In 1990, Lorraine and Ken Wagner, parents of a daughter with a developmental disability, were inspired to write and send letters to everyone they knew – including family, friends and others – inviting them to a meeting to study, discuss and discern how to better serve persons with mental retardation. As a result of those discussions, and in concert with prayerful reflection, focused planning efforts and a groundswell of activity, Emmaus was formed. During its first few years, Emmaus operated as a community center in Beechview that provided socials and recreation for special people. Based upon continuing concerns relative to the severe shortage in the Pittsburgh area for quality housing for the population served by these early programming efforts, the Emmaus Community was incorporated in 1993, and soon thereafter opened its first permanent residential home, the Emmaus House, on the South Side of Pittsburgh.

Joan's birthday wish

Welcoming its first resident in 1994, the Emmaus House eventually became home to three additional women. In 1995, a second home, the Bethany House (located in Brookline) was opened, and that residence now serves four individuals. In direct response to a growing number of requests for respite care, Emmaus ran a successful capital campaign and subsequently renovated and opened a Respite Center – adjacent to the Emmaus House. A third Emmaus residence, Tabor House, opened in July 2002 in the Troy Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, is now home to three people. Two supervised apartments were opened in Mt. Lebanon in 2007. Those living in the apartments need less than 30 hours of support.

All of our Emmaus homes are based upon a “family model” in which well-chosen members of our staff live in our residences with the people we serve. We foster a simple way of life, share our meals family style – and most importantly – share our lives. We work diligently to ensure that our mission is carried out in everything we do.

Lorraine Wagner has served as Executive Director at Emmaus since its inception. “The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh has provided loving service and support to a wonderful and spirited group of special people who have lived with us, laughed with us and inspired us to remain focused on our work and our journey,” according to Wagner. “Our Board of Directors, our generous financial benefactors, and our dedicated employees and volunteers have provided the cornerstone for the success we have enjoyed – and will continue to enjoy – well into the future.”

The Emmaus Community serves persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities and promotes public awareness of their needs. Donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
Emmaus is a 501(c)(3) organization.