History
| About | History | Facilities | Rehabilitation Technology | Assistive Technology | Physicians |
| Administration | Board of Trustees |
 One night in 1906, The Rev. John (affectionately known as "Papa") Raker was riding a train from Reading, Pennsylvania, when he ran into James Fritz, a parishioner of Papa Raker's from many years before. Papa Raker, a Lutheran minister, shared with James a deep desire to build a home for the needy. James was so moved by Papa Raker's vision that he asked for the honor of making the first donation towards that home. With Papa Raker's permission, James handed him fifty cents.
After getting off the train in Belfast, James walked six miles to his home in Pen Argyl. He could have paid for a ride, but he had given the last of his money to Papa Raker. Some time later, James would remark that he still would've donated his last fifty cents even if that meant walking a hundred miles.
On September 30, 1907, Papa Raker's dream of a home for the needy was put on hold as he and his wife celebrated the birth of their daughter. Her name was Viola. Sadly though, Viola passed away in December of that same year. She wasn't even three months old. Returning home from the funeral of their beloved daughter, the Rakers found a letter from a local minister asking if they had room in their Lutheran Church for a crippled child.
Her name, too, was Viola. Viola Hunt.
And on February 21, 1908, so began the tradition of charity and care that became the Good Shepherd Home in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
On faith and fifty cents, Papa Raker started an institution built on helping and healing. Today, that faith continues to be reflected in our mission.
February 21, 1908
The Good Shepherd Home is founded by The Rev. John and D. Estella Raker.
August 4, 1910
Infants cottage opens.
April 21, 1911
Cottage for the elderly opens.
August 23, 1923
Boys dorm opens.
September 25, 1938
Dispensary with a part-time in-house physician opens.
February 21, 1958
Sheltered workshop opens.
October 10, 1967
22-bed rehabilitation center opens.
August 17, 1980
The Conrad W. Raker Center opens.
July 31, 1983
60-bed rehabilitation hospital opens.
April 19, 1988
Main campus outpatient center opens.
May 5,1988
15-bed fourth floor added to the rehabilitation hospital.
March 9, 1987
Kutztown outpatient center opens.
July 1, 1990
Laurys Station outpatient center opens.
May 13, 1993
Early Childhood and Dornsife Pediatric Center opens.
October 31, 1994
Work Services (sheltered workshop and vocational training) opens.
November 11, 1997
Palmerton outpatient center opens.
August 17, 1999
Good Shepherd buys the former Muhlenberg Rehabilitation Center from Lehigh Valley Hospital.
September 27, 1999
Good Shepherd opens Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital at Pocono Medical Center.
For more information on Good Shepherd, contact us today or call 1-888-44-REHAB (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
|
