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.
Initially, 22 members of the council joined the effort chaired by
Rachel Zacks-Gage who died shortly after Stairways officially opened in 1961.
Mrs. Wallerstein succeeded her as the project leader as the list of volunteers
would continue to grow to include men as well.
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,
but because the name symbolically represented a stepping-up to a better
way of life.
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.
Mission, Vision and Values
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.
