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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Happy birthday, Ben McRee
March 24, 2015Ben was born with an intellectual disability and developed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. His mom, Kathy Trippe-McRee, brought him to Schreiber for help with his speech and his fine and gross motor skills. He started learning sign language when he was 3. “The first thing he ever signed was ‘reindeer’,” Kathy said. “It…
An aspiring actor with Down syndrome
March 11, 2015*** Inside one of the Fulton’s classrooms, Alex is one of a half-dozen or so kids seated around a circle on small carpet squares. Teacher Amy Kaye Mullen runs the kids through a series of acting exercises. When it’s time to be a fish or an alligator, he jumps right in. When it’s his turn…
Kids and the science of color perception
March 2, 2015Here at Schreiber, we think quite a bit about color perception. Occupational therapists and other medical professionals have long studied the effects of different colors on our behaviors. Children who have hypersensitivity to light often become “overstimulated” in bright colored environments. Turning off the light in the room, or using sunglasses or large brimmed hats…
Generosity that warms our hearts
March 2, 2015Just in the past month, I got a call from Gary Fern, chef at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. He had entered the Lititz Fire and Ice Festival Chili Cook-Off, and competitiors were required to raise money for a charity, so he called us. Then at the end of February, a news alert popped up…
High school students support Schreiber
February 26, 2015Just this week, we had a bunch of guys from Hempfield High School’s lacrosse team in to spend time with the child care kiddos. The little ones, of course, love to hang out with their new friends. And the big, tough lax players sit on the floor and play with blocks or stuffed animals. Mostly,…
THON starts today at Penn State
February 20, 2015Some of the kids receive treatments that can have devastating physical side effects. And Schreiber is one of the pediatric therapy centers that provides services to help these kids recover. A child who receives treatment for a brain tumor might need to relearn how to walk or talk, or they might acquire cognitive impairments or…
2015 Ambassadors: Sienna Matthews and Anthony Melendez
February 6, 2015Sienna Matthews Age: 4 School: Circle of Friends Academy Daycare Parents: Ashley Shank and Cord Matthews, Lititz Favorite foods: spaghetti and pizza Favorite activities: therapeutic riding, dancing and playing with Play-Doh SiSi has been coming to Schreiber since she was 18 months old. Her mom Ashley says SiSi was diagnosed with symptoms related to cerebellar…
Meet the 2015 Ambassadors: Alex Johanning
February 3, 2015Alexander Johanning Age: 8 Grade and school: 2nd grade, Lampeter Elementary Parents: Lisa and Tim Johanning, Lancaster What he watches: “Sophia the First,” “Beauty and the Beast” When he grows up he wants to: Be an actor. Alex was born with Down syndrome, a genetic chromasomal disorder that causes intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. He…
Meet the 2015 Ambassadors: Emily Graver
February 2, 2015Emily Nicole Graver Age: 12 Grade and school: 7th grade, Marticville Middle School Parents: Tim and Kerry Graver, Holtwood What she watches and listens to: “Duck Dynasty,” “Sponge Bob,” “The Croods” and Taylor Swift When she grows up she wants to: Be a veteranarian. Emily started coming to Schreiber after surgery in December 2012 to…