The Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center first opened to recovering alcoholics in October 1970 on Wayne Street in Butler.

Originally known as The Butler Alcoholism Recovery Center, the facility had 12 beds, a drop-in center and accepted only male clients. Incorporated as a nonprofit agency in June 1971, the center moved nine miles outside of Butler on Saxonburg Road.

In 1974, the agency bought its current facility on Old Plank Road, changed its name to The Butler "A" Center and began offering professional treatment for both drug and alcohol addictions. In March 1974 the first woman client was admitted, and the facility accepts male and female clients today.

The Butler "A" Center was under the leadership of Ellen O'Brien Gaiser from 1979 until her death in 1994. Ellen, a longtime recovering alcoholic, was a strong advocate for the rights of addicted persons and personally touched the life of nearly every person who entered treatment during those 15 years.

The Center was affectionately renamed The Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center in 1995 in honor of Ellen's legacy to the recovering community.

Today the Gaiser Center is under the direction of Linda Franiewski, executive director; Dr. Jeff Geibel, clinical director, and Dr. David Evanko, medical director.

Each year The Gaiser Center reaches more than 1,000 individuals and focuses exclusively on treating and preventing drug and alcohol addictions.