Human Service agencies Sisters Place and Auberle plan to have Sisters Place join the Auberle family as a subsidiary effective January 1, 2025. The name and corporation entity of Sisters Place will continue. No major changes to Sisters Place’s programs are expected. The office of the PA Attorney General is reviewing and must sign off on the collaboration between the two Catholic non-profits.
Sisters Place was founded in 1993 by members of 14 local Catholic congregations of religious women in response to the Gospel imperative of love of neighbor and service to the homeless and impoverished in our community. Because of their extensive experience with this disadvantaged population, the sisters recognized the critical need many have for stable housing and supportive services as they work to make lasting, positive changes in their lives.
In 2021, Sisters Place moved from Clairton, PA, to the Hilltop Area of Pittsburgh. It expanded its mission to build stronger communities, including nurturing relationships with neighbors, other social service organizations, and community leaders. Sisters Place is a safe space and opens its doors to neighbors in need, providing resources, harm reduction tools, informal mental health support, and access to support groups and classes focusing on wellness and essential life skills such as financial counseling.
“The continued success of Sisters Place depends on how well we collectively care for those we serve,” said Dr. Ferraro, “We are excited to partner with Auberle, an organization that has effectively cared for individuals, families, and communities for more than 70 years. We believe this collaboration will greatly benefit both the Sisters Place and our local communities.”
Damian Gilliard, Sisters Place Board President noted: “After a decade of dedicated service to Sisters Place and receiving her Doctorate in Executive Leadership, Dr. Melissa Ferraro will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director. Auberle Housing Manager Tess Palmer will serve as Interim Director. In January, Auberle CEO John Patrick Lydon will assume the same role with Sisters Place, ensuring continuity in vital programs and services. This transition builds upon Sisters Place’s strong foundation, opening new possibilities for growth and impact.”
Sister Janet Gardner, Chair of the Sisters Place Members and associated with the organization for most of its history, notes: “The initial desire of religious congregations to combine their efforts to provide quality housing and life-giving services to homeless and marginalized families has come to a new moment. Hundreds of families have found stability and well-being through Sisters Place for over 30 years. With aging and diminishing numbers in our religious congregations we searched for the most appropriate partner to ensure continued growth and enhance services. Auberle was the perfect fit! Our administration of Sisters Place may end, but our support and prayers remain firm. We are confident that those served by Sisters Place and the larger Auberle family will benefit tremendously by this partnership.”
Auberle CEO John Patrick Lydon said, “It is so impressive that the Sisters, while carrying out their other respective duties of each Order, recognized and collaborated to meet the need for housing and supportive services over 30 years ago. We are honored that Sisters Place approached us and asked us to continue this work alongside their dedicated staff. We take our commitment to continuing the legacy that the Sisters began very seriously and are excited to get started.”
Lydon sees the consolidation as an opportunity to improve services to a vulnerable population. He noted that the affiliation will enhance services to Sisters Place clients, who will have full access to Auberle’s programs, such as employment training, job placement and support, behavioral health, and services for children and families. Auberle operates 8 housing programs that have quadrupled in size over the last two years to serve nearly 1,500 people but do not duplicate the services that Sisters Place offers. This arrangement will allow both agencies to share the extensive experience of their staff in rendering quality housing services. It will enhance financial sustainability with shared services and reduce overhead costs for both agencies using current Auberle HR, finance, maintenance, and executive services.
This arrangement further reflects Auberle’s ability to leverage partnerships to achieve the most effective outcomes for clients. Auberle has hundreds of partners in the networks it has built and managed, including more than 260 employer partners.
Sisters Place and Auberle staff and Boards have been working on the consolidation for the last six months and expect a seamless transition for the people served by Sisters Place and their staff.
About Sisters Place:
Sisters Place combats homelessness by providing support services and bridging resource gaps. Their approach integrates anti-oppressive, strength-based, trauma informed, and housing-first principles to break cycles of poverty. The Supportive Housing 
Program has served 528 families, 600 adults, and 1,007 children, while the Safe Space Program addresses essential needs, harm-reduction, and informal mental health support in the community. Programming focuses on empowerment, housing, wellness, and advancement, helping families stabilize and secure safe homes. Recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits and voted Best Place to Work by the Pittsburgh Business Times, Sisters Place demonstrates commitment to client services and staff support.
About Auberle:
Auberle is a nationally recognized human service agency operating in 12 western PA counties changing the lives of more than 5,100 people and families last year. It has more than two dozen programs in five major service areas: Housing, Foster Care, Young Adult Services, Employment Institute, and Behavioral Health. It includes Ward Home as a subsidiary with 3 programs serving young adults. Together they have 240 staff and a combined budget of $20.4M. Auberle was named as a top agency in the country by three different entities and in 2023 Energage named it as one of the Top Places to Work in the Non-profit field in the country.
