STEPS to Celebrate 30 years of Making a Difference
STEPS Group Australia are set to blow the roof off the new Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort this Saturday night at their 30th Anniversary Grand Winter Ball.
2019 marks a milestone year for STEPS, celebrating 30 years of ‘making a difference by providing opportunity’, as well as the inaugural graduation of the STEPS Pathways College.
An Australian first, STEPS Pathways College provides young people with a disability the opportunity to live brighter, more independent lives through their unique, immersive training college.
Earlier this year, Pathways College held its inaugural graduation, five students graduated that day able to begin the rest of their lives with confidence, skills and independence.
It was a day that STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch said was one of her proudest yet.
“I guess the Pathways College is my proudest personal achievement,” Carmel said.
STEPS’ humble beginnings were sparked way back in 1989 when a group of parents, all of whom had a child with a disability, felt there wasn’t enough support in place to allow their children to achieve true independence.
Like all parents, that small group of mums and dads wanted nothing more than to see their children grow into happy, fulfilled individuals ready and able to take life by the horns.
“We started in Maroochydore with a supported employment program. For us it was about finding jobs for our kids and then supporting them on the job while they were in open employment,” Carmel said.
United in their passion STEPS was established, and 30 years on they’ve grown to a nation-wide not for profit group that has branched out to education and training programs, mental health and disability support, social enterprises, as well as disability employment services and NDIS support.
The Grand Winter Ball not only raises vital funds, it celebrates the students, families and a community of amazing people who so generously give to make this world a better place, by focussing on ability and not disability.
The extraordinary event showcases the true community spirit of the Sunshine Coast, bringing together the generous business community with VIPs, dignitaries, families, supporters and volunteers for a stunning night of glamour and celebration.
Find out more at www.thestepsgrandwinterball.com
Photo: Pathways College Trainer Jason and students at the 2018 STEPS Grand Winter Ball. Jason Hay Photography
