Named to honor the legacy of long-time Gaiser Executive Director Ellen O’Brien Gaiser, Ellen’s House will provide a safe and supportive environment for women in recovery to continue their journey of sobriety with more autonomy.

The sober living home — also known as a three-quarter house — will be the first state-licensed recovery home exclusively serving women and children in Butler County.

“We’re proud to continue Ellen O’Brien Gaiser’s legacy of advocacy for individuals in recovery by establishing this resource to support women re-entering the workforce and reuniting with their children after participation in a formal drug and alcohol treatment program,” said Gaiser Executive Director Joe Mahoney.

With facilities for up to 12 women, Ellen’s House will provide women in recovery with a safe and supportive environment as they resume full-time work, find permanent housing and prepare to live independently. Residents will participate in mutual support groups within the recovery community, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Refuge Recovery and Smart Recovery and receive encouragement from others going through the same transition.

While there are rules for living in a three-quarter house, the home is less structured than a half-way house, which would typically include onsite treatment protocols and a strict curfew. As they move toward self-sufficiency, residents of three-quarter houses also pay rent.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs licenses recovery homes to ensure a network of safe places for individuals with substance use disorders to work toward sustained recovery.

Gaiser purchased the 2,765 square-foot, four-bedroom Victorian on East Brady Street in Butler in August 2023 after Butler County officials expressed a need for a licensed three-quarter facility.

Butler County allocated $440,000 for the project, including the home purchase and renovations which included upgrading the home’s existing bathrooms and kitchen, building an additional bathroom, refurbishing the deck, replacing 36 windows, waterproofing the basement, installing a security system and security cameras and upgrading the heating and cooling systems.

“We are proud to work with Gaiser to bring this new and needed resource to our community,” said Butler County’s Director of Drug and Alcohol Programs Donna Jenereski. “The encouragement and support provided in Ellen’s House can position women in recovery for success and make all the difference to their families.”

About the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center
The Gaiser Center enjoys a reputation as western Pennsylvania’s longest-running and most experienced treatment program for alcohol and substance use disorders. Named to honor the legacy of longstanding executive director Ellen O’Brien Gaiser, the Gaiser Center evolved from a men’s drop-in program to a comprehensive regional resource focused on long-term treatment options for both men and women. Recognized as a Pennsylvania Center of Excellence for opioid use disorder treatment, Gaiser builds on more than 50 years of service to the community. Our experienced and compassionate staff and modern facilities position us as a leader in addiction treatment, delivering proven therapeutic innovations with top-notch emotional and peer support for clients and their families.

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Contact:
Susan Paff
Ideality Communications
Phone: 724.513.0316
Email