About The DoorWay

In 1982, Joyce Erdner became president of “Together With Youth”, an organization dedicated to fighting alcohol and other drug addictions among youth. Then, in 1991, C.T.R. Systems, Inc., generously donated a building to the organization, which their company had outgrown. The Avalon building, which now houses The DoorWay, was provided with the condition that the property be used to help give people a second chance.

Due to the size of the building, the amount of renovation needed before it could be opened to the public, and the cost of upkeep and maintenance, “Together With Youth” merged with “The DoorWay”, a street outreach program centered in Pittsburgh. The two organizations, reorganized under the name, “The DoorWay”, committed to work as partners to combine what each had done in the past in order to form a stronger and more effective organization.

Throughout the 1990’s, The DoorWay continued to grow and expand its services to the at-risk and in-crisis in Allegheny and surrounding counties. Then in January of 1999, the congregation of Allegheny Community Alliance Church voted to disband and graciously donated their church building to The DoorWay. That donation has set the stage for expanded ministry, outreach and intervention which will position The DoorWay to continue to creatively meet the needs of those at-risk and in-crisis .

Throughout its history, The DoorWay has made a positive difference in thousands of lives thanks to the concern and support of area churches, organizations and private individuals.

The DoorWay's full time staff have a combined 67 years of experience working with youth.

Joyce Erdner - Executive Director

Joe Welsh - Associate Director

David Erdner - Director of Resource Development