Bridging the Gap Campaign Surpasses $1 Million

GREENVILLE, PA. — St. Paul’s Senior Living Community has raised over $1 million for the “Bridging the Gap” campaign, an initiative to improve safety and accessibility by connecting the north and south sides of the 600-plus-acre campus in Greenville

The project includes the construction of paved walking trails and a pedestrian bridge over Williamson Road, linking all four neighborhoods at St. Paul’s: The Villas, The Heritage, The Ridgewood and The Colony.

“We are celebrating reaching the $1 million milestone,” said Dawn Hartman, Director of Strategic Giving at St. Paul’s. “It was a challenge to raise funds for a capital campaign in a time of economic uncertainty. It’s truly a testament to the generosity and commitment of the many donors in our community who believe in the importance of this project that it’s been successful.”

The fundraising campaign will continue as St. Paul’s strives to reach the goal of $1.5 million raised. Plans to begin construction are underway.

This project, first envisioned in 2020, addresses a long-standing safety issue associated with crossing Williamson Road and also expands the outdoor recreational space available for residents, team members, visitors and the public to enjoy.

Williamson Road is a West Salem Township road and divides St. Paul’s campus in half. The Villas skilled nursing facility and The Ridgewood and The Heritage personal care residences sit on the south side, while The Colony independent living neighborhood is located on the north side.

St. Paul’s provides services to approximately 500 individuals within these neighborhoods and has over 420 team members.

“Crossing Williamson Road is a safety concern for our residents, visitors and staff—whether on foot, or a bike or other vehicle,” said Chris Wright, President and CEO. “There is limited visibility of oncoming traffic and no posted speed limit or other pedestrian safety measures. It’s particularly concerning for anyone who may have mobility issues, vision or hearing loss, or other limitations.”

The lead donor for the campaign was Dick Jones of St. Mary’s, Pa., whose mother Helen Jones and wife Patti Jones both resided at St. Paul’s. Jones will have the opportunity to name the bridge.

“What really excites me about this project is the connections it will create. With safer travel possible in both directions across Williamson Road, St. Paul’s will truly become one family,” said Jones. “I believe it will encourage Colony residents to get more involved in the other neighborhoods – volunteering more and participating in events and activities. In the same sense, residents at The Villas, The Heritage and The Ridgewood will have the chance to enjoy the other side of campus and all it has to offer.”

Another key donor, John and Dorothy Rust, residents of The Colony, will name one of the landscaped rest areas connected to the bridge.

There are naming opportunities still available for the second rest area and the paved walking trails.

The pedestrian bridge and trails will be 10 feet wide, paved and meet the requirements for ADA accessibility.

The bridge will be located across Williamson Road near the entrance of The Colony and The Ridgewood. As part of construction, a significant amount of fill will be moved into that area. The bridge will stand 17 feet high to allow for ample clearance for commercial vehicles.

The new paved walking trails will link the bridge to existing sidewalks and roadways on St. Paul’s campus to two points in The Colony and to The Ridgewood, The Villas & The Heritage.

For more information about giving opportunities for this project, please contact Hartman at 724-589-4611, email dhartman@sp1867.org or visit St. Paul’s website at www.stpauls1867.org/bridge.