February is the month of Community!

Shelter advocates are available 24/7/365 on our Helpline – 928.445.4673

At Stepping Stones, community comes in many forms, but one thing is consistent – it’s all about fellowship and empowerment. Our team of staff and volunteers integrate service with empowerment every day across the agency. Check out three ways we work to build a positive, empowered community!

Community is…a Place to Call Home: Our 24/7/365 emergency shelter is a special place. It’s more than just a roof over someone’s head, it’s a home. Women and families who live in our shelter make meals together, attend group education classes, and make decisions together. They welcome in new families and offer support to each other. Even though each woman has her own story, in the Stepping Stones community, each is able to find common ground and work toward rebuilding their lives with a supportive fellowship.

Volunteers at our thrift stores assist with sorting donations, pricing items, and keeping the merchandise on the floor organized. They are a huge part of what helps Stepping Stones provide 24/7/365 services to families in our community.

Community is…Employment Development: To keep up with the demands of 24/7/365 services, our social enterprises provide funds to keep the lights on and the doors open at the shelter. But in order to do that, we need dedicated employees and volunteers to make the stores run smoothly. Our Employment Enhancement Opportunities Program (EEOP) is a PAID job training program that provides transferable skills in the areas of retail, customer service, barista and food service, or mentor advocate training to women in our advocacy programs. When participants complete the EEOP program, they have skills that they can use to find other permanent employment in our community.

Community is…Service: From our thrift stores to the shelter, Stepping Stones is full of committed volunteers who CHOOSE to serve our community. Volunteers multiply our staff’s time by providing support with special skills and talents needed at each of our locations. Whether they are sorting donations at a thrift store, answering the Helpline at the shelter, or entering data at the Administration office, our volunteers are making a difference for women and children right here in our community through their service.