About Us

Our Story

Our organization actually began decades ago. We were officially founded in 1993 as Conemaugh Health Foundation. We were the philanthropic arm of the hospitals of Conemaugh Health System. In September 2014, Conemaugh Health System was purchased by Duke LifePoint Healthcare. At that time, Conemaugh Health System became a for-profit organization. Months later, on March 1, 2015, the Conemaugh Health Foundation was reborn as 1889 Foundation, a completely independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Our Mission

Mission Statement

To support innovative programs and initiatives that improve and transform the overall health and wellness of our region

Our Statement of Identity

1889 Foundation serves as a community leader and funder of initiatives that improve the health of people and communities in Cambria and Somerset Counties.

The 1889 Foundation defines “health” broadly as complete physical, mental, and social well-being. We embrace the population health model, recognizing that health is shaped by the conditions in which people live. Our mission goes beyond improving health – we aim to improve lives.

We provide visionary leadership to ensure the Foundation’s financial sustainability, strategic alignment, and operational effectiveness – overseeing assets, staff development, legal obligations, and communications – while leveraging partnerships and funding to drive measurable, systems-level impact on community health.

We invest in bold, innovative initiatives that deliver measurable impact, and we seek to leverage our funding to attract additional resources to the region. We prioritize collaborative, multi-organizational efforts and welcome both Foundation-prioritized and applicant-designed proposal. All initiatives must be grounded in strong evidence and clear logic, with defined outcome and accountability.

While we do not provide ongoing operating support, we fund the development and early implementation of promising new approaches with potential lasting change. Through interactive outcomes-based grantmaking, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, we strive to help nonprofits become more effective and resilient. We also act as a convener, fostering stronger, more coordinated systems to meet community needs.

Our Staff

Susan M. Mann

President

Debra Costlow

Director of Programs & Development

Wendy Reitnauer

Director of Finance

Barbara Hull

Administrative Assistant

Our Board of Directors

  • Trevor Anderson
  • Brad Hindman, CFP
  • Michael Kerr, Secretary
  • John Miko, D.Ed.
  • Alexander Pozun, DO
  • Lauren Presser, Esq.
  • Scott Becker, Treasurer
  • Sarah Redding, MD
  • John Saracena, Chairman
  • Susan Williams, MD
  • Alanna Wilson, Vice Chair

Ex-Officio Member

  • Susan M. Mann, President

Our name reflects a rich history, built on our foundation.

Our name instantly connects our foundation to two things that are central to our community’s rich history: the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889, and the hospital born from the world’s generosity after that great disaster. It is appropriate that the name 1889 Foundation reflects the history and the spirit of giving that created and maintained the Conemaugh Health System for more than a century.

Latest News

Read All News
From Facebook

1889 Foundation updated their status.

2 months 3 weeks ago

This content isn't available right now

When this happens, it’s usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it’s been

1
View on Facebook
Share
1889 Foundation

1889 Foundation

2 months 3 weeks ago

Hoping to see many smiling faces today at the Back to School Bash!!

Please consider bringing school supplies to donate if you can.

View on Facebook
Share
Follow Us
Scroll to Top