Gateway Rehab presents annual “Thank You” award to co-recipients

Pittsburgh – Patricia Lightner, district director of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation/Parole Erie District, and Charles R. Barber, director of the Erie County Department of Human Services, received this year’s Gateway Rehab “Thank You” award, presented annually to an individual or individuals who have partnered with Gateway Rehab to help overcome obstacles to provide treatment and support for recovery for those affected by chemical dependency.  The awards were presented at the annual conference for drug and alcohol treatment professionals held recently at Gateway Rehab’s Center Township (Beaver County) location.

In presenting the awards, Jim Aiello, executive vice president of treatment programs at Gateway Rehab, said that the awardees have played pivotal roles in provision of care for individuals with addiction-related problems within the community corrections system in Erie County.  “Both Ms. Lightner and Mr. Barber have worked tirelessly to insure that offenders receive needed treatment.  Each understands well the relationship between chemical dependency and crime and the importance of treatment in helping to reduce recidivism.  The community has benefited tremendously from the efforts of these two dedicated individuals, and Gateway Rehab is proud to partner with them to provide quality treatment to those in need.”

Lightner has held her current position since 1999 and is responsible for the supervision of all personnel and management of a comprehensive program of probation and parole in the Erie District.  Previously, she worked as the first program director of Gateway Rehab’s Erie treatment center, which opened in 1998 largely through her efforts.  She has also held positions as a probation officer and supervisor and as an adjunct faculty member at Mercyhurst College in Erie. 

A graduate of Mercyhurst College with a B.A. degree in criminal justice and a M.A. degree in administration of justice, Lightner is a member and secretary of the Northwest Council of the Pennsylvania Association of Probation, Parole and Corrections.  She was recognized for her achievements in criminal justice with receipt of the Kinnane Criminal Justice Award in 2002. 

Since 2004, Barber has overseen the offices of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Drug and Alcohol, and Children and Youth in Erie County, serving the needs of over 20,000 individuals per year.  Prior to his current position, he was warden of the Erie County Prison from 2000-2004 and had served as both chief public defender and warden of the prison for the previous 14 months.  He also worked as director of administration for Erie County from 1994-1998, at which time he was appointed chief public defender.

Barber is a graduate of Villanova University with a B.S. degree in accounting.  He holds a M.B.A. from Penn State University and earned his law degree from Villanova School of Law.

Gateway Rehab has been presenting the “Thank You” award since 1991.   Last year’s recipient was Michael G. Phillips, general manager of safety and health at Allegheny Energy, Greensburg, PA.

Gateway Rehabilitation Center is a private, non-for-profit organization offering comprehensive prevention services and treatment for adults, youth and families with alcohol and other drug problems.  With locations throughout Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, Gateway provides services for over 9,000 individuals annually.