The Little Sisters of the Poor was founded in France in 1839 by St. Jeanne Jugan to care for the elderly poor, promising to serve them with love and respect through their final days. In 1872, the Pittsburgh Home was established. Today, fourteen Little Sisters along with lay staff operate a fully licensed nursing facility open to financially needy men and women aged 65 or older, regardless of race or religion. Admission is based first and foremost on financial need. Around the clock care is provided to elderly nursing and independent living Residents.
More About Little Sisters of the Poor
The mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself.
For decades, the Little Sisters have cared for Residents on the North Side and on Penn Avenue in Garfield. In 1972 their two homes were consolidated to their current Brighton Heights location. This Home has been renovated and expanded over the years. The most recent project expanded the nursing home and renovated the independent living area. The greatest impact of the Sisters has been caring for more than 12,000 elderly from the Pittsburgh region.
How You Can Help
Beyond financial support we are always looking for volunteer help. Volunteers are essential to making the Residents happy. From escorting Residents to and from activities or physical therapy, assisting them on shopping trips and other outings, working the country store, organizing rummage and craft sales, to helping in the administrative offices—they make a difference daily!
The operating costs to run a facility providing for the elderly poor, who have outlived their resources, is quite high. Caring for the elderly poor in a respectful manner far exceeds the income received for such work. Medicaid reimbursements cover less than half of the annual budget. To address this deficit, generous benefactors, who share in the belief of assisting those less fortunate, join in the care of the needy aged with their support.
To donate, visit http://www.littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org/.
Story and Photography by Little Sisters of the Poor
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