at this as a beginning of a rebirth for the Charleroi area ... it will make an impact on the economy and help spur new growth and development," he said.
Foundation help
Bringing the senior center to the SPHS building was a product of local aid.
A $250,000 contribution from The Mary Daly MacFarland Foundation made the construction of Riverside Place possible.
MacFarland, a lifelong resident of Charleroi, died at age 97 in 2002. Her family history traces back to 1855 when her great-grandfather, Thomas Daly came to the Mon Valley.
Her foundation has been funding gifts both during her lifetime and in her will. The foundation's trustees are her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Bruce B. Wilson, of St. David's, west of Philadelphia, and their four children.
Bruce Wilson helped wrap up Tuesday's ceremony.
"I think I would just like to muse on what Mrs. MacFarland herself might have said if she were standing here today," he said. "I think it would go something like this: 'Today, I'm seeing another chapter begin in the history of Charleroi and the Mon Valley ... I am smiling today as I see jobs coming back to Charleroi. I grew old here, and I learned how important the community is in providing support and energy and friendship. I know how important it is to have friends and to have somewhere to go and something to do as the days pass by. And I am proud to have played a small part, both in building Riverside Place and in helping the Magic City to jump out of the hat once again.'"
