Dearborn, MI – [February 12, 2026] – Services To Enhance Potential (STEP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Patricia Barthwell, Elizabeth London, and Melissa Sampey.  

“On behalf of the entire organization, I’m delighted to welcome our new Board members,” said Dr. Sara Grivetti, CEO of STEP. “Their leadership, experience, and commitment to our mission will be instrumental as we continue to grow and serve our community.” 

Patricia Barthwell brings over 14 years of experience in banking and more than 22 years in education, providing expertise in leadership development, data analysis, and administrative instruction. Known for her integrity, mentorship, and commitment to helping others grow, she brings strong strategic insight, research skills, and organizational expertise to the STEP Board. A published author and skilled communicator, Patricia’s dedication to service strengthens STEP’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities. 

Elizabeth London serves as Director of Community Relations at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, where she cultivates trusted partnerships and represents the organization with professionalism, compassion, and care. With extensive experience in client relations and community engagement, she has built meaningful connections across the Downriver and Dearborn communities. London is active with the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as on nonprofit boards supporting senior services and mental health. 

Melissa Sampey has served as a City of Westland Councilwoman since 2021 and as Council President Pro-Tem from 2024–2026, championing inclusive community initiatives. Inspired by her experience as a sibling to a brother with autism, Melissa is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and has led Westland’s first Autism Community Day. She brings extensive nonprofit and fundraising experience through her work with the St. Louis Center, Westland Goodfellows, and other community organizations. Professionally, she is a marketing and promotions consultant, contributing strategic insight in outreach, engagement, and organizational growth. 

STEP is proud to welcome Patricia, Elizabeth, and Melissa, whose collective experience in community engagement, advocacy, and leadership will help guide the organization as it continues to expand programs and opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout Southeast Michigan. 

About STEP
Founded in 1972, STEP has been serving individuals with disabilities in Southeast Michigan for over 50 years. STEP helps individuals with barriers to employment reach their full potential and achieve their life goals through various programs and trainings. These include skill building, supported employment, volunteer opportunities, vocational rehabilitation, and more. For more information about STEP, please visit www.stepcentral.org. 

We have been awarded a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, for two-year program support for Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC), a program of Services To Enhance Potential (STEP).

“We are pleased to be supporting Progressive Art Studio Collective which helps expand how artists with disabilities are viewed both inside and outside of the art world,” says Rachel Bers, Program Director of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, “PASC’s commitment to cultivating the talents and careers of its community of artists will lead to a more inclusive and flourishing visual arts field.”

This grant will continue to support PASC in our efforts to advance our artists, make the Detroit and international art world more inclusive, and stimulate contemporary art practice by introducing more artists and curators to disabled creativity, and unconventional artistic practices.

Following Andy Warhol’s will, the mission of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts is the advancement of the visual arts. The foundation manages an innovative and dynamic grants program while also preserving Warhol’s legacy through creative and responsible licensing policies and extensive scholarly research for ongoing catalogue raisonné projects. To date, the foundation has given over $310 million in cash grants to over 1,000 arts organizations around the country and abroad and has donated 52,786 works of art to 322 institutions worldwide.

Image 1 Caption: The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts logo in white over Rodney Hudson’s, “Untitled Freestyle (Blue, Peach, Orange and Brown)”, 2024, watercolor paint and pen on paper, 22 x 31 in

Image 2 Caption: Warhol Foundation logo over green background with “Spring 2025 Grant Recipients” written in white.