POWER Celebrates 20 Years

POWER, a local organization based in Swissvale with a mission to help women reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction to alcohol and other drugs, celebrated 20 years of service last week.

A Night of Hope was held May 18 at Heinz Field in the East Club Lounge. Now in its 17th year, the event honors graduates of POWER's gender-responsive, trauma-informed drug and alcohol treatment programs. All proceeds benefit POWER’s full continuum of recovery and support programs, including residential, outpatient, mentoring, and aftercare services.

Guests enjoyed a reception, entertainment, and dinner, followed by a brief program by emcee, POWER Advisory Council member, and KDKA news anchor, Brenda Waters. The event also included the presentation of the Window of Hope Award to three individuals who were instrumental in POWER's founding in 1991: co-founder Terry Miller, former mayor Tom Murphy, and Sister Joyce Serratore, SC.

Special activities planned in celebration of the agency’s 20th anniversary included the Faces of Recovery project, which highlights 21 women in recovery. The Faces of Recovery portraits emphasize the diverse range of ages, races, and personal histories represented by women in recovery. A timeline of POWER’s milestones was on display, with guests encouraged to add their personal messages and signatures to the piece. 

Sheila Washington of Washington Consulting Group chaired the event. Citizens Bank CEO Ralph Papa served as an honorary co-chair of the event with his wife, Ruth Anne Papa. Celebrity guests included Darieth Chisolm, Sheldon Ingram, and Sally Wiggin.

Attendees had the opportunity to bid on exciting prize packages in raffle baskets, silent auction, and a live auction hosted by Tom Murphy.