Our Mission!
THE STEPPING STONE’S mission is to reach out in sincerity and honesty to serve our community through educational advancement, job creation, community beautification, mentoring and counseling. We are working to defend each person’s right to be treated with dignity and respect, to have a place to be safe and secure and to have an opportunity to be self-reliant.
Our Philosophy
THE STEPPING STONE promotes acceptance and inclusion to increase harmony and facilitate balance. Sound relationships create harmony between people. Balance in relationships results in a safer, more peaceful environment for all. Communication, interaction and understanding are essential elements for stable relationships. Wisdom is an internal regulator that thrives on love without motive and instills peace as a way of life. The intellectual capacity of each person must be Respected and Accepted. When striving for a harmonious balance, we must extend a hand; say a kind word; do a kind deed. If you cannot help, make sure you cause no harm. Paying attention, studying, listening and learning are exercise for the mind. Exercise strengthens the internal being and is a nutrient that enhances common sense.
Our Story:
THE STEPPING STONE organization, founded in Dowagiac, Michigan, has developed a program which, once tested, proven and documented, can be a template that will benefit other cities and counties in Michigan. The model can impact other states across this great country. We are true to our mission and are confident that our program will be a beacon for others.
Our funds are dedicated to developing opportunities for educational, social and economic advancement through participation.
We coordinate multiple avenues to accomplish our goals. Our job creation program includes educational training, opportunities and support for apprenticeship in skills and trades programs, training under the guidance of experienced skills/trades persons, and hands-on training experiences. Our focal group includes the long-time unemployed, veterans and others who need a chance/an opportunity. We offer counseling and provide incentives for individuals who remain gainfully employed for an extended period of time. Additionally, individual voices are heard and opportunities are extended to embrace creative, entrepreneurial ideas and endeavors in pursuit of self-reliance and independence.
WE EXTEND OUR HAND…
EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS
Ester J. Stanley, Founder Cheryl Anderson, President
Tonnie Blackamore Gonzales Shivers, Vice-President
Paul Williams Jr. Clara Fowlkes, Treasurer
Suzie Wycoff Mary Harrington, Secretar
Arvin Black