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August 30, 2007
PBS 39 Documentary on Good Shepherd To Begin Airing in September

PBS 39/WLVT premieres The Raker Legacy: The Good Shepherd Story, an inspiring documentary profiling the evolution of one of the most comprehensive rehabilitation organizations in the world. Airdates: Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 8 p.m.; re-airs Sunday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 at 3 p.m.

In 1908, the Rev. John Raker founded Good Shepherd Home on faith and fifty cents. The family and its many supporters have not looked back since. From its humble beginnings as a little home for children with disabilities, orphans, and the elderly, through its progression to a major rehabilitation network, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network has been turning tragedy into triumph for more than 100 years.

"An important foundation for Good Shepherd's future is that we are grounded in the Raker legacy, which is one of caring and compassion," says Sally Gammon, FACHE, President and CEO, Good Shepherd Rehablitation Network. "We also have captured the Raker's innovative spirit, which allows Good Shepherd to continue to be a leader in rehabilitation."

This is a story not just about how to treat a condition, but how to treat another human being. The first chapter begins with the Rev. John “Papa” Raker’s vision of a home for those without a home—crippled orphans, the aged, and sometimes, for those simply in need. When Papa Raker died in 1941, his son, the Reverend Dr. Conrad Raker, took over the family legacy of enhancing lives and inspiring hope.

“PBS 39 is proud to present this newest documentary in our Legacy Series—a compelling story of lives forever changed right here in our region,” says PBS 39 President and CEO Patricia C. Simon.

The Good Shepherd Story illustrates this commitment to improve each patient’s condition using leading edge rehabilitation technology. The story profiles Kutztown native Chrissy Glasser, who suffered severe brain trauma from a devastating car crash; 5-year-old Zach Reph, of Fogelsville, who could read, but was unable to communicate when he crossed Good Shepherd’s threshold; and a host of other patients who collectively agree that Good Shepherd gave them their lives back.

Senior Vice President of Production, Amy Burkett says, “PBS 39 is delighted that Good Shepherd trusted us to share their story with the people of Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey.  We're proud to shine the spotlight on an organization focused on helping others.  Preserving a living history and educating people about great community resources is one of our main missions here at PBS 39.”

While the Good Shepherd story advances with medical science, it will always remain an inspiration and a true testament to how far you can go on fifty cents—and a whole lot of faith.

Producing this documentary took months of hard work by the dedicated staff of PBS 39. The production team includes:
Amy Burkett - executive producer
Erin Flynn - producer/writer
Grover Silcox - writer
Rich Loughridge - editor
Photojournalists - Andrew Brett, Melissa Leffel, and Eric Werner

The Raker Legacy: The Good Shepherd Story is funded in part by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, Jill Rakers Hudders Douglass, Alfred E. Douglass III, and the members of PBS 39/WLVT.

PBS 39/WLVT-TV is a community-owned public television station licensed to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, PA, serving eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey.  Channel 39 is owned and operated by the Lehigh Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation.