STEP Members Thrive Through Community Engagement

BY GRETCHEN STILL

Community engagement is a favorite activity among our members, who enjoy the chance to give back while gaining valuable life and job-readiness skills. For those looking for fun and social interaction, STEP also offers weekly outings to local parks, libraries, recreation centers, museums, bowling alleys, and movie theaters. These experiences help build confidence, expand interests, and foster meaningful peer connections.

In 2024 alone, over 700 STEP members collectively participated in more than 103,960 hours of community-based activities, and we expect to see even greater numbers in 2025!

These community experiences are more than just enjoyable—they are critical to building independence and preparing for future employment. Each volunteer task or outing is an opportunity to develop interpersonal skills, navigate new environments, and strengthen ties to the neighborhoods where members live, work, and thrive.

STEP member volunteering at the Community Grown Garden

At STEP, we believe that meaningful community involvement lays the foundation for inclusive employment and lifelong success.

Services To Enhance Potential (STEP) is a non-profit organization which provides support and services to nearly 1,400 persons with disabilities and other mental health needs

STEP member at Fleece and Thank You

JOIN STEP FOR OUR 9TH ANNUAL STEPS TO SUCCESS EVENT

0n Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Jam Handy in Detroit. This special evening brings together advocates, supporters, and changemakers who believe in creating a more inclusive world. By supporting this event, you’re not just attending—you’re helping to transform lives. Sponsorships, tickets, and donation information can be found online at www.stepcentral. org/9th-annual-steps-to-success.

in Macomb, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. A major goal of Services To Enhance Potential is to increase the number of people who are employed, self-employed, and volunteer in their communities. STEP provides and supports a variety of employment and self-employment options. We were founded in 1972 to bring an employment focus to individuals with disabilities and have developed a strong reputation in the community for doing so.

For more information about the programs that STEP offers, please visit www.stepcentral.org.