In 1996, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wheeling used funds from the half-sale and joint venture between St. Joseph’s Hospital and Columbia HCA, a national healthcare company, to establish the Sisters Health Foundation (formerly the Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund). Through grantmaking, collaboration, and leadership, the Foundation works to continue and expand the health ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph. Since 1996, the Sisters Health Foundation has awarded over $21.7 million in grants.
Early Beginnings
In 1853, six Sisters of St. Joseph journeyed from Carondelet, Missouri, to Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), to come to the aid of a Catholic bishop who asked for their help with his young diocese. These first Sisters immediately began to care for the sick and underserved at Wheeling Hospital. They planted the seed that would become the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wheeling.
Just before the turn of the century, editors of Parkersburg newspapers strongly advocated for the establishment of a hospital that would serve all people regardless of their ability to pay. Because many poor citizens and immigrants were excluded from receiving adequate medical care, an urgent request was made that the Sisters of St. Joseph provide a new hospital. Once again responding to those in need, several Sisters of St. Joseph of Wheeling traveled by boat to Parkersburg, West Virginia, to establish St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1900. The new 21-bed facility gave residents of Parkersburg a choice regarding the quality of their health care.
In 1996, the Sisters planted another new seed: the Sisters Health Foundation (formerly the Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund), an endowed fund that supports initiatives to improve the health of those living in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Transition
In 2011, St. Joseph’s Hospital was purchased by the West Virginia United Health System, which created a two-campus medical center under the Camden Clark umbrella. When Camden Clark Medical Center closed St. Joseph’s Campus in 2014, the Charitable Fund’s Board of Directors—after careful consideration with key community partners—voted to rename the Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund as the Sisters Health Foundation. In doing so, the rich connection with the Sisters is maintained, the health focus of our work is more prominent, and our work as a philanthropic entity serving the Mid-Ohio Valley continues.
1996
The Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund is established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wheeling after St. Joseph’s Hospital enters into a joint venture with Columbia/HCA.
1997
Three large charter grants are awarded.
1998
First competitive, responsive grants are awarded as part of two grantmaking cycles per year (spring and fall).
2002
Health Ministry Initiative is created to promote holistic health through health ministries in faith-based congregations.
2007
10th year of service to the Mid-Ohio Valley is celebrated.
2011
Over 70 community partners participate in focus groups as part of a strategic planning process. The Board approves strategic framework with oral health, healthy lifestyles, and health equity as grantmaking priority areas.
2013
The Health Ministry Initiative is integrated into foundation’s priority areas instead of being a stand-alone initiative. The Basic Needs/Direct Service grant program—in addition to the existing Responsive grant program—is launched to provide material aid to organizations in the form of food, personal needs items, and emergency assistance.
2015
The organization launches a new era as the Sisters Health Foundation.
2019
The organization becomes a founding member of the Congregation of St. Joseph Mission Network. The deep connection to the Congregation of St. Joseph’s mission of unity is maintained.
2020
The Board approves the strategic framework with healthy eating, active living; thriving neighborhoods; and mental health and addiction as our grantmaking priority areas.
Heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph – a 370-Year-Old Mission
