This Giving Season, Support Families at Stepping Stones

Date posted: November 28, 2018

Stepping Stones End-of-Year Appeal I Cincinnati, OhioStepping Stones End-of-Year Appeal I Cincinnati, OhioThis holiday season, Stepping Stones invites you to celebrate the true family affair we see in our programs through two sisters who have found a second home at the Allyn Campus in Batavia, Ohio.

Sara and Amanda, ages 42 and 28 respectively, participate in Adult Day Services and Overnight Respites throughout the year. The sisters are “bookends” of six children and both have Down syndrome.

At Stepping Stones, they have found a second family and a home-away-from-home where they explore interests and try new things in a safe space. A recent fall weekend found the sisters belting out a rendition of Otis Redding’s classic “My Girl” at an Overnight Respite karaoke performance. The duet was a joyful example of confidence, self-expression and belonging.

Serving the Whole Family

“Stepping Stones gives Sara and Amanda a break from us, and us a break from them,” their mother Diane says with a smile. The sisters live with Diane and their father Thomas, who are both retired educators that also provide childcare for their grandchildren.

“Stepping Stones allows Sara and Amanda to do things on their own, like their siblings do. It helps them feel more comfortable in unfamiliar situations and be less dependent on us.”

Pathways to Independence

To be sure, there have been some minor growing pains during the sisters’ journey.

Elder sister Sara had attended Stepping Stones’ Adult Day Services for more than 10 years when Amanda joined her in the program four years ago. As a natural leader, Amanda was accustomed to helping Sara with chores and projects at home. Stepping Stones’ staff, however, recognized Sara’s ability to perform tasks independently. She was encouraged to resist Amanda’s efforts and step into her own – putting the sisters more on equal footing.

Over time, Sara gained confidence. She has become more vocal and engages in program activities. With a great sense of humor, she also delights in a fun prank. Younger Amanda has improved social skills during her time at Stepping Stones and developed life skills that help her live more independently. She’s also discovered outside interests that include working Friday afternoons at a local restaurant and volunteering during services at her church.

Make a Gift to Support Families at Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones’ programs provide a second home where individuals with disabilities find a sense of belonging while stepping into their own and being themselves. We wouldn’t be able to provide this vital service to the community without your support.

This giving season, please make a tax-deductible year-end gift to Stepping Stones. Your contribution benefits Greater Cincinnati families – just like Sara and Amanda’s. 


To make a holiday gift to support families at Stepping Stones, Click Below:

Matched Giving Tuesday Gift to Stepping Stones
print
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Comments are closed.