T. Wayne Dority, second assistant general overseer, liaison to Care Ministries

Raymond F. Culpepper, executive director, Care Ministries

T. Wayne Dority, second assistant general overseer, liaison to Care Ministries

Raymond F. Culpepper, executive director, Care Ministries

At their monthly meeting held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, Christy James, Board President of the Laurel Highlands Nurse Practitioner Association, presented the generous award to Durean Coleman, who graciously received the donation on behalf of Peniel Residential Treatment Center

“We are deeply grateful to the Laurel Highlands Nurse Practitioner Association for their support of our mission,” expressed Dr. Harold Spellman, Facility Director at Peniel. “Their generous donation will directly impact the lives of individuals seeking transformative treatment for addiction, empowering them to embark on a journey of recovery and renewal.”

About the Laurel Highlands Nurse Practitioner Association (https://pacnplaurelhighlands.enpnetwork.com/)
The Laurel Highlands Nurse Practitioner Association remains dedicated to advancing health and wellness initiatives throughout our community. Through partnerships with organizations like Peniel Residential Treatment Center, they continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

In addition to addressing transportation requirements for staff and clients, the van will also provide shuttle services for Peniel’s church, further extending its impact and outreach within the community. This initiative underscores Peniel’s commitment to fostering accessibility and service, ensuring that individuals have the necessary support to participate fully in the programs and services offered.

“We are immensely grateful to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies for their incredibly generous grant,” said Bishop Harold Spellman, Facility Director at Peniel Residential Drug/Alcohol Treatment Center. “The acquisition of this van will significantly enhance our ability to meet the needs of our staff, clients and church community, ultimately advancing our mission of promoting hope, recovery and wellness.”

About Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (https://www.cfalleghenies.org/)
The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies supports the work of nonprofits through grants to organizations directly from donors; competitive grantmaking to fund strategic change in Bedford, Cambria, Somerset, and Indiana counties; and nonprofit capacity building through the Bosler Academy. Their mission is to empower all people to become philanthropists who have a permanent impact and leave a lasting legacy in our region.

Dr. Marion Mattie Spellman, also known as Dr. Spellman, transitioned from this temporary life to her eternal home in glory in the early morning hours of Monday, October 30, 2023, at the age of 80 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She was born on March 9, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Spellman was an extraordinary individual whose life was dedicated to serving and uplifting those in need. She is survived by her beloved husband Bishop Harold Spellman, son Frank P. Coleman and wife Melissa Coleman, and son Toby Murray. She is also survived by her grandchildren Katrina Long and spouse Kareem Long, Casaan Murray, niece Jaqueline Pegues and nephew Ian Pegues. She is also survived by her sister Lori Curry and brother-in-law Andrè Curry, and her nieces Amber Dawn Curry and Quenna Curry, and great-niece Anika Curry.

She was preceded in death by her father Ivrie Pegues, Sr., Stepfather Irvin Bridges, mother Margaret Bridges, brother Ivrie Pegues, Jr., and nephews Judah Andrè Curry and Quinton Pegues.

Dr. Spellman was a loving wife of 42 years to Bishop Harold Spellman. Their strong bond and shared commitment to their faith were evident in their partnership both in life and in ministry. She worshipped and served as Co-Pastor at Peniel Praise Community Church, where she found solace and strength in her faith. Her spiritual journey was an integral part of her life and guided her actions and decisions.

She received her education at Swissvale Elementary and Swissvale High School in Pittsburgh, PA. She also received a Doctorate of Humanities Degree from The Institute of International Studies, Alexandria, VA as well as a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Saint Thomas Christian College, Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Spellman earned the credential of Exhorter from the Church of God, Cleveland, TN and Certification as a Licensed Pastoral Clinical Specialist from the Church of God Chaplains Commission. She believed in the importance of education and used her knowledge to empower and inspire others.

One of the most distinguished recognitions received by Dr. Spellman was the establishment of the “Dr. Marion Spellman Inspiration of Hope Award,” which was inaugurated in her honor during the Church of God 77th International General Assembly in 2018. It is presented to recognize and honor other influential legacy leaders who have made a significant impact in the church at large.

Dr. Spellman’s remarkable journey was marked by her unwavering dedication to the cause of addiction treatment and recovery. Her vision and passion were the driving forces behind the establishment of Peniel Residential Drug/Alcohol Treatment Center over 42 years ago, resulting in countless thousands of lives being restored and impacted through the ministry of Peniel.

With just thirty-five cents and a Word from God, Dr. Spellman started Peniel in 1981, and she served as the Founding President and CEO until the time of her passing.

Her compassion for hurting and broken men and women and their families has been evident from the very beginning. She has always been consumed with a clear vision of creating a place where those struggling with addiction could at last find hope and healing. Dr. Marion Spellman’s memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. Her dedication to serving the Lord and helping others has left an enduring legacy of hope and healing that will persist for generations to come.

Under Dr. Spellman’s leadership, Peniel has blossomed into a sprawling sanctuary of recovery; embracing individuals in need with open arms and an open heart. She was a true visionary who wholeheartedly believed that every person, regardless of their struggles, deserves a chance at redemption.

Beyond Peniel’s walls, Dr. Spellman’s influence continued to reach far and wide. She was well known as a dynamic speaker, an advocate, a mentor, an author, and a voice of hope for countless under-represented individuals. As a collaborator and a friend, Dr. Spellman’s example has inspired both individuals and organizations to come together in support of those in need. Her passion for spreading the Love of God touched the lives of many and her vision and dedication continue to guide and inspire those who carry on the work that she initiated.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Peniel Residential Drug/Alcohol Treatment Center – PO Box 250, Johnstown, PA 15907, in honor of Dr. Marion M. Spellman.

Dr. Marion Spellman will forever be remembered for her unwavering commitment to serving others and for her bestowal of compassion, empowerment, and vision that will forever galvanize and guide us all. We honor her incredible journey, and we celebrate her as our Faithful Champion.

Done by the order of the family
this 10th day of November, the year of our Lord 2023.

Lee Initiatives has a long-standing commitment to supporting organizations that address critical community needs, and their investment in Peniel reflects their dedication to improving the lives of individuals struggling with addiction. With this grant, Peniel will expand its capacity to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment services to individuals in our region. The funds will directly support the Treatment Scholarship Program, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to the care and support needed for recovery.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous grant from Lee Initiatives,” said Durean Coleman, Public Relations Director at Peniel. “This funding will enable us to augment our scholarship program and extend our reach to those who may not have had the opportunity to receive treatment otherwise. We are honored to partner with Lee Initiatives in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction.”

This grant from Lee Initiatives will enable Peniel to support individuals in need on their journey to recovery. It exemplifies the power of collaboration between organizations committed to addressing the substance abuse crisis and bringing hope and healing to communities.

Story on WTAJ-TV news: https://www.wtaj.com/news/local-news/johnstown-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-center-receives-15000-grant/?fbclid=IwAR3Q-pawuomIVaCE5EssnwSigZA3akTMLwGWcNSOq7AsIyrzSIpfzyamGmo

                                                                                        ###

About Lee Initiatives

Lee Initiatives (https://www.leeinitiatives.com/) is a philanthropic organization based in Johnstown, PA, dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the community. By partnering with local organizations, Lee Initiatives strives to address critical needs and make a positive impact in areas such as healthcare, education, social services, and more.

Substance use disorder and its contributing factors continue to present a pressing concern for our region. The Peniel program equips clients with the tools necessary to effectively overcome addiction and achieve lasting change. Successful Peniel graduates are prepared to pursue lives of sobriety, integrity and purpose.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership we have established with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. Their continued support is vital in helping us to fulfill our mission of restoring broken lives and providing effective treatment to those in need.”
– Durean Coleman, Public Relations Director

                                                                                    ###

About Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (https://www.cfalleghenies.org/)
The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies supports the work of nonprofits through grants to organizations directly from donors; competitive grantmaking to fund strategic change in Bedford, Cambria, Somerset, and Indiana counties; and nonprofit capacity building through the Bosler Academy. Their mission is to empower all people to become philanthropists who have a permanent impact and leave a lasting legacy in our region.

Here is a sample article from our new Monthly Alumni Newsletter developed and edited by Peniel Staff member Whitney Botts, BS. Check out the full newsletter in PDF version here:

Peniel Staff Spotlight: Emily Cooper, BS

When Emily Cooper initially stepped through the doors of Peniel as a client, she had no idea what God had
in store for her. Emily states, “The day that my parents brought me to treatment, I remember driving past
the one railroad track down the road, and I remember hearing the Lord say, ‘This is your new home.’ And I
thought, ‘okay, yeah, for 13 months.’ But I didn’t know it was going to be forever.”

Shortly after Emily completed the program at Peniel, she became a volunteer staff member who worked
in reception while also serving as staff on the ladies’ dorm one weekend a month. During this time, she
was simultaneously going to school full time to obtain her degree in Human Services at Penn Highland.
While she was finishing up her degree at Penn Highland, Emily became able to serve as a counselor’s
assistant, which meant that she could serve as a counselor and be supervised by the clinical supervisor
at that time. After doing two years of supervised counseling, Emily became a primary counselor, but God
didn’t stop there. He had even more in store for her.

Even though it would seem that Emily already had a full work load between serving on the ladies’ dorm,
as well as serving as a primary counselor, God decided she was ready for another challenge. Within a year
of becoming a full time staff member, she was also appointed to be the ladies’ dorm supervisor, and then
later on in 2017 she was asked to take over the intake department and oversee the admissions of new
clients.

Emily, recalling her time as a client at Peniel and as a counselee of Ms. Larmond, says, “The interesting
thing is that my office now, was her office. So, when I say to my clients, ‘I know where you’ve been. I’ve
sat in your chair. I’ve literally sat in those chairs. These were the same chairs. When I was going through
the program, I didn’t know God was preparing me. As I was sitting in this office gettting help, I didn’t know
God was preparing me to then sit on the other side of the desk to give help.”

Speaking about how Peniel has transformed her life Emily goes on to say, “Peniel really helped me to just
be honest about myself. About where I was at, what I was going through, and how I felt. It really helped
me get to some of the core issues that were driving my addiction. Then being on staff, I feel like I was
given the grace to be able to tackle all of the jobs that the Lord presented me with. I feel like those times
when I have had to step in and fill in the gap, God was raising up other people to help in other areas. I feel
like God is always raising someone up, so I don’t stress about it, because I know that it is going to get
taken care of. God has always been faithful in supplying and providing what is needed. I have grown so
much as a person in the different roles I’ve served. I just count it a privilege to be able to work here, and
to be able to be effective. From Peniel, there’s a deeper maturity in my relationship with God. I think
there’s more of hearing God’s voice and obeying when God says to do something. It’s also just
establishing a history with God. From the time I’ve been in the program until now, I’ve built a history with
God. That has deepened my faith in him.”

*In order to maintain confidentiality, only first names will be included in Peniel testimonies

Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

**If you or someone you know is dealing with substance use issues, we are here to help:
www.penielrehab.com or 814-536-2111

Dr. William (Bill Isaacs)

In addition to serving as the Chairman of the Peniel Board of Directors, Dr. William (Bill) Isaacs is the Lead Pastor of Lake Erie Church in Madison, Ohio He also serves as the Executive Director of the Center for pastoral Excellence, developing global strategies for training pastors. He has a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from regent University. He is married to Shelley.

Johnstown, PA (May 17, 2021) – Peniel Residential Drug/Alcohol Treatment Center is pleased to announce awarding of a $1,000 grant from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. These funds, provided by the Penelec Fund for the Future of Greater Johnstown, will support the Peniel Scholarship Fund and help to provide treatment for those in need.
Substance use disorder and its contributing factors continue to present an urgent need for treatment. Helping those at the point of their greatest need is central to Peniel’s mandate of restoring broken lives and this scholarship fund will provide access to treatment for a client in need.

Armed with a new way of living, successful Peniel graduates are empowered to maintain sobriety and pursue lives of integrity and purpose. Peniel clients are prepared to successfully overcome addiction and accomplish lasting and permanent change.

“Peniel is thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Penelec Fund for the Future of Greater Johnstown to provide hope and healing for men and women of our community in need of treatment. Lives will be rescued and families will be restored at Peniel as a direct result of these scholarship funds.”

– Durean Coleman, Public Relations Director