Remembering Kay Pettengill
For more than fifty years, Kay Pettengill has passionately helped Stepping Stones build pathways to independence for people with disabilities.
In 1963, Stepping Stones was founded as Greater Cincinnati’s first summer camp program for children with disabilities. A few short years after our start, Kay Pettengill joined the Board of Trustees and continued to help lead the agency for over five decades. Kay’s connection to Stepping Stones was born from a close friendship with one of our founding leaders, Peggy Geier. As a beloved friend, Kay was also the godmother of Peggy’s daughter Sis – who continues to attend Stepping Stones’ programs today.
Kay’s enthusiastic support and gumption helped pave the way for Stepping Stones to successfully expand our services and broaden community support. In 1969, Kay’s foresight led to the agency being named a partner of The Community Chest – now known as the United Way. Her involvement also included major renovations, including the construction of Camp Allyn’s Pettengill Hall in 1982 to provide lodging, activity spaces and a commercial dining hall for Overnight Respite programs.
Stepping Stones is proud to have had compassionate, innovative Kay Pettengill as a member of our family for more than fifty years.
As we mourn her passing, Kay’s legacy and passion will live on in our hearts every day as we continue to meet unmet needs and provide vital services for individuals with disabilities.