Release: Immediate

Contact: Cheryl Aughton

Pilar Brown

Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale

(412) 821-2200, ext. 211 phone

(412) 821-3318 fax

Sisters of St. Francis Announce Recipients of

Portiuncula Foundation Scholarships and Grants

Pittsburgh, PA, April 26, 2007 – The Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale will award more than $93,000 in scholarships and grants through their Portiuncula Foundation during a 10:30 a.m. brunch Tuesday, May 1 at the Mount Alvernia Motherhouse, 146 Hawthorne Road in Pittsburgh. The following individuals and organizations will receive awards:

2007 Scholarship Recipients:

Forrest Ellsworth Nursing Scholarship ($1,500)

· Justin L. Trunzo – Duquesne University

Major Helen C. Humenansky Nursing Scholarship ($2,000)

· Kia A. Roberson – Duquesne University

Teresa (Terri) Lynn Deithorn Memorial Scholarship ($2,500 each)

· Kia A. Roberson – Duquesne University

· Kristen Ochs – Gannon University; Erie, Pa.

· Ashley Wingard – Saint Francis University; Loretto, Pa.

2007 Grant Recipients:

· Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale Healthcare Unit (electric beds, $6,500)

· Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale Service Camp for Young Women in High School ($2,400)

· Franciscans in Action Service Camp in Appalachia ($1,200)

· Bethlehem Haven, A Step Up transitional housing program; Pittsburgh, Pa. ($10,000)

· Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Beaver, Pa. (capital campaign for new youth center, ($20,000)

· North Hills Youth Ministry Counseling Center for Shaler Youth Center high risk behavior prevention ($10,000)

· Martha’s Place, Erie DAWN transitional housing for women ($4,500)

· Mount Alvernia High School scholarship fund ($7,500)

· Spirit of Health mobile wellness unit ($20,000)

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 St. Francis Health System. The foundation manages the funds in keeping with the intent of the original donors to the best of its ability.

Originally established at the St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing, scholarships are awarded to students who are beginning their senior year, and working to obtain a nursing diploma or degree from a Catholic nursing school 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 Franciscanism. When translated literally, it means “little portion” and represents the “little portion” God has given the Millvale Franciscan sisters to help further the work of the church in the communities where they minister.

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