Our History
90 years of empowering children and families
Since 1936, Schreiber has helped children of all abilities build skills, gain independence, and reach new milestones through therapy, education, childcare, and community support.
Rooted in Community. Focused on What’s Possible.
Across generations, national milestones and local advocacy have helped reshape education, healthcare, and community support—creating the foundation for organizations like Schreiber to grow and evolve.
Today, that work continues through the therapy services, inclusive education programs, childcare, and family support we provide every day.
Founded in 1936 in response to the polio epidemic, the organization originally known as the Society for Crippled Children and Adults was created by local community members committed to supporting children with disabilities.
Under the leadership of Edna Schreiber, the organization grew into a trusted resource for children and families across Lancaster County and beyond.
Over the decades, Schreiber evolved from serving primarily orthopedic needs into a comprehensive pediatric development organization offering therapy services, inclusive education and childcare programs, and family-centered support for children of all abilities.
Major Milestones in the Schreiber Story
1927
Edna Schreiber, a Lancaster County nurse, begins treating children with disabilities in their homes—laying the foundation for what would eventually become the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.
1936
Edna Schreiber establishes the Lancaster County Society for Crippled Children.
1949
The Lancaster County Society for Crippled Children affiliates with the Pennsylvania Easter Seals Society.
1950s
The Coffee Day fundraising campaigns begin. In later years, the campaign would be known as Buck a Cup Days and the Helping Hands Campaign.
1967
Edna Schreiber retires, but she would continue working with children as a volunteer for nearly 30 more years.
1981
Easter Seals moves its Lancaster facility to a new building in East Hempfield Township.
1988
The first Rubber Duckie Race fundraiser is organized.
1994
The organization separates from the Easter Seals and becomes known as the Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center of Lancaster County.
2006
Schreiber Pediatric expands its facility, adding a therapy pool and creating a dedicated childcare center to support children and families beyond therapy services.
2007
The childcare center expands with the addition of an infant room and becomes known as Circle of Friends Academy.
2018
Schreiber Pediatric announces a new name as part of a rebranding. To better convey the breadth of services available, the organization is now known as the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.
2026
Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development celebrates 90 years of empowering abilities.
The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development has been rooted in our community since 1936, continually evolving to meet the needs of children of all abilities.
This video shares stories across generations—from Dennis Denenberg, our 2026 Philanthropist of the Year who once received care from our founder, Edna Schreiber, to Alex Oleska, Aubrey Whisman, Sienna Matthews, and Ellery McIndoe. Each journey is unique, but all are connected by the power of early support, encouragement, and opportunity.
You can help continue stories like these.
Our Story Is Still Being Written
For 90 years, Schreiber has grown alongside the children and families we serve. Today, we continue to evolve guided by our history and focused on what’s possible next.