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See What's Happening At STEP! Freedom to Work: Celebrating Independence Through Employment
Every Fourth of July, Americans come together to celebrate freedom, opportunity and independence. At Services To Enhance Potential (STEP), those values aren’t just part of history — they’re part of our daily mission.
For individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to work is more than a paycheck. It’s a gateway to personal freedom, dignity and inclusion. It means having a voice in the community, making choices and living with greater independence. That’s worth celebrating—not just in July, but all year.
Independence doesn’t mean going it alone. It means having the ability to make decisions about your own life. For STEP members, meaningful employment allows just that. Whether choosing how to spend earnings, setting personal goals or feeling the pride that comes with responsibility, employment helps individuals take ownership of their lives in powerful ways.
“Working makes me feel like I have control over my life,” said one STEP member. “I pay for my own phone and save up for things I want. That makes me feel proud.”
These everyday freedoms — the ability to decide, contribute to a team and experience personal growth — show what true independence looks like. Employment changes how people with disabilities see themselves and how the world sees them. It creates a sense of belonging that can be life-changing.
At work, STEP members are not defined by their disabilities. They are recognized for their talents, work ethic and personalities. They become part of a team and something bigger. That inclusion uplifts individuals and builds more compassionate, diverse and successful businesses.
STEP’s mission is to support individuals as they pursue goals and personal satisfaction. Our programs build skills, open doors and provide the support people need to succeed in employment. Through four resource centers and a growing network of employer partners, we help members prepare for and transition into competitive, integrated jobs. Along the way, they gain not only job skills but also confidence, purpose and community.
This Independence Day, as we reflect on what freedom means, let’s celebrate the power of employment to uplift and empower. For people with disabilities, a job means freedom to choose, grow and thrive.
We are grateful to our members, families, staff and business partners who make this vision possible every day. Together, we are building a more inclusive world — one job at a time. For more information about STEP, visit www.stepcentral.org.
