Volume 5 Issue 3 STEP News June 2015 - your pathway … 5 Issue 3 Your Pathway to Success STEP and...

STEP News Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc.

Volume 5 Issue 3

Your Pathway to Success

STEP and United Way Communicate Community Needs Assessment

June 2015

STEP’s mission is to engage diverse individuals, families, and communities in the pursuit of social and economic success.

I n s i d e T h i s I s s u e :

P2 Leadership Transition Finalized in July P3 STEP Customer Receives CAAP Award P4-5 Head Start Celebrates 50th Anniversary P6 Office of Aging Volunteers Recognized P7 STEP Weatherization Works P8 Mayors Recognize AmeriCorps Members P9 Head Start Class Enjoys Spring Harvest P10 Seniors Learn Healthy Aging through Local Harvest P11 Fruit and Vegetable Vouchers Distributed P12 Bill Garman Retires

STEP, Inc. and the Lycoming and Clinton County United Way organizations

have completed a comprehensive community needs assessment that they hope

will serve as a road map for positive change. The 2015 Community Needs

Assessment (CNA) was supported by the Center for the Study of Community

and the Economy at Lycoming College.

Conducted over several months, the CNA included written and electronic

surveys of staff members from local social service agencies and their customers,

random telephone surveys, focus group sessions, and data from state and

federal sources. Seven key areas were identified, including children and youth,

education and employment, emergency services, health and nutrition, housing

and homelessness, support services for senior citizens and persons with

disabilities, and substance abuse.

The full CNA report is available on STEP’s website at www.stepcorp.org/CNA_2015.

Rachelle Abbott from STEP, right, and Angela Harding with the Clinton County

United Way discuss the results of the 2015 Community Needs Assessment with State

Representative Mike Hanna, center, and Chuck Dillon from State Senator

Joe Scarnati’s office.

http://www.stepcorp.org/CNA_2015

“I am very humbled and honored to be taking over this organization as it continues to move

in such a positive direction. Terry and the administrative team have worked extremely hard

over the past four years to assure STEP’s sound fiscal and operational health. My job is easy: as best I can, I will

support the staff, who are truly the ones helping our customers, continue to strive for strong community relations

and partnerships, and continue to team closely with both agency administration and board of directors,

furthering the positive impacts STEP has on the individuals, families, and communities we serve.

Jim Plankenhorn

STEP, Inc. President & CEO

Community Collaboration Pathway to Success

Partnership:

Success Through Engagement and Partnership

The transition to a

new leadership team

at STEP, Inc. will become official in July. The

change was announced last August as part of a talent

management and executive succession plan.

The transition has been underway since then

and becomes fully effective with the start of

STEP’s new fiscal year.

Jim Plankenhorn is the incoming STEP

President & CEO. Plankenhorn has been part

of the STEP team for 10 years and is

transitioning to his new position after serving

most recently as Chief Operations Officer.

Chief Planning Officer Rachelle Abbott will

formally take over as Chief Operations Officer.

Abbott has been with STEP since 2011.

Terry Roller served as President & CEO since 2011

and now becomes the organization’s Chief Strategy

Officer. Roller, who has been with STEP for 35

years, led the succession planning process, saying

the changes will assure long-term strategic

leadership for STEP.

Engagement:

For more about STEP, visit www.stepcorp.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/STEPpathways.

Success:

Terry E. Roller

Jim Plankenhorn

Rachelle Abbott

“James started out with no goals, no vision, no purpose.

Through Work Ready, he’s developed not only the life skills he needs to get a job,

he’s developed self-worth. He now knows the freedom that self-sufficiency allows,

rather than relying on welfare.”

Lynn Landon

STEP Workforce Specialist

Workforce Development Pathway to Success

Partnership:


For James Copson, the first step on his path to success was enrolling in the

STEP Work Ready program. A short 16 months later, despite a few bumps in

the road, he’s training for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to expand his employment possibilities,

and he says his family is proud of his determination to succeed. He’s also the recipient (one of only three

statewide) of the 2015 Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) Self-Sufficiency Progress

Award, given to individuals who exhibit superior progress toward self-sufficiency.

James, his fiancé, and their four children were facing eviction

when he was referred to the Work Ready program at STEP. He

was in a recovery program and struggled to remain clean and

sober. While he wanted to work, he had no career goals and

said he “felt like a loser” on a path to nowhere.

With encouragement and guidance from STEP Workforce

Specialist Lynn Landon, James successfully completed

ShaleNET classes through the Workforce Development &

Continuing Education department at Penn College of

Technology in Williamsport. He was almost immediately hired

by a company that supports the natural gas industry.

Unfortunately, the recent downturn in the industry prompted

layoffs and James again found himself out of a job. But this

time, with a much different attitude and sense of self-worth,

James is working toward his CDL to open even more avenues of

opportunity.

Engagement:

Success:

To learn more about the Work Ready program visit www.stepcorp.org/Work_Ready.

“STEP Head Start is a comprehensive

early learning program, an investment that is

helping to ensure long-term social and economic

success for more than 600 local children, their

families, and our communities.”

David Spring

STEP Head Start Director

Early Learning Pathway to Success

Partnership:


The nationwide Head Start program this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

STEP has overseen this important program locally for the past 49 years

(since STEP’s incorporation in 1966), providing early learning opportunities for literally thousands of

low-income children to succeed in school and in life.

Partnerships are a cornerstone of the federal-to-local program. STEP Head Start is engaged in nearly 100

community partnerships, including individuals, school districts, agencies, and organizations serving

children and families.

According to information cited by the National Head Start

Association:

Head Start benefits last a lifetime. Head Start

produces measurable, long-term results such as school

readiness, increased high school graduation rates, and

reduced need for special education services.

Head Start delivers an incredible return on investment.

Every dollar invested has a return of $7 to $9.

Head Start makes our communities safer. Head Start

children are 12 percent less likely to be charged with a

crime.

Head Start supports health and wellness of children

and families. Head Start children are less obese, more

likely to be immunized, and less likely to smoke as

adults.

Engagement:

For more information or to enroll your child in Head Start, call STEP at 570-326-0587 or visit www.stepcorp.org/Child_Development.

Success:

“Early education is one of the best

investments we can make, not just in a

child’s future, but in our country.”

President Barack Obama

2015 White House Summit

on Early Education


Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/STEPHeadStart.


1965 – Keystone Central School District in Clinton County established the first Head Start program

locally, an 8-week summer program for 15 children in the tiny community of Monument.

1966 – STEP incorporated as a Community Action Agency and took responsibility for administering

the Head Start program in Clinton and Lycoming counties.

1970’s – STEP Head Start converted from an 8-week summer program to a school year program.

1973 – Home-based Head Start, originally called Home Start, began.

1982 – STEP Head Start participation continued to grow, serving 202 children and families.

1993 – Participation exceeded 300 children and families.

2007 – STEP began serving children and families through the PA Pre-K Counts program.

2010 – STEP Early Head Start began serving pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

2015 – STEP Head Start provides child development, school readiness, nutrition, and

community-based health and social services to more than 625 children and families in

Lycoming, Clinton, and Union counties.

The local Head Start story:

“Our programs depend on volunteers.

We really couldn’t do what we do as an agency without our volunteers.”

Fred Shrimp

Program Director, STEP Office of Aging


Independent Living Pathway to Success

For more information about STEP Office of Aging services visit www.stepcorp.org/Office_of_Aging.

Volunteers who support programs based out of the eight STEP Office of Aging

senior community centers throughout Lycoming and Clinton counties were

recognized recently at a luncheon in their honor.

Nearly 600 volunteers carry out critical tasks such as delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound senior

citizens, counseling seniors on medical insurance, or assisting with tax refunds. Some help with bingo or

lead crafts and exercise classes at the senior centers, while through the Ombudsman program, others

advocate on behalf of seniors living in personal care facilities. Overall, volunteers provided 58,000 hours

of service last year.

Many of the volunteers received certificates for their extended years of service to senior programs. The

most prestigious recognition was shared by Betsy Smith (below, left) and Amelia McCarty who received

STEP’s George C. Meck Volunteer of the Year Award, named in honor of the late George Meck, long-time

community volunteer and leader. Both women amassed 907 volunteer hours with STEP last year.

Engagement:

Success:

Partnership: A Community of STEP Office of Aging Volunteers

Housing Options Pathway to Success

For more information on STEP’s Weatherization program visit www.stepcorp.org/Weatherization.

The federally funded STEP Weatherization

Assistance Program is designed to help eligible

residents of Lycoming and Clinton counties

reduce their home energy costs. In a letter to

STEP, recent program participant John Tamalis,

of Unityville, expressed thanks to the

Weatherization team for their “tremendous

work.”

“I am truly grateful for all the difficult work,

expense, and time put into the project,” wrote

Tamalis. “I was so impressed with their

professional approach to the task at hand.

They were prepared each day for the challenge.

I know it was not easy to be under the crawl

spaces insulating and yet I did not hear any

complaints. They made sure that the tasks were

done right. If it took extra time, they took it.”

“They constantly explained the work that they

were doing, which gave me great comfort, and I

can feel the difference already. I feel blessed and

grateful to STEP’s Weatherization for your work

and help. I hope it gives you great consolation to

know every day you have made a great difference

in someone’s life.”

Engagement:

Partnership:


Success: So far this program year, $418,000 in weatherization funds have resulted in

more than $639,540 in home energy-related savings and $484,880 in social benefits,

including increased employment, improved quality of homes, economic stimulation,

reduced uncollected bills, and improved health and safety.

STEP AmeriCorps is currently accepting members for the 2015-16 service year.

For more information visit www.stepcorp.org/AmeriCorps.php or call STEP at 570-326-0587.


Community Collaboration Pathway to Success

Lock Haven Mayor Jonathan Bravard (above, center) and Williamsport Mayor

Gabriel Campana (below, center) joined STEP AmeriCorps members recently

for the third annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, a nationwide effort to recognize the

positive impact of AmeriCorps service in cities. The STEP AmeriCorps program currently has 33 members

in service at 21 nonprofit organizations in Lycoming and Clinton counties.

Engagement:

“National service is a vital resource for our city. AmeriCorps members make our

cities better places to live. As mayor, I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of these

citizens, who are helping make our great city stronger, safer, and healthier.”

Williamsport Mayor Gabriel Campana

Success:

Partnership:


A second Farm to Head Start healthy eating

initiative had a successful conclusion recently.

The STEP Head Start eight-week Spring Harvest

pilot, involving 3- to 5-year-olds at a Reach Road

classroom, wrapped up the school year by inviting

children and their families to the Williamsport

Growers’ Market in downtown Williamsport.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program

representatives were there to provide information

on eligibility and enrollment to Head Start

families, and gave eligible families a voucher to

buy fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables at

the market. In addition, Head Start children

received “Harvest Dollars” to purchase some of

the fresh foods that they learned about in the

Spring Harvest program.

Engagement:

Partnership:


For more information on STEP Head Start initiatives, visit www.stepcorp.org/Child_Development.

Success:

STEP Wellness and Nutrition Initiative Coordinator Abbey Eschbach, left, distributes “Harvest Dollars” to a Head Start Family for purchasing fresh fruits

and vegetables at the Williamsport Growers’ Market.

“Spring Harvest was a good experience for everyone involved, including the

Head Start teachers, parents, and of course the children, and local farmers. We’ve had

parents tell us their children are asking for fresh carrots at home and begging them to go to

the farmers’ markets, when they had never shown an interest before.”

Sally Rizzo

STEP Wellness and Nutrition Initiative Coordinator

To participate in the Healthy Aging through Local Harvest program, call STEP at 570-858-5800.



From helping sixth-graders learn

how to make a healthy snack, to

learning how herbs can be a healthy and flavorful addition to

your food, participants in the STEP Office of Aging’s Healthy

Aging Through Local Harvest workshops are gaining healthy

ground! The Wednesday afternoon sessions at the STEP

Clinton County Community Center in Lock Haven are a real

draw for senior citizens who want to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“I was so excited when I found the Healthy Aging series of

workshops…they are so informative,” writes Karen McPherson

of Woolrich. “Besides learning about healthy eating, we have a

lot of fun. I really enjoy watching and listening to them

[instructors Sally Rizzo and Abbey Eschbach], and the food is

delicious. Because of their influence I have changed the way I

eat and have started seeing weight loss. Thank you for the

much-needed help. I think we will be adding at least another

ten years to our lives!”

The Healthy Aging workshops continue through the rest of the

year, with emphasis this summer on how to grow your own

herbs and vegetables.

Engagement:

“Love this class! Recipes are delicious. I am learning a lot about

seasoning with herbs and more healthful alternatives. Good camaraderie, too!”

Healthy Aging through Local Harvest

workshop participant

Success:

Partnership:

Students from the Sugar Valley Rural Charter

School in Loganton made a field trip to the

CCCC, where they joined Healthy Aging

participants in making a healthy granola snack.

Clinton County Herb Guild President Phil

Taormina was a guest speaker at a recent

Healthy Aging workshop.

With three months of the Healthy Aging through Local Harvest program now complete:

There have been 69 unduplicated participants in the weekly workshops. For many, it was the first time they participated in an activity at the Clinton County Community Center. Based on survey responses, an overwhelming number of participants feel they can now make healthier

food choices. Most also say they will now participate in other activities at the Clinton County Community Center.

Clinton County Herb Guild


More than 1,700 senior citizens in Lycoming and Clinton counties have an

opportunity to purchase fresh, Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables this summer. The STEP Office of

Aging recently distributed fruit and vegetable vouchers, part of a program sponsored annually by the

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Eligible seniors received four, $5 vouchers that can be used at participating local farmers’ markets. The

voucher distributions were held at STEP senior community centers, where information on STEP programs

and services was also available. Vouchers recipients were also able to sample a healthy snack and take

home fruit and vegetable recipes.

Engagement:

Partnership:


For more information on STEP’s Independent Living Pathway, visit www.stepcorp.org/Independent_Living.

Success: “Having the vouchers really does help. Fresh fruits and vegetables

really taste good, and the vouchers allow me to get things I wouldn’t normally

get because of the cost”

Dot Holmes, Williamsport

Lock Haven resident John “Jackie” Grenninger is all smiles as he receives fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers from STEP Wellness and Nutrition Initiative

Coordinator Sally Rizzo at the Clinton County Community Center distribution.

STEP Office of Aging Messiah Senior Community Center volunteer Joe Welch

directs people during the first veggie voucher distribution.

Contact STEP, Inc. at 570-326-0587 or www.stepcorp.org for information on how you can make

an investment in your community.

2138 Lincoln Street

Williamsport, PA 17701

Phone: 570-326-0587

1-800-346-3020

Fax: 570-322-2197

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stepcorp.org

This publication is available electronically or via US Mail. To change the status of your delivery, including unsubscribing, please

call or email STEP.

Jim Plankenhorn, President & CEO designate

Traci Lowe, CFO

STEP, Inc. Board of Directors

Leonora Hannagan - Chairperson

Jeff Rauff - Vice Chairperson

Carolyn Hawk - Secretary

Randall J. Allison - Treasurer

Susie Bigger

Aron Carter

Joseph Cato

Robert Cross

Justin Houser

John Kiernan

Joel Long

Jackie Oliva

Debbie Reese

Lindsay Stamm

Bill Garman wraps up 35 years at STEP! A behind-the-scenes member of the STEP team will retire this month, following a

career of more than 35 years. As an accountant in the financial management

department, Bill Garman typically doesn’t interact with the customers STEP

serves, but he has made his mark on the organization through the support he has

given his coworkers.

“The greatest part of my career here at STEP has been my relationships with fellow

employees. I’m a real advocate for STEP staff—I’ve loved the interaction with

people,” says Bill.

STEP Chief Financial Officer Traci Lowe adds, “Bill’s 35 years of knowledge and

commitment will surely be missed not only by the fiscal team but everyone at

STEP.”

Visit STEP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/STEPpathways

The STEP financial management team congratulates Bill Garman

on his upcoming retirement.

Volume 5 Issue 3 STEP News June 2015 - your pathway … 5 Issue 3 Your Pathway to Success STEP and...

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