Today, we proudly celebrate 54 years of Services To Enhance Potential (STEP)!

Since 1972, STEP has been committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and helping people reach their highest potential through opportunities for growth, independence, employment, and community inclusion. What began as a small organization with a powerful mission has grown into a leading nonprofit serving thousands of individuals and families across Southeast Michigan for years.

For more than five decades, STEP has worked to break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities. Through our vocational training programs, supported employment services, community living supports, educational opportunities, and resource centers, we continue to help individuals build confidence, develop skills, gain independence, and thrive in their communities.

At the heart of STEP’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Every day, we see that mission come to life through the achievements of our members, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families, community partners, and donors.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we reflect on the lives that have been impacted, the relationships that have been built, and the progress that continues to move us forward. We are proud of our history, inspired by our present, and excited for the future ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of STEP’s journey over the past 54 years. Your support, passion, and belief in our mission continue to make a lasting difference.

Happy 54th Birthday, STEP!

May 2026 – Services To Enhance Potential (STEP) is excited to announce the renaming of our culinary program from “What’s Cooking at STEP” to “STEP in the Kitchen.” The refreshed branding represents the energy and innovation of the program while strengthening its connection to STEP’s mission of creating pathways to independence and opportunity for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The program will continue its commitment to hands-on learning, creativity, and empowering individuals through culinary education and experiences. 

STEP in the Kitchen provides participants with opportunities to build practical cooking and food preparation skills while fostering confidence, teamwork, communication, and independence. The program creates an engaging environment where individuals can explore nutrition, culinary techniques, and real-world skill development in a supportive setting. Through STEP in the Kitchen, participants continue to gain meaningful experiences that support personal growth, community involvement, and future employment opportunities

To support workforce development, STEP in the Kitchen partners with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to offer industry-recognized culinary and hospitality training. These experiences help participants build skills and knowledge for future careers in food service and hospitality.

Additionally, STEP will be enhancing classroom operations to ensure the program continues to grow alongside its participants while delivering the highest-quality learning experience possible. Structured schedules will help ensure participants fully engage in all aspects of the curriculum, including food safety, proper sanitation practices, and continued progress toward individual goals.

“We’re excited to introduce a name that reflects our long‑standing agency and its mission,” said Alyson Stauder, Culinary Programs Manager. “While our kitchen program has goals of its own, it ultimately exists to support and enhance the potential of our members – it’s more than a place to enjoy a snack; it’s a space for growth, learning, and opportunity. This new name serves as a reminder to be prepared and engaged when we STEP in the Kitchen, and we hope it feels welcoming and inspiring to everyone.”

STEP is always looking for opportunities to step into your kitchen, as well. Restaurants, food service providers, culinary professionals, and community partners interested in becoming a partner are encouraged to connect with Alyson Stauder at astauder@stepcentral.org.

For more information about STEP in the Kitchen and other STEP programs, visit www.stepcentral.org.

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.