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The History of Stairways Behavioral Health Prior to 1961, persons with serious mental illness nationwide lived and were treated in institutional settings, often far away from family and other loved ones. Both nationally and locally things were to change that year, however, as deinstitutionalizing these individuals started to occur. At that time, the chief social worker at Warren State Hospital (where those with serious mental illness from the Erie area lived) contacted the United Way of Erie County. His hopes were to gain that organization's leadership and volunteer strength so the community would be equipped to serve those residents who would be leaving the hospital to return home. It was from this initial plea to the community-that we embrace these individuals, and recognize their unique needs-that the genesis of Stairways took place!
Laura Wallerstein, a member of the United Way, saw it an ideal project for the Erie Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, an organization to which she also belonged, to undertake. Thankfully, these dedicated women agreed to take on the challenge, even traveling to Warren State Hospital for several months prior to Stairways' opening to receive training.
The volunteers would meet with clients both day and night on a second floor loft high above a downtown storefront. Those who came had to climb up a steep set of stairs to the second floor. The volunteers and clients (who were consulted about an appropriate name for the program) would soon refer to this program as "Stairways" not simply because of these stairs, In 1966 the council's direct involvement with Stairways ended. It was then that Stairways became incorporated as an independent nonprofit agency and began receiving funds from the Erie County Office of Mental Health/Mental Retardation which continues to fund Stairways. The conviction and service Stairways' founders exemplified more than 40 years ago remains very much at the heart of Stairways Behavioral Health today. The 450 employees who work at Stairways-and the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and talents- feel they have an opportunity, in their own way, to make a difference in people's lives.
That's what hope, a flight of stairs, and Stairways Behavioral Health are all about. Stairways Behavioral Health is a private, non-profit organization that assists persons with mental health care needs at any stage of life by providing comprehensive rehabilitation, treatment and supports essential for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community. Stairways will create and foster an environment that makes recovery a reality for all. We believe in the resiliency and power of the human spirit to confront and overcome adversity. We encourage compassionate involvement, innovative thinking, scientific understanding and the growth and development of individuals, organizations and the greater community.
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