My son, Brian, has been going to the Adventures camp for several years now. It is well worth the 30+ mile drive to Zelienople. He is 17 and has autism and cognitive delay. It is a safe and very welcoming place for him to get to interact with animals and to work with plants. He especially likes riding horses. He has intense sensory needs, and a horse's size and strength are a good match for his 200 pound body. The camp recognizes campers with certificates, and he has more than once gotten the "singing sunshine" certificate because he hums and sings throughout the day. It makes us parents feel very good to see our son rewarded for a personal characteristic that gives others joy. We want Brian to give back to his community, and so one day he and I helped clean the kitchen and sort out things in the cupboards and drawers. It was a small way to say thank you. Glade Run Adventures camp plays an important role in our lives.
I can’t say enough about Glade Run Lutheran Services. They are a vital component of human services in every community they serve, saving lives daily. Their innovation shines brightly, exemplified by the warming shelter they initiated a few years ago—the only one in our area. Beyond providing lifesaving services and being a significant human resources asset, Glade Run is also a major driver of economic impact. They are a large employer offering competitive pay and benefits. Truly, they are a community-minded organization, and we are blessed to have them in our region.
Glade Run serves those in the community that are underserved who need the support and safety net that we can provide during difficult times. This agency believes in collaboration, open communication, with dedication to ensuring staff feel heard and support. It is a great place to work .
Previous Stories
Read moreThere is no other summer camp which meets my son's needs. He loves being outdoors, hiking trails, riding horses & interacting with all kinds of animals. All of his loves are met at Glade Run Adventures Camp. The beauty is that they also allow my son to bring his own 1:1 paraprofessional to assist with his mental health issues. The majority of other programs won't allow this which prevents my son from experiencing other types of camps and day programs. I simply cannot say enough good things about Glade Run Adventures Camp!
Our experience at Glade Run Adventures has been nothing short of incredible. What began as a simple desire to learn more about horse care quickly grew into a deep commitment to the animals and the therapeutic mission. As a family, we now spend each week working together, sharing the responsibilities of caring for the horses and other animals, along with leading the horses in lessons, grooming and tacking. This opportunity has not only taught us valuable skills but also strengthened our bond as we work collectively to support the well-being of the animals and riders.
Over time, we’ve become more involved in various events and activities at Glade Run, and the sense of community here is heartwarming. The staff and other volunteers are always welcoming and passionate, making every visit meaningful. Our hard work and dedication have been recognized, as we were honored with the 'Volunteer of the Year' award for the hours we've contributed—an achievement that further solidified our connection to this amazing place.
Glade Run Adventures is more than just a therapeutic barn; it's a place where people of all ages can come together, learn, grow, and make a real difference. We feel fortunate to be a part of it and highly recommend anyone with a love for animals or a desire to volunteer to get involved. It’s been a rewarding and enriching experience for our family.
Volunteering has become a meaningful way for our family to spend quality time together. Sharing these experiences with each other strengthens our bonds and creates lasting memories. Whether we’re working side-by-side in the barn, participating in events, or simply enjoying the presence of the animals, these moments are invaluable. It’s a wonderful way to teach compassion, responsibility, and the importance of giving back to the community to our children.
We live in Pittsburgh pa. McKayla and Ariel are in 7th and 5th grade, through a home school CCA. Glade Run gives us the chance to socialize and have something to look forward too. (They would rather volunteer then do other school-related activities.)
This is an amazing organization that makes a real difference in the communities they serve. They provide services in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way that ensures they'll be around and able to serve the community for decades to come.
Glade Run is truly a special organization. As an attorney at a non-profit that works with children in the child welfare system, I have seen first hand the impact they have in our community, which is what originally drew me to wanting to be a part of the Glade Run Family. I truly believe and have seen over and over again that Glade Run is committed to making the biggest difference it can with extremely vulnerable populations, which goes well beyond children in the child welfare system.
Glade Run Adventures has been good for my soul.
Seeing and loving the bonds between the animals , nature and the students is beautiful. Great program.
My son attended Glade Run Adventure Camp in the summer and had a blast. The staff was amazing with him and the activities really help to boost his social skills and confidence. He looked forward to riding his horse everyday.
I have been volunteering at Glade Run off and on for over 12 years. I cannot stay away! There is something that is good for the soul spending time with the animals that are taking residence at Glade Run Adventures. The staff and other volunteers are so welcoming.
It is a perfect place to go to calm your mind. It gives me motivation to want to do better in the world. I want to be able to show others how important our world is, and to make people want to appreciate Earth.
Glade Run is a perfect place to start your education of the world. It teaches you how to form relationships with animals, and life on Earth. If you want to learn about animal care, animal behavior, helping children get better while using animals to bond, Glade Run is for you.
If you are a lover of greens and find plants relaxing, and watching life grow around you. Volunteer at Glade Run. I made the best choice in picking here to fall in love with animals and plants.
I retired in 2019 after 42 years at a small manufacturing firm in Warrendale, PA to which I was Director of Sales for a good portion of those years. The company manufactured commercial aircraft parts sold to airlines all over the world. It was a great career!
It was a typical retirement story for me, wanting to get involved with volunteering for something to keep busy with. I found a website called Volunteer Match and they led me to Glade Run. I started in August 2020.
I enjoy kids and horses, so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for me. I have lots of experience with kids and some with horses. I really enjoy the atmosphere at Glade Run. Nothing is so simple yet so rewarding to me seeing the children and the horses interact.
Our son participated in Glade Run’s adventures program. He emerged a new kid with his new confidence. The first session he did not want to try riding horses, but by the time the second session started, he was eager to try and successfully did. The program provided amazing supported independence. The activities were all fun and there wasn’t one that our son didn’t enjoy (even if he didn’t want to participate in all of them!). We loved Glad Run!
Glade Run Therapeutic Horse Back riding has been such blessing for my son. He is a 20 year old special needs adult with some physical limitations. It has been difficult to find an activity he can enjoy and also have positive social interaction. Since the first time he began riding at Glade Run, he couldn't wait to go back. He and his buddy instantly became friends - and all he could talk about was how relaxing riding was and how much he enjoys seeing the leaders from Glade Run and the other people. They make the riding safe, fun and interesting for all of the riders in the class. Additionally, my daughter is a volunteer at Glade Run and loves being a part of a positive, life changing program!
I have been volunteering at Glade Run for three years. I currently help feed and turnout the horses, cow and donkey. I also have worked with the children as a lesson leader. Basically a lesson leader holds a lead rope attached to the horse. You are there to assist the child. If they give the horse a stop command and the horse doesn't stop, you assist with a gentle pull on the lead rope. When I first started volunteering I knew nothing about horse riding or horse care. They have an excellent training program and you will have lots of support. The volunteer opportunities are available days, evenings, weekends and special events. You can try a few things and see what you like best. I started out as a lesson leader but found I enjoy the feed, turnout and stall cleaning. You can volunteer as much as you want. Typically the lessons are about a 2 hour commitment. We have chickens too and a perk of being a volunteer is you get any chicken eggs laid on your feed shift. Volunteer opportunities are feeding, stall cleaning, lesson leader, lesson tack and groom. If you don't like animals we have a greenhouse and outside garden where you can volunteer. Bottom line volunteering here is fun and you can get a lot of exercise in. You can always bring a friend to volunteer with you, more hands makes the jib go faster. I hope to see some new faces at the barn.
Previous Stories
I love volunteering at Glade Run Adventures. The staff are great with the kids, very patient and professional. I had never been around a barn or barn animals before but the staff helped me understand the animals and helped me work with them. My time spent with the animals and kids has been very rewarding. I wish I had done it sooner.
Incredible organization helping the people of Butler County each and every day. We are lucky to have Glade Run in our area!
Glade Run is the real deal!!! They combine excellence and professionalism with meeting families and individuals where they are at to help create positive change.
Glade Run has a wonderful Adventures animal and horticulture program for children with special needs. As a volunteer, I have seen the students advance while working with and riding the horses.
Previous Stories
I volunteer at Glade Run in their Adventures program, which provides therapeutic riding lessons and horticulture activities. The volunteer activities provide opportunities to assist staff with helping children via the therapeutic classes or summer camp. It has provided me an opportunity to feel that I am giving back. I have also meet many wonderful and friendly people. I look forward to going there for all of these reasons.
I write about Glade Run Adventures, the Therapeutic Riding School operated by Glade Run Lutheran Services. While animals have always held attraction for children and youth with special needs (and Glade Run Adventures has a winsome variety of animals in addition to their stable of well-trained horses), there is also the attractiveness of the folks who direct this program - both paid staff, and volunteers, and helpers. These folks truly care about people, and the youth who come here feel it - especially those who struggle with challenges that have bypassed so many of us. I've observed the beautiful work of this organization for almost eight years now - the time our grandson has been riding there, It is a happy place, a safe and gentle space, and truly well run. KUDOS, Glade Run Adventures!
I am a 29 year old female identifying female who started receiving outpatient services from Glade Run in 2018. However, it is the support they have provided me this year that has really blown me away.
I am a late-diagnosed autistic facing severe chronic illness and life threatening disease, who carries a diagnoses of PTSD, GAD, and MDD in addition to a long list of serious medical issues. My circumstances started out complex and became increasingly difficult as time went on.
The people I interacted with at Glade Run were incredibly supportive and they likely saved my life between all of the ways they supported me. First of all, my therapist, Kim Rose, was exceptional. She went above and beyond to support me through some extraordinarily difficult situations. As a therapist she was not only compassionate and informed, but open to learning along with me - a necessary quality that is not always easy to find. I felt genuinely supported by her and I attribute much of my growth and ability to remain stable even now to our therapy sessions. She also did everything she could to connect me with people who could help meet my basic needs (such as Pastor Chris), which to me is above and beyond.
Second, Pastor Chris, Director of Spiritual Care/Community Liaison at Glade Run (this the official title online, I apologize if I got it wrong!) has also gone above and beyond to help me find financial supports during a time when my medical expenses would otherwise have me in a financial/housing crisis situation. Her and Glade Run's support in this area has probably saved my life.
Like any organization there are always areas here and there that could be improved. But ultimately, my life is greatly improved because of this organization and the professionals I had the privilege of interacting with.
-Carly :)
Glade Run does wonderful work with autistic and other challenged children. I have been on the board for 4 years and have witnessed the great work these dedicated professionals do to help these children grow to adulthood.
Previous Stories
My experience as a Foundation Board member has allowed me to observe very dedicated staff and board volunteers working very hard to provide unmatched services to our special needs community! Without these great people, these childrens' lives would not be as fulfilling or rewarding. Their efforts allow these kids to maximize their potential to lead meaningful lives.
Outstanding trauma-informed agency with a very positive and supportive work culture and environment. This agency is always looking at creative ways to serve the clients in the counties served.
Glade Run Lutheran Services is a truly exceptional organization that is built on over 150 years of social services to the community with a current offering of pioneering family services that address current challenges to society including mental and emotional health, substance abuse, and family wellness. The ability of the organization to remain relevant to the most pressing needs of the community reflects their outstanding visionary leadership, dedicated staff, and faithful community support. An excellent organization with which to be affiliated as a professional career or as a client.
Previous Stories
Glade Run Lutheran services is a remarkable historical institution that has provided mental and health services to youth and families in Southwestern Pennsylvania for over 150 years. During this time, the institution has successfully adapted to dramatic changes in society, to new concepts and strategies in mental and behavioral health services, and to transitions in the regulatory environment governing social services. In this regard, Glade Run Lutheran Services has during the past several years achieved a stunning transformation from a primarily residential service provider to a model incorporating extensive outreach to youth and families throughout the region in community facilities and with creative partnerships with other private, public, and religious organizations. Despite all of the change, however, a constant at Glade Run Lutheran Services is its steadfast, faith-filled commitment to ministering to the health of youth and families with special needs. This is indeed an exemplary organization with outstanding staff, novel services, inviting facilities, and a vision for the future.
Glade Run is a great place to volunteer! They provide many different programs and activities of support. They are active in the community and offer a wide range of opportunities to get involved!! Everyone is so friendly!
I started volunteering at Glade Run about a year ago after I retired. It didn’t take me long to get hooked on horses. They are always happy to see me entering the barn and as much as they depend on me, I know my day will be better because I spent time at Glade Run.
i am on my third year as a client of glade run adventures. working with the horses and my trainer has been life changing. i knew nothing about horses and was a bit scared— now i’m comfortable around the biggest horse in the barn! most importantly, it helps my mental health. i have gained a lot of confidence and self esteem. it’s also helping my body, physically.
We have been volunteering at Glade Run for over 6 years and love it there! We are given a great deal of independence when caring for the animals and have learned additional skills to help with the farm in other ways. And, it's a win-win for us because we love all of the animals!
Previous Stories
I have been a volunteer at Glade Run Adventures for over 5 years. I perform the morning or evening feedings of all of the animals and have just gotten involved this year as a Riding Lesson Assistant. It is wonderful to see all of the positive impact Glade Run and their animals have on the students. They are definitely a Top Notch Nonprofit organization!!
I have been a volunteer at Glade Run Lutheran services for 15 years. I love coming in to work with the staff, clients, and therapeutic animals. I have seen the great work they do come to fruition.
Glade Run has given my family the extraordinary opportunity to participate in their life-transforming programs. Various members of our family have been volunteers with Glade Run Adventures for many years, and truly we are being ministered to just as much as we are helping others. Going to the barn to care for the beloved animals, assisting with summer camps and supporting each amazing camper, and helping with fun events is a great gift to each one of us. Glade Run is an integral part of our family's life, growth, and joy, and we are deeply blessed to be part of Glade Run's family. Through volunteering at Glade Run, our daughters have been led to paths of teaching and animal care, and our son, who has disabilities, relishes in his time connecting with the animals and swinging with abandon in the beautiful playground. Glade Run is a community of vision, service, compassion, and hope for both participants and volunteers alike. It is truly heaven on earth.
I've been volunteering with Glade Run for years and have met some of my best friends there! Love working with this organization
I live in the community and love how Glade Run has opened up its campus for us to use. We walk the dogs and ride bikes there a couple of times a week, and our grandkids love the playground and soccer fields. It is a beautiful, peaceful place.
Faith and service are the corner stones of the work of the staff, volunteers, and board of Glade Run Lutheran Services. The staff does amazing work meeting the needs of children and their families. Future planning for the organizational will provide services for individuals on the spectrum as well the entire community. It is exciting work.
Previous Stories
I am fortunate to sit on the service board for Glade Run Lutheran and I get to see first hand the incredible wprl being done at St. Stephens academy along with future planning which will benefit families.
Living the mission of service is what makes Glade Run exemplary and is what has kept me working here for 25 years. No matter the challenge, Glade Run prioritizes honoring the human experience, with all of it's inherent complexities. This organization is committed to making the world a better place through understanding, compassion and providing care that makes a real difference. It's an honor to be a part of this mission and great to feel supported in using my talents and passion to affect change.
Previous Stories
I volunteer with my grandson for a couple hours weekly at the Therapeutic Riding Stable. The instructors are friendly and trained to teach and relate to children and youth with special needs. They are patient, kind and VERY knowledgeable about the horses for which they care with the same devotion as they care for their riders. A classy outfit and an excellent program. My grandson has been riding here for several years and it is his HAPPY PLACE!
I have been involved with Glade Run Lutheran Services since 2004. They are one of the most dynamic and caring service organizations that I have ever encountered in my more than 30 years as a social worker. Glade Run always puts those they serve FIRST !!
I live in Zelienople and recently learned about the long history of this amazing organization. It was here before the roads and post office! Over 160 years of serving God's vulnerable, and today they have their campus open for us to use the playground, run and walk on the loops, walk and hike the trails, and see the animals. If you haven't been there, this place is a community treasure! Plus, they work with people with mental health issues - something that is so needed in society today. Grateful for this community and regional asset.
Consistently provides much needed social services in the broader community. The school based services are effective and a model that puts therapists into the schools.
This was my son’s first time and he loved it. Communication was great. Parents were informed. Staff was very pleasant and in tune with the kids. Great program!!!
My son who has autism and very restricted interests really enjoys attending summer camp at Glade Run. The staff is so caring and kind, and the kids learn a lot of outdoor skills and hobbies...horseback riding, the care and grooming of animals, gardening and using what is grown for cooking and other projects.
It is just a fantastic place!
Our daughter went to camp this Summer at Glade Run Adventures and she had a blast! The staff were kind and professional. The activities were fun, educational and hands on! Glade Run is an incredible non profit that has a special heart for children on the spectrum.
Glade Run has been a reputable provider of mental health and education services for as long as I can remember. The culture and compassion of this organization and the people that work there is unmatched.
Previous Stories
I am an employee of Glade Run Lutheran Services and I am honored and privileged to work at such a progressive, caring, and committed organization.
Glade Run doesn’t let anything get in the way of meeting the needs of those they serve. This organization is dynamic and engaging of the greater community.. just watch them grow !!
I have been with this agency in a leadership position for over 1 year now. I have been very well supported by upper management and utilize Sanctuary model in everyday interactions. It has been a great place to work.
Had the opportunity to spend 10-13 months with Glade Run. Our group helped with their Glade Run Adventures Program and truly opened all of our eyes to what Glade Run does as an organization. The opportunities that they're giving to children, adults and everyone in the community is unlike anywhere in Western, PA.
The staff and volunteers wear their hearts on their sleeves and would do anything for the organization. Everyone is committed to the mission and helping those in need.
Glade Run Lutheran Services is a hidden treasure in the region and I would challenge other non-profits to strive to have the levels of success that Glade Run has!
I am always impressed by the advancements that Glade Run continues to make. Their campus is full of heart, happiness, and safe spaces. This is so very important for the spectrum of services provided, as well as the community. I am so very proud to serve as a board member for this incredible organization!
Great place to work for - staff are extremely dedicated to their work helping this vulnerable population.
Previous Stories
This program has tapped into my daughter’s spirit in ways unparalleled by any other. My daughter has a severe case of ADHD, which means that she is perpetually distracted, as her mind is trying to track nearly everything that is going on around her. (The naming convention for this condition really needs to be reconsidered!) As a result, she has extraordinary difficulty focusing on a single task, and similarly, engaging in a group conversation overwhelms her to the point of virtual shutdown – there’re just so many gestures and expressions to track. Conventional wisdom suggests that she should be placed in settings with minimal stimuli – and in some academic cases, this does appear to be the correct solution. However, isolation is hardly the right setting for building relationships… And therein lies the miracle of Glade Run Adventures. When my daughter is riding her horse nearly all signs of ADHD evaporate – her focus is complete, she is at ease riding in front of a group – and even describing how she is communicating with her horse nonvervally. When she is watching others take their turn with the horses, she is able to use her ADHD to an advantage, watching multiple camp friends carefully, and simultaneously – and cheering out to them when they master a new technique. I similarly suspect that her time in horticulture converts ADHD into an asset – where she is taught to identify plants according to their leaves, and then sent into the gardens to find them with her camp friends… Or perhaps that is just a happy parent’s interpretation – But this much I can assure – this program is beautifully structured to enable kids who are often on the social fringes to fully engage in the joy of play and relationship building… And in the process, initiate self-discovery and confidence that permeates the entirety of the coming year.
Glade Run Adventures Camp has been one of the best experiences of my daughter’s life! Each time she goes to this camp I am amazed! She goes from being completely egocentric to actually being willing to listen to how other people feel!
This program has all your regular camp activities & then on top of that they add horticulture, cooking, & horseback riding to name a few things...
The way this program uses animals to help children understand facial expressions & social cues is brilliant! Miss Julie & her crew are fantastic! I can’t speak more highly of a program or it’s staff!!!
Glade Run Adventures is the PERFECT summer camp for my son. With his multiple disabilities, he's able to be with his peers with similar disabilities, learn coping skills, experience calming activities daily by holding animals, riding horses, horticulture, hiking, and many others. He thoroughly enjoys all of the staff members and looks forward to attending camp every year.
I am a volunteer at Glade Run.
I LOVE working with these teams. Everyone is incredibly supportive and friendly.
They love their volunteers and show us many times throughout the year.
I have grown to really value my time spent helping, learning and seeing all the joy that comes out of Glade Run!!
GLADE RUN ROCKS!!!!
Previous Stories
My husband and I love to work together to take care of the horses on the weekends. It gives us time together, a mission to complete, and allows us to spend time with really great animals. We miss them and talk about them all through the week.
I gives us great pride to help out such a wonderful organization. We hope that our part in some small way helps many children smile, grow and realize the importance of animals.
I currently work for Glade Run and I couldn't imagine a more passionate group of professionals whose normal is Above and Beyond!
I, along with my twin daughters volunteer at Glade Run Adventures with the animals, keeping them well fed and cared for. It is a really rewarding experience in so many different aspects. First of all, we are able to spend time with the all the animals which are horses, donkeys, cats, chickens, and ponies. Second, the farm area and its surroundings are really beautiful. Furthermore, we learned from the best trainer how to care for these amazing animals. Volunteering at Glade Run Adventures is truly a rewarding and wonderful experience.
I volunteer to feed the animals at glade run. I love helping out. The staff are caring individuals who take pride in their jobs. They are always available if I have questions. The animals are well taken of and are very sweet. The clients who benefit from the animals love them and are a huge help to them.
Glade Run, a faith based organization, is in the midst of change and refocus. After many years as a leader in residential treatment of distressed youth, Glade Run has transitioned into excellence in education, autism programming and community based mental health. Glade Run continues to provide exceptional services to the most damaged and harmed in our communities and has become a leader in alternative education for students struggling in traditional community based schools.
I have been volunteering with Glade Run for almost 3 years now and love my experiences with them. The specific activity I chose to do is to feed and care for the animals (horses, chickens, cats, etc.) but there is a wide range of other activities to choose from. As much as I know that I am helping the animals, staff and children, I look forward to the time I spend there as well as an outlet from the stresses of my daily life. I've grown to love the animals and always feel very appreciated by the staff at Glade Run.
This is my first year serving on the Board of Directors at Glade Run and I have been pleased with the professional way in which this organization is run. They have a clear mission and an understanding of how to move the organization to be successful. The staff are clearly devoted to their students and helping them be successful in life.
They provide outstanding services to students in our school making counseling accessible and easy to access for our families.
Glade Run is a wonderful organization rooted in years of service, program and faith. Their work partners with family and community to help serve and strengthen individuals who need additional support. Their passionate staff and dynamic programs set them apart from other similar serving non profits.
I worked at Glade Run for over 8 years because i had a passion for helping kids overcome traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, Glade Run's culture fostered new trauma in both clients and staff.
Staff were belittled by management, in addition to being written up, staff were made to write "sanctuary" essays and present them to co-workers during team meetings.
Staff were mean to the kids....it was like the Stanford prison experiment --- uneducated managers were eager to exert power over staff below them so, in turn, staff treated the kids the same way. Stay away from this place. It is poison.
I find it very apparent that Glade Run is in damage control following their fairly recent scandal of children in their care being the victims of sexual abuse. It is not difficult to draw the connections between a long standing and systemic negligence in providing quality care and the incidents that happened. They promote their utilization of the sanctuary model but good luck finding action steps taken that are reflective of Dr.Bloom's commitments. It's tragic and laughable to teach staff the benefits of growth and change, shared governance, and open communication when nepotism, dated policy/procedure, and negligent administration are commonplace. I'm sure some of the reviews written here are genuine community members, individuals and families that have been served by staff working for this non-profit. Know that they overcame low wages and toxic work environments to do this, likely waking up every day dedicated to their profession and serving the community with the shackled by the experience of working for Glade Run around their neck like a boat anchor. I hope any perspective investor or employee is able to see through the reviews written by the shills and allow this organization to fade into irrelevance. I await the attempt by Glade Run to comment, and minimize very unfortunate situation that led to their RTF's closure. I instead encourage ownership and genuine effort to change out of respect for the children and parents impacted by that event.
A great group of hard working professionals with caring, compassion and experience being used to make the lives of children and families better.
Glade Run Lutheran Services has a passion for serving young people and families. Administrators, teachers, counselors, and volunteers enter a person's life at the most critical time, and make an impact that benefits that person for a life-time. It is a joy to be able to contribute to the all-important work that Glade Run is currently doing.
This agency does outstanding work in the community, helping several thousand people annually. I have personally meet some of the people and their families who have been helped and have proudly served on their board for over a decade. They are vital to the community.
Glade Run is an amazing and resilient agency. They've been around since the 1800's, and are always evolving new programs to help meet the needs of parents in the community. They just added a fantastic playground designed for children with autism that is open to the public. We bring groups there after school to help them learn to socialize in a fun, relaxing environment. Thank you, Glade Run - you are a gift to the community!
I am a new board member and Pittsburgh native. I keep meeting people and families that have been affected by Glade Run Lutheran Services in some manner. Their impact can be felt throughout the region and I was honored to join their foundation board last month.
They have so many great things going on and innovative ways to give back. I believe Glade Run has some exciting times ahead and I am so glad to be a part of it.
As a professional in my field it is important to share information about our agency to help you understand both the challenges of serving individuals with severe mental health issues as well as the staff who provide those services. Glade Run serves thousands each year through successful programs, and has been in operation since 1854. It is inspected and certified by numerous organizations, including the Department of Human Services, Department of Education, the counties in which we serve, and outside agencies. Ongoing quality improvement is a priority at Glade Run, and our reviews are excellent. However, when any agency is working with a clientele of traumatized and mentally ill individuals, incidents can happen. Over the years, Glade Run has had staff that we have had to dismiss due to their refusal to be accountable to the processes and procedures we’ve put in place to keep our clients safe. Unfortunately, you will see these individuals attempt to besmirch the agency’s reputation through negative reviews. Glade Run remains an excellent and rewarding place to work – as evidenced by the number of staff who have been with the agency for 5, 10, 20, even 30 years. Care provided by these individuals is exceptional, and Glade Run’s overall track record and positive outcomes are the reason that so many agencies and schools refer children and adults for services at Glade Run.
I refer children and teens to Glade Run Lutheran Services without hesitation. The quality of their programs is unmatched, and they work with the most difficult of youth. Glade Run is regularly inspected (as are all agencies of this type) and is the number one choice for referrals for many managed care providers.
I worked at glade run for nearly ten years and I could write a book on the corruption I witnessed. For a long time, I believed I could help change the culture and create a therapeutic environment---with qualities mentioned in the posts of unnamed "board members," "volunteers," and "donors." Instead, it was a dark place full of unhappy, mistreated and unappreciated workers. It started at the very top and sadly trickled all the way down to the children. The corruption was deeply rooted. It was engrained in everything. One day I looked at myself and realized Glade Run was blackening my soul so I quit. If you love your child, call the department of public welfare to gather accurate information about this facility. There are MUCH safer places where your child can change and grow.
GladeRun 09/14/2017
Glade Run's 163 year history and overall track record shows that the care at Glade Run is exceptional. With over 4,000 individuals served each year throughout the region in over 20 different programs, we are proud of our history and our services. With investments in training and security that are unmatched in the field, Glade Run is one of the safest places for children with severe mental health issues. The idea that this Christian agency that is affiliated with the church and which is run by a pastor is "corrupt" is not only laughable, it is slanderous. The unnamed "writer" of this post is entitled to his feelings.
Residental side was shut down for Various reasons. Client molestation, Residential worker overdosed in the bathroom and was found face down with narcotics on the floor and in hand. DO NOT send your child here for ANY of the services they have to offer. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you avoid All of glade runs services.
GladeRun 09/13/2017
As a 'professional in the mental health field', I'm sure that Mr. Gonzales recognizes the many challenges of working with traumatized youth with severe mental health issues. While inaccurate in his representation of incidents and misinformed about the residential program's closure (it was not "shut down"), we can understand how -with the way that stories in the press were sensationalized - Mr. Gonzales may feel justified in voicing his concern. He may not, however, be aware of all of the successful programs offered throughout the region. We welcome him to have a discussion with us or anyone else who may have concerns.
My grandaughter stayed for a year in Glade Run.She was only 8 but had serious problems and an unstable home life.The staff was amazing with her and truly cared about her well being. Glade Run works well with the families and were able to get through to my granddaughter in a way others couldnt. Thank you!
I valued my stay at glade run. I was a lost soul. Staff saw through me and brought out the best in me. I was baptized in the chapel. Choir was awesome. Made great friends. Staff went way above their jobs to see that I was on the right path despite family abuse. Staff were mentors,teachers,tutors,friends,offered hugs,and disciplined when necessary which for me was everyday,and we're to some family.it's not about the pay for the staff it's the satisfaction they changed lives. Love you glade run staff and god bless you.
I had a great experience with glade run . Love the campus ,staff,and friendliness. They help me Alot. Still do. Thanks glade run for providing me with the skills to live a healthy life.
Glade Run is so highly committed to those that they serve. This diverse organization brings more than 150 years of experience to lift up children and families to new light and new hope. Their dedication to persevere for those that others have given up on is certainly commendable.
In my experience Glade Run Lutheran Services is indeed a "Great Nonprofit". Their residential treatment facility is invaluable for the children that they serve, as their staff are dedicated to helping the youth in residence learn strategies for a healthy way of being. So too, St. Stephen's Academy strives to create an educational system where children with special needs can succeed. I believe that part of what sets Glade Run apart is that it is a faith-based organization. As such, the love and grace of God are an undercurrent of everything they do, helping the children and families they serve know that Glade Run is a place where people truly care.
I have been visiting Glade Run for over 6 months to offer pastoral support to staff and residents and have found the campus and those on it warm and welcoming. I watch with fascination the care with which the staff interacts with each individual, situation and group uniquely. I celebrate with each new triumph in the lives of the kids and love to see the combination of joy and sadness in the staffs' eyes as they watch kids meet their goals and head home.
I have appreciated the hard work of staff, residents and families alike to make Glade Run a place where lives are changed and hope is a reality!
Glade Run is a welcoming place for me to learn how to respond to tense or frightening situations. I have learned much about myself, and about healthy interactions with people in daily life. it is the warm and non-judgmental environment which has helped me gain the confidence and skills to thrive in everyday living.
Glade Run has an experienced, visionary management team who is always maximizing revenues to advance the organizational mission. They are willing to guide the boards in taking risks to grow the mission and the range of services provided to our children and their families. Board members are committed to faithful service and follow through on assigned tasks.
I choose to donate to Glade Run because of the important work they do to support children and families. Their school and residential facilities are effective in changing the lives of students that struggle.
My daughter has been attending Glade Run Adventures Camp for 3 years now and has completely enjoyed every minute. The well trained, energetic staff is terrific. I would highly recommend Glade Run.
Glade Run has a heart and passion for the clients and families they serve. They are always looking for ways to grow and improve their services to better serve their families. Their first priority is the needs and safety of their children. The strive to proved care for the whole person, the whole family.
To say our experience with Glade Run was excellent would be a huge understatement. Honestly, no parent wants to willingly resign themselves to admitting their child into a residential treatment facility. However, when you have exhausted all efforts and resources in your own abilities, your wants as a parent must come second to the reality that your child needs professional intervention.
My daughter comes from a family history of mental illness and has also experienced the ongoing emotional toll of her parent's divorce. When seeking services for our daughter's mental health, we researched various RTF's and went with recommendations to choose Glade Run. Even with those recommendations, fear of the unknown and putting your child's life in the hands of complete strangers on a day-in and day-out basis was very scary.
The first month there was a slow process because the staff is trying to put together a treatment plan as well as trying to get to know your child. Even though things seemed to move slowly at first, I was always kept informed as to what was going on with my daughter. The staff at Glade Run, namely Bassler Cottage where my daughter stayed, always displayed a professional, caring, and helpful attitude to not only my daughter, but to our entire family as well. They always made themselves available to answer any questions we had, which was very important. Mr. Nick and Miss Becky really went above and beyond to mentor my daughter and made themselves available whenever she needed the time to process and vent. They made a huge impression in my daughters life!
Then there's my daughters therapist ........Miss Kim........in my eyes she is my hero. I have the utmost respect for her as a therapist, a woman and a mother. Whatever super powers she has that helped pull my daughter out of the pits of her despair I will be eternally grateful. She patiently worked with my daughter on helping her cope with problems, helped her communicate and give her a better understanding of how to process her emotions. Kim also gave my daughter a better understanding on how to manage her anxiety as well as worked through the emotions of coming from a divorced family. Along with being my daughter's individual therapist, Kim also took on the role of the family counseling as well. We as a family worked together through our struggles and learned how to communicate to each other as well.
I believe our story has a happy and successful ending. It will take constant work and dedication to keep it on track. I truly believe that in order for success to happen it has to be a team driven process. To say success will happen overnight is naive. In the beginning,
I was heart broken that I had to do this, but in the end it was the best thing that I could have done for my daughter and our family.
If you're in limbo on which RTF is best suited for you or your loved one, please consider Glade Run Lutheran Services.
I volunteer in the Adventures Programme. I take care of the animals; horses, pony, mini-donkey, sheep, mini-cow, bunny and chickens. Also, I assist in the Therapeutic Riding Programme. It is a fantastic experience for me. It's amazing for the children. You can watch one child come in one way and watch that same child transform completely during their time there. It's a beautiful thing to watch.
Glade Run performs Miracles every day.
Connection with animals can lift your heart. After working many years in a stressful office job, I felt the desire to volunteer work. Working with animal care at Gladerun Adventures has been very fulfilling and has really made the meaning of pet unconditional love true to heart.
I have been a junior volunteer at Glade Run Adventures for four years. Not only does it give youth volunteers a great place to volunteer and make a difference - it also is a place that makes a difference in the lives of kids with emotional health issues and autism. I have seen nonverbal children talk for the first time on the back of one of our horses, and it is a therapeutic place where all kids can heal from trauma. The staff have hard jobs working with kids who have behavioral issues but they do their jobs with love and skill. I am proud to be associated with Glade Run, and to donate my spare time as a volunteer.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve at Glade Run. I feel that I am the one being served because everyone that I come in contact with there is so very nice and so genuinley committed to the clients.
My daughter and I have been volunteering at Glade Run since 2011 and have really enjoyed our experience. We love taking care of the animals! Glade Run is a wonderful organization.
I have worked for Glade Run close to 10 years, and they are an organization that is committed to the clients and families that we serve. The staff at every level is professional and takes pride in the work that they do.
Last summer, my daughter had the opportunity to volunteer during their Adventures Camp and assist with the animals. It was an incredible experience for her!
My name is Mae . I have been the chairman for Glade Run Committee for 7 years at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glenshaw, Pa. We visit Marthens Cottage 6 times a year. We enjoy singing. doing crafts, playing games, having snacks and interacting with the girls. It is a great feeling in knowing that we are supporting them and see for ourselves the love that Glade Run has for each individual child.
We hope to continue our partnership with Glade Run for many years to come.
My name is Connie. I started volunteering at Grade Run on New Year's Day 2014. It was the perfect way to start a new year. I had back surgery in early 2013 for back issues that has plagued me for at least the last 15+ years and being off work on SSDI since 2009. I had ridden, shown and in general loved horses since birth, however I just couldn't bear being around horses for the last 15+ years because I was unable to ride, feed, clean stalls, groom, etc... and it broke my heart and soul.
I've also always adored children but was never blessed with any of my own. Since I was a child I wanted to adopt all the children that were harder to adopt. I wanted a huge old farmhouse and barn with assorted animals for the kids, including, obviously, horses. I wanted to start my own therapy riding program. Well, that was my dream , which did not materialize in the way I had dreamt. But, as I have found out over the years, God knows what he's doing. Also, he'll put you where he needs you to be.
Well, I finally last fall I started to feel a bit stronger and have less pain. I've always known about Glade Run and all the wonderful things that go on here and it had crossed my mind many times over the years to volunteer here, but I hesitated mainly due to my back pain and I didn't want to be around horses if I couldn't ride. I thought it would depress me further. I couldn't have been more wrong! I now have the best of all worlds. I get to feed and care for some pretty terrific horses and other animals. I've even learned to love chickens! I would have bet that would never have happened but I actually pick them up! (Miracle). I get to help with riding lessons or camp from time to time and I love working with the children. I always feel so humbled that I have been allowed into their world. I learn from each and every one of them. I am so blessed.
I have to say the entire experience here at Glade Run has been a miracle in my life. I usually come home in a bit of physical pain, however my soul is full. My body is getting stronger and I have a sense of purpose again. I know that volunteering means giving of oneself but I feel as though I am the one receiving all the gifts. I cannot thank the wonderful staff each here enough for allowing me to volunteer. I love every second of the time I get to spend here.
Glade Run has given me such a grand gift that I could never repay.
As a newer board member, I am totally impressed with the outstanding work Glade Run does for children at risk and those on the autism spectrum. They have a group of compassionate professionals and volunteers that truly care for the kids. They have become a leading and innovative institution for treatment and education.
jimp
My teen daughter and I were looking for a place to volunteer together and feel like we make a difference. Glade Run is by far the best place we tried so we continue to support them with our time and hands for the past 2 years. The staff are committed and friendly, the opportunities to help out are very well communicated and it makes it easy to help when we can. We have helped in the barns, the gardens, the greenhouse, and very special events for Christmas, etc. And, we can be together doing something helpful.
I started volunteering with glade run just over 3 years ago and was beyond impressed. I have done a lot of volunteering in my time and glade run has by far been my best experience. The organization of the training, the organization of the events, and the amazingly friendly people who run this program just blew me out of the water. I have helped with everything from feedings to lessons to camps, and enjoy every second of it. In fact I was unable to help the past few months because I was pregnant and was counting down the days to my 6week appointment and release to start helping again. My husband comes with me a lot and its one of our favorite date nights.
I have volunteered with Glade Run Lutheran Services coming up on 13 years as a juggling instructor for children and teens in the residential treatment facility, along with youths in other types of units on campus in the past. It is such a fulfilling thing to do. The youths are great and appreciate people taking time to work with them. It is so exciting to see them make progress in their juggling. I almost always leave with a big smile on my face. The youths seem to benefit from learning to juggle, and I know I have benefited from having the opportunity to spend time working with them. I have seen the wonderful things Glade Run does for youths for years now and have worked with some inspiring staff members. I would recommend that anyone who has a hobby he or she is interested in sharing with others look into volunteering at Glade Run. Learning that hobby could change a youth's life.
I started volunteering at Glade Run last spring. The volunteer coordination is very organized which makes it easy to choose dates and times of availability and which area to volunteer. I have worked in the greenhouse/raised beds with Joanie, planting and maintaining the CSA fields with Danielle, and helping prepare for events. The staff are all very sweet. The environment of Glade Run is inspiring. From the greenhouse to the horse barns, it is a neat, uplifting place to be.
My mom has worked for Glade Run for many years and we always talked about how I could volunteer there when I was old enough. Last summer I was finally old enough and had a great summer! I spent last summer as a volunteer at Adventures. I cannot wait to do it again this summer! It was awesome to help other kids learn about the horses and learn to ride just like I have learned. The best experience was watching the kids do new things with such joy. These are things some of us do everyday and take for granted.
Even though I have served as a Board Member for about 7 years, my connection with Glade Run on a personal level goes back to 1999 when my nephew was a resident there. He had many behavioral issues as he was growing up, he was hard to handle, there were many difficulties in public school. My nephew spent about 6 months on the Glade Run campus. He developed better social behaviors, he could concentrate better in school and he learned to see how he could gain control of his thoughts and actions. Glade Run made a big difference in his life. Because of his involvement at Glade Run I wanted to give of my time to this wonderful place.