The Burma.

counselling soon became the Bureau’s additional thrust, particularly in the area of alcoholism. This added service, along with an alcoholic rehabilitation centre and a half-way house, had an impressive success rate among great numbers of alcohol victims.

In 1965 the Bureau established St. Gerard’s Home For single mothers. By the time oFits closure in 1987 as many as 1,700 women used the home. During this period adoptive homes had to be sought in other provinces and in the United States. Outreach through Foster homes was another of the Bureau's ways oFassiSting children.

By 1970 the government assumed control of social assistance, addiction and nursing services. This brought a period of transition For the Bureau and in 1973 it became known as the Catholic Family Services Bureau, a professional Family agency with counselling services as its major thrust.

Western Hospital 19505

Since 1998 this institution is known as Pownal House, Home of Catholic Family Services Bureau.

All ofthe above has been a great success story and the Sisters ofSaint Martha in particular are to be commended for their vision and perseverance in this pioneer venture.

Western Hospital

In 1944 Sacred Heart Parish purchased the vacant Albion Terrace Hotel in Alberton and opened there a 15-bed hospital under the management of the Sisters oFSaint Martha. Additions in 1948 and 1960 made the Western Hospital an excellent rural health care

Facility. In the mid 19505 the parish deeded the property to the Sisters.

Many people had a hand in making this hospital a great success story, all in a real spirit ofecumenism. Gradually the government contributed its share as well. However, the Sisters oFSaint Martha deserve special praise For their pioneering spirit and deep perseverance.

In 1991 the Sisters oFSaint Martha turned the hospital over to the Western Hospital Corporation. During that nearly half century more than sixty sisters served there.