Stepping Stones: Stepping Up for Over 60 Years

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Over 1,000 local families are touched annually by the work Stepping Stones does in our community. With sites in Indian Hill, Batavia (Camp Allyn in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cincinnati), Norwood and Western Hills, this non-profit supports children, teens and adults with disabilities through a variety of educational and recreational programs. Serving 18 school districts, the buildings at its Given Road location have been home to numerous program participants over the years, but it’s so much more than numbers. It’s joy, learning, respect, friendships, and a source of respite for the clients and their families.

With a history of innovation, Stepping Stones is a pioneer in the region and meets the unmet needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. Its programs support children, teens and adults on the pathway to independence and empower them to more fully participate in their community. 

Innovative Programs

Stepping Stones developed the first Summer Day Camp in Southwest Ohio for children and teens who had limited (or no) summer program options. Stepping Stones’ Step Up Alternative Education program proudly serves students with autism and other students with intense behavioral needs. It is the first of its kind in the region and addresses the needs of these students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional classroom setting.

Shares its website, “This unique program partners with multiple Greater Cincinnati public schools to provide an alternative education program for students who have been unable to succeed in a typical classroom setting. Stepping outside of their home district, students of Step Up continue their studies at our Given Campus in Indian Hill.”

“Our students receive the tools they need to successfully navigate academic studies, learn self-regulation skills, develop vocational skills through authentic experiences to enable them to transition into adulthood and more fully participate in their community.”

Special features of the program include: a Work Center for students aged 14 through graduation where they can practice their skills, a Mock Apartment for practicing independent living skills, Self Determination and Health & Safety provides students with skills to navigate their homes and communities and Enriching Extra Curricular Activities including partnerships with Visionaries + Voices, Ensemble Theatre and more. 

Given Campus

The Given Campus is a 23-acre property offering a sensory-friendly learning environment. Hiking trails, raised garden beds, wildlife, and a lake are some of the features of the campus. 

Also in Indian Hill, Stepping Stones oversees its Saturday Kids Club! which is a daytime program with science projects, sports, music and parties for ages 5-16. Young adults can take advantage of its Saturday Young Adults Club (ages 15-10). This evening recreation program helps participants make new social connections while enjoying activities including game nights and holiday celebrations. 

These clubs and programs are important, http://www.autismspeaks.org shares, “Supporting social interaction is an important piece of the student’s educational plan. Students with autism often have the desire to interact with others, but do not have the skills to engage appropriately or may be overwhelmed by the process. Some students are painfully aware of their social deficits and will avoid interactions even though they desperately want to connect with others. Others will engage in attention-seeking behavior to connect with others until they build the skills they need to interact. Social development represents a range of skills, including timing and attention, sensory integration, and communication, that can be built and layered to improve social competence. Building competence will result in further interest and interaction.” 

Making a Difference

Indian Hill Living Magazine spoke with Chris Adams, Chief Executive Officer. Adams, part of its team for 18 years, shared his thoughts about the difference Stepping Stones makes in the lives of its participants and their families. Adams’ daughter (Emma) has Down Syndrome and attended an afternoon program when she was very young, so Adams applied for a finance position initially, moved into a new role, and later became its Chief Executive Officer.

“Stepping Stones began in 1963, primarily it was several families who brought Stepping Stones to life. Initially, we started just providing a day camp for people with individuals with developmental disabilities. As the programs progressed over the years, we started adding more (programs) for those with intellectual disabilities.” Shares Adams.

The Given Road property was once known as Fresh Air Farm. It was designed to provide relief for families from the city, giving them an opportunity for fresh air experiences and camping. Stepping Stones and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) were “born” on the same day with GCF assuming the assets of Fresh Air Farm and allowing Stepping Stones to manage the camp program and the property.

“We then partnered with Rotary on the east side of town. They ran a camp for kids with polio. With the eradication of polio, Stepping Stones and Rotary formed a partnership in the 70s with Stepping Stones running overnight programs there as well as an adult day program.” Adds Adams.

Programs for participants with Autism take place at Given Road year-round in the buildings dubbed the Chalet, the Cottage the Annex, and in the barn (a work center). “Also at Given, we do what’s known as clubs, they happen every Saturday and are divided by age. We have a kids club and an adults club and they alternate on Saturdays.” Adding, “Every weekend we are running programming at the Given location.”

“We’re doing a recreation-type program, but this is also a respite for family. By providing a drop-off program for children with disabilities, it allows parents time to attend other events with additional family members and time for themselves” This also provides a respite for the program participants, allowing them a break from their routine. Adams added that there are many programs and experiences for their participants both at Given and at their other locations.  This includes technology programs and opportunities to get out in the community. Training can lead to jobs, being more comfortable in social settings, and employment, “There are people out there who are open-minded and looking to find people jobs”

Adams sums it up well, “We want people to live a fulfilled life.”

Volunteers Always Needed

“We have two types of volunteers-corporate and individual groups, and from schools. They’ll help with the grounds and more.  Students getting volunteering hours will work at adult programs working one-on-one with computer programs.” Adams noted that there are many ways to volunteer and help including attending events and donating. 

To learn more about Stepping Stones, visit www.steppingstonesohio.org

Top L to R: Enjoying a sunny day at Stepping Stones. Camp Allyn volunteers are all smiles! A cooking lesson in progress.

Bottom L to R: Celebrating Superhero Day at Stepping Stones. Sawyer (L) and a volunteer going for a record catch! A volunteer from Clemson University with Sis, a Stepping Stones program participant. Photos provided.

Chris Adams (right) with daughter Emma Adams.