New Program Launches in Partnership with Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding & Horsemanship
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Participants of Stepping Stones' Adult Day Services are enjoying the benefits of an exciting new partnership with
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding & Horsemanship.
Together, the two nonprofits launched the "H.O.P.E. (Horses Offer Purpose and Empowerment" for Adults with Disabilities" program. Funded by the
Greater Cincinnati Foundation, this innovative program is the first of its kind in the region and introduces the many benefits of caring for and interacting with horses to our participants.
Every Wednesday, a group of adults travel from our UCP Campus in Norwood to CTRH's 19-acre property in Milford. After greeting the familiar faces of their staff and volunteers, the adults engage in the care of three horses: Cheerio, Gavin and Sunny. Through grooming, feeding and exercising the animals, the adults have formed a special bond with the trio of horses and look forward to the weekly visits.
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The H.O.P.E. program empowers those accustomed to relying on the support of caregivers to step into the role of being caregivers themselves.
Over the course of the eight-week pilot session, participants successfully gained confidence, improved social skills and - most importantly - developed a sense of purpose. The routine visits and interaction with the horses became a source of pride and joy. Each week, they returned back to their peers at the UCP Campus excited to share about the experience with smiles on their faces.
In 2019, Stepping Stones will expand the CTRH program to participants at all three of our Adult Day program locations. (Batavia, Norwood and Monfort Heights).
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Support for Stepping Stones Blossoms at Bloom
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On September 8, Ceci and Roger David co-chaired Stepping Stones' signature end-of-summer Bloom gala at Greenacres Arts Center. The 14th annual event was presented by
Huntington Bank and netted more than $244,000 to support our programs.
Guests enjoyed live music by acoustic musician Bob Crawford and dance band
Stays in Vegas while dining on tapas from 26 Cincinnati restaurants. The evening also featured a premier silent auction where guests bid to win exciting getaways, sports packages, spa experiences and more.
Midway through the night, WCPO's Tanya O'Rourke emceed a program and invited special guest Matt Thomas onto the stage. Matt spoke on how our Summer Day Camp has been a place where his son Desmond has truly bloomed. He then kicked-off a campership drive, inviting guests to make a donation that will help even more individuals benefit from our programs.
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"Somewhere in your community is a family - a single mom or dad, or grandparent - desperate for a break," Matt shared. "A break from the daily exhaustion of parenting a child with special needs. A break so their son or daughter can enjoy a camp where maybe for the first time they will be just like everyone else, can build lasting friendships or just enjoy a cool swim on a hot summer day."
The campership drive successfully raised more than $40,000 on-site, largely thanks to
The Rendigs Foundation pledging a matching gift of up to $10,000.
To browse beautiful pictures from the special occasion and see a complete list of sponsors, visit
CincyBloom.org.
Photo Caption: Bloom 2018 co-chairs Ceci and Roger David with Host & Hostess committee chair Ellen Grossi and her husband Frank.
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Recreation Programs Welcome New Season
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Our Recreation & Leisure programs are ushering in the fall season with the return of Saturday Clubs, Weekend Respites and Adults 'Around Town' Excursions.
September through May, weekend recreation programs provide opportunities for participants age 5 through 65+ to engage in seasonal activities, build friendships and develop new skills.
Saturday Clubs
On September 8, Saturday Kids and Young Adult Clubs celebrated the start of a new season with a variety of fun-filled fall activities. They whipped up Apple Pie Fries, crafted nature bracelets and made beautiful luminaries to light up the night.
Saturday Clubs for kids and young adults are held twice a month at our Given Campus in Indian Hill.
Weekend Respites
The new Weekend Respite season kicked off September 14 at our Allyn Campus in Batavia. Respites offer a relaxing atmosphere where participants age 12 and above socialize and enjoy theme-based challenges in a one or two-night stay.
Getting off to a great start, participants have enjoyed a variety of "out of this world" activities. They bonded with one another during Asteroid Relay Races and prepared Galaxy Cake Pops as a sweet treat. In October, the Respite program will celebrate Halloween with a fall harvest festival and scarecrow building competition.
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Adults 'Around Town' Social Events
Twice a month, adults hit the road to visit Greater Cincinnati attractions in "Around Town" excursions. The outings help participants learn to navigate large community spaces, develop money management skills and make personal choices.
On September 22, a group of adults enjoyed the first outing of the season with a trip to Shaw Farm. Upcoming excursions include visiting the Old West Festival, touring Mad Tree Brewery and cheering on the home team at a Cincinnati Cyclones hockey game.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Stepping Stones thanks supporters of our Fall 2018 recreation programs, including: Evelyn W. Dunn Charitable Trust; Huenefeld Memorial Trust/United Way; Andrew Jergens Foundation; Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts/Fifth Third Bank; and Warren Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Photos: (Above Right) Kevin and Jaclyn Pucillo smile while making nature bracelets at Saturday Kids Club. (Left): Anna visits with goats on the Adults 'Around Town' Excursion to Shaw Farm.
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A team of students from LaSalle High School dedicated their Friday afternoon to Stepping Stones. On September 28, they landscaped and raked leaves to beautify the grounds of the 23-acre Given Campus in Indian Hill.
The volunteer project was part of LaSalle's "Freshman Day or Renewal" where students take a break from their studies to give back to their communities and volunteer at various nonprofits.
LaSalle's volunteer service will continue Friday, October 5 when another team of students volunteers at the BeauVita West Campus in Monfort Heights.
Photo: LaSalle High School team leader and parent Tom Bierman with students Rick Salamone, Matthew Bierman, Joey Brown, Matthew Birck and Nate Birck.
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Stepping Stones Welcomes Volunteers
Through the fall season, Stepping Stones welcomes individual and group volunteers in our Saturday Club, Weekend Respite and Adult Day programs. Groups, like LaSalle, are also invited to complete maintenance projects at our four program locations.
Additional groups volunteering at Stepping Stones this season include: Cincinnati Children's Genetic Counseling Dept., Christ College of Nursing, Maxim Healthcare, Xavier X-Change program through the Dorothy Day Center for Faith & Justice, Xavier Residence Life and more.
Interested in organizing a volunteer experience at Stepping Stones?
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Cincinnati Beard Barons Raise Support for
Stepping Stones at Big Whisker Revival
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Looking for something fun and different to do on Saturday, October 13th? Attend the Cincinnati Beard Barons' "Big Whisker Revival" at Southgate House Revival in Newport, Kentucky.
The Beard Barons are a local community of facial hair enthusiasts with charitable souls. The Big Whisker Revival is their biggest fundraiser of the year and Stepping Stones is proud to be named co-beneficiary with The Barracks Project.
The 5th annual event promises fun for the entire family! Enjoy live music by local bands
Twigs & Leaf and
Moonshine Wine. There will also be pizza by Newport Pizza and a large selection of raffle prizes looking for a happy home.
At 8 pm, the Cincinnati Beard Barons will begin their famous Beard & Mustache competition. As the main event of the night, this is truly a sight to be seen and you won't want to miss it.
Pre-event tickets for the Big Whisker Revival are available online at $15 each. Tickets at the door will be $20. Proceeds benefit Stepping Stones' programs and The Barracks Project's initiatives to support veterans.
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Cincinnati Beard Barons Present:
5th Annual Big Whisker Revival
Saturday, October 13 from 5 to 11 pm
Beard & Mustache Competition Begins at 8 pm
Southgate House Revival in Newport, KY
Live Music * Raffle * Pizza * Competition
Pre-Event Tickets: $15 Each
Tickets at the Door: $20 Each
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