Founder Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Employees Over 2100 Founded 1952 | Area served Worldwide Website barberinstitute.org | |
![]() | ||
Location Erie, PennsylvaniaUnited States Key people John Barber (President and CEO) Similar Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Cathedral Preparatory School, Villa Maria Academy, Mercyhurst Preparatory School Profiles |
Barber national institute employees make dreams come true
The Barber National Institute (formerly the Barber Center) is a nonprofit, multi-faceted organization that provides services to more than 4,200 children, adults, and families who are faced with developmental disabilities, autism, learning delays, and mental health disorders. The institute’s central facility was founded in 1952 and is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Barber National Institute now employs more than 2,100 staff members throughout the state.
Contents
- Barber national institute employees make dreams come true
- Barber national institute erie gives 2016
- History
- Current
- Accreditations and memberships
- Infants and children
- Adults
- Residential services
- Community services
- Location and facilities
- References

Barber national institute erie gives 2016
History

The Barber National Institute was founded in 1952 by the late Dr. Gertrude A. Barber. An educator and administrator in the Erie City School District in Erie, Pennsylvania, Dr. Barber, along with a small group of local teachers and parents, opened a one-classroom school in the local YMCA for children with developmental disabilities. As programs expanded, the City of Erie leased its former communicable disease hospital to the Barber Center in 1958. The first permanent location for the programs, the site has formed what has become the main campus in Erie. Construction began in 1968 for new Administrative offices, a medical suite, cafeteria, and classrooms for middle and high school aged students. In 1969, a facility was opened in Corry, Pennsylvania to provide services for individuals in southern Erie County. The Barber Center’s first group homes were opened in 1973, after the closing of an institution in Venango County, PA. A satellite center was also opened in Girard, PA to accommodate those living in the western portion of Erie County. The Barber Center expanded to other areas of the state by opening group homes and support services in Philadelphia in 1990 and a day support program and residential group homes in the Pittsburgh area in 1999.
Current

In 2003, the Barber Center name was changed to what is now the Barber National Institute. It currently serves 4,200 children and adults annually in locations across Pennsylvania. The seventh largest employer in Erie County, the Barber National Institute staffs approximately 2,100 employees. The Institute provides services in a variety of fields including Autism, deaf and hearing impairment, mental retardation, Asperger Syndrome, and other disabilities.
Accreditations and memberships
Infants and children
Adults
Residential services
Community services
Location and facilities
Facilities are located in Erie, Corry, Girard, and Warren, PA; Residential group homes and adult day services are located in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions.