Who We Are
1889 Foundation supports innovative programs and initiatives that improve and transform the overall health and wellness of our region, and is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the community.
Our Story
1889 Foundation
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 Staff
1889 Foundation
Susan M. Mann, President
Debra Costlow, Director of Programs & Development
Wendy Reitnauer, Director of Finance
Barbara Hull, Administrative Assistant
Our Board
Amanda Artim
Michael Barletta
Scott Becker, Vice Chairman
James Cascio, Chairman
Kim Craig, Treasurer
Bruce Duke, III, MD
James F. Hargreaves
Krista Mathias
Frank Quitoni, Secretary
Donald Ratchford, MD
John Saracena
Michael Smith
Rowland H. Tibbott, Jr.
Susan Williams, MD
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
Learn more about what’s happening in your region.
1889 Foundation collaborates with three additional funders on unified COVID-19 response
1889 Foundation has always approached our mission, which is to support "innovative programs and initiatives that improve and transform the overall health and wellness of our region," with
Creative Health Impact Grant Awards applicants sought
The 1889 Foundation and Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance are partnering on the Creative Health Impact Grant (CHIG) Awards. The awards will provide up to $50,000 in 1889 Foundation
1889 launches Grants Process section of website
1889 Foundation provides grants and community leadership for transformative work that improves the health of people and communities in Cambria and Somerset Counties. “Health,” as defined by
“Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.”
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”