Schreiber Stories
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to visit Schreiber, you have seen firsthand a place brimming with captivating and inspiring stories. We are grateful to have a devoted staff of amazing therapists who diligently work with the children every day and fortunate to have a team of volunteers who contribute their time and effort to our mission.
But it is the families that truly stand out. From care takers navigating through some of the most challenging situations, to the children themselves working hard in every therapy session. We celebrate these resilient individuals who enter our doors and dedicate themselves to improving their lives and striving for independence all while wearing smiles on their faces.
There is an abundance of stories within our grasp. These stories are the essence of our purpose for this blog. We yearn to share them with you, to create connections, and to touch hearts.
We know there are stories we are not yet aware of though, which is where you come in. Care takers of Schreiber kids, Schreiber alumni, and volunteers, we want to hear from you. Your voices and experiences are invaluable, and we eagerly await the opportunity to hear from you!
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New friends for kids at Circle of Friends
February 28, 2017Alice “Skip” Steudler sat in the middle of a circle of toddlers leading them through musical games. Over with the preschool-age kids, Betty Kuhn watched in one corner as a boy sprawled out on the floor with dozens of toy cars. Next to them, Joe Finger and his little buddy Grayson Pavlichko worked on pictures…
Chris Yost teaches a new generation of young swimmers
February 23, 2017She’s been teaching Lancaster County kids how to swim for more than 25 years, mostly at the Lancaster YWCA. She started volunteering at Schreiber about six or seven years ago, helping Education Director Jay Graver in the preschool classroom. That led to Lisa Gilbert, who used to run Schreiber’s swim program, asking Chris if she…
‘Amazing little guy’ learning to play with friends
February 22, 2017LJ has a number of diagnoses, including sensory processing disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and echolalia (a way of learning language characterized by repeating what another person just said). He receives speech and occupational therapy services. Beginning in infancy, LJ’s guardians noticed many delays in his development, and he was referred to…
At Schreiber, we walk next to kids and families
February 16, 2017She’s his physical therapist at Schreiber. Juelz started receiving services at Schreiber in late 2016. He has what is described as high-functioning autism, and he also receives speech therapy and occupational therapy, in addition to PT. Juelz’ major challenges include poor muscle tone, balance and coordination. He also struggles with postural and gravitational insecurities. That…
Donor spotlight: Kathy and Ed Schoenberger
February 1, 2017The Schoenbergers’ connection to Schreiber goes back a long way, when Schreiber was still affilliated with Easter Seals. Kathy grew up in Millersville and, through an aunt, made a visit one summer to the Woods School, now known simply as Woods, an organization that served the special needs community. That was when she was in…
Bethanie Allen’s pirate adventure becomes a book
January 26, 2017Dan Fink: Take me back to the beginning. How did the idea for using a pirate story happen? Bethanie Allen: I was working with a kiddo at Schreiber, working on shoe tying. None of the stories I was using were amusing to him – the bunny ear thing, the tree and the rabbit – none…
Fellenbaum’s heroes strike again
January 18, 2017Laurie is a teacher at Schaeffer Elementary School in the Manheim Township School District. Those intial class lessons led the kids to collectively conclude: “We should do something that helps other people.” Laurie said her father used to volunteer at the Lancaster County Easter Seals, the organization from which Schreiber Pediatric was formed. Laurie and…
AMBUCS rides to the rescue
January 9, 2017There’s just one problem. They can be expensive. This is where AMBUCS comes in. AMBUCS is a national nonprofit “dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities,” according to its website. Most of the work nationally and locally involves helping families obtain Amtryke therapeutic tricycles. And that’s why Howard Livingston and Bruce Schmoyer…
McGyver those election signs for Schreiber kids
December 6, 2016I recently attended a make-and-take seminar entitled “Creating Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes,” and it featured the creative genius of Therese Willkomm, who holds a doctorate in assistive technology and is known as the assistive technology McGyver. She is a nationally recognized guru for her work in making solutions in minutes using everyday materials. We…
Justin Walker returns to Camp Schreiber — for his job
July 13, 2016Justin’s time at Schreiber goes back 20 years. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease. He started coming to Schreiber when he was 2 and at 4 was named a Schreiber ambassador. He received therapy, attended preschool (and worked with Jay Graver, Mr. Jay, the current preschool and camp director)…