1969
A small group of parents decided that their children with developmental disabilities deserved a better life than what was provided in a state-operated hospital. Taking matters into its own hands, this group established Allegheny East Mental Health & Mental Retardation Center.
1969
The parents who founded Allegheny East asked social worker Ray Webb to serve as the agency’s first Executive Director. They “passed the hat” to pay Ray until the agency was fully up and running. Webb held the position for 20 years. Many of the services offered by Milestone today got started during Webb’s tenure.
1975
Allegheny East launches day programming for persons with developmental disabilities. Day programming provides socialization, learning opportunities and life skills education.
1983
Allegheny East begins community residential services for persons with developmental disabilities, enabling person supported to live with peers while having staff supervision to ensure safety.
1987
Chain of Hope opens. This drop-in center in Wilkinsburg provides daily socialization, meals and volunteers opportunities for persons supported by Milestone behavioral health programs.
1989
Barb Conniff becomes the second Executive Director of Allegheny East. Under Barb’s leadership, Allegheny East grew to a prominent organization, eventually with a staff of 475 serving 20 counties and more than 2,000 individuals annually. Barb oversaw the development and implementation of more than 20 person-centered support programs. Barb served in that role until her passing in 2015.
1994
The agency celebrated its 25th anniversary in September of 1994 with a picnic at Boyce Park.
1995
County-imposed geographical restrictions on service areas were lifted, allowing Allegheny East to expand beyond Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs and provide services to a wider geographic base. Persons served, staff and revenues doubled between 1995-2000.
2006
Allegheny East’s office building on South Ave. in Wilkinsburg is renamed in memory of Ray Webb. Webb’s widow, Eleanor, along with her family, are on-hand for the dedication.
2007
The board of directors, inspired by a desire to use more meaningful and appropriate language, votes to change the name of the organization to Milestone Centers Inc. A news release on the name change stated that Milestone believes in “inclusion, community integration and recovery” that provides persons supported with the services they need to pursue their personal “milestones.”
2016
The Milestone office building on Wood St. in Wilkinsburg is renamed in memory of Barb Conniff. Members of the Conniff family are on-hand for the dedication.
2018
Milestone becomes a subsidiary of Partners For Quality, joining a family of nonprofit agencies that support more than 3,000 local people with intellectual & developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges.
2022
Milestone debuts a refreshed logo and tag line. Our updated branding not only reflects our status as a Partners For Quality subsidiary, but highlights our community-focused services that improve lives. Milestone is grateful for the privilege to support those we serve.
