Welcoming You to the STEP Thrift Store and Donation Centers

BY GRETCHEN STILL- MARKETING MANAGER

AT SERVICES TO ENHANCE POTENTIAL (STEP), we are proud to welcome you to our STEP Thrift Store and Donation Centers - where great deals and meaningful impact go hand in hand.

Since opening our first store in Wayne, Michigan, in June 2007, STEP’s retail operations have grown to include locations in Southgate (2011) and Dearborn (2016). These community-driven enterprises were created with a mission: to provide real-world job training and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental and mental disabilities.

Employee at the STEP Thrift Store and Donation Center

For many people facing employment barriers, the path to meaningful work can be difficult and disheartening. At STEP, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.

Employee at the STEP Thrift Store and Donation Center

Our thrift stores offer a supportive environment where interns build valuable retail skills - everything from customer service and merchandising to teamwork and time management - paving the way to future employment in the broader community.

Our model is designed to help employees “Grow and Go.” As individuals gain confidence and experience, many move on to competitive jobs in the workforce, making space for new interns to begin their journey at STEP.

Employee at the STEP Thrift Store and Donation Center

You can be part of this mission, too. Donating your gently used clothing, household goods, and other items helps fund our training programs, ensuring that every purchase in our stores directly supports personal growth and employment development.