LEVEL 1: The Inner circle programs are currently in place.
For several years, constituents of our group have been involved in every aspect of civic involvement indicated on the chart.
It is through a concentrated effort that we evolved into The Stepping Stone. Our community has supported our efforts, many have benefited, and we continue to move forward.
See how each Program, on Level 1, has developed and is predictably impacting members of our community.
The car wash fundraiser is a low-overhead project. Most of the revenue generated is profit that benefits the community. The interaction builds relationships within the community, provides exercise and improves communication and social skills. It is an excellent venue to teach business and organizational skills. The activity promotes cooperative effort; each learns to do his/her part.
A clean, shiny car uplifts the spirit. When it draws admiring looks, everyone has a smile on their face and a song in their heart. Hand car washing with a fixed schedule or by appointment is an entrepreneurial venture in waiting. (Needs funding for a site equipped with necessities to make it attractive, comfortable and efficient.)
Communication Skills have diminished in this technological age. Many people ‘text’ because they don’t want to talk with you; they just want to tell you something. Think about how many times you say, “What are you talking about?” The speaker has not given a subject or has changed the subject without letting you know. Many problems arise because the speaker is talking about something completely different than what the listener thought was the topic of conversation.
Communication goes beyond talking. It involves speaking, listening and understanding. Communication is like exercise. The more we communicate using the 3 mentioned communication points, the better our skills will be. When we communicate effectively, it increases interaction and helps to build relationships at varying levels.
Our group activities provide the perfect opportunity to groom, correct and direct acceptable communication skills. We take advantage of every activity to impress the importance of speaking clearly.
Selling concessions generates funds that support many of our endeavors. Just as important, sales and distribution provide an avenue to teach, learn and practice skills in business, communication and interaction. Learning to take before and after inventory, making change and balancing books are useful tools in this capitalistic society. Having the basic skills to run and manage business and being accountable and responsible are very valuable assets in this capitalistic country.
Communication skills flourish when opportunities allow for interaction with individuals from all socio-economic levels. Many people become more tolerant and hopefully acceptant of others when they have a chance to get acquainted with each other in some capacity. “Hello, may I help you?” or “Please; thank you; will you” go far in bringing diverse groups closer.
Fundraisers are used to finance many 501c3 activities. Even activities that are free require gasoline for vehicles. If our activities or work span several hours, we need food and drinks. When we have a project such as repairing windows or a roof, or if we are resetting a leaky bathroom stool, we need money for materials if we have assumed responsibility for the project. When volunteers provide labor with little or no compensation, we need funds to buy lunch.
Many people with low income or no income work to generate funds just to help make ends meet. They need some incentive to continue to help with projects until we can launch entrepreneurial ventures to provide jobs that can pay a fair living wage. When we arrive at that point, our contributions to community beautification, physical activities for our youth and others expanded even broader than present. Academic and mentoring programs to support efforts of our schools, and improvements to homes and landscape will be expanded.
(Nonprofit Civic Organization 501c3)
The Stepping Stone
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KCP Reach Out
Attn: All Dowagiac Alumni, Residents, and Affiliates
THE STEPPING STONE, a non-profit civic organization with 501c3 status, located in Dowagiac, Michigan, NEEDS YOUR HELP. Like the former KCP (King, Chavez, Parks College Visitation Program), our focus is on providing services for socio-economically challenged individuals. In addition to serving our target group, we are reaching out to mainstream society to help people build relationships, sometimes one at a time, in an effort to bridge the communication gaps that cause division and resentment. Education, mentoring and opportunity are vehicles that facilitate acceptance and inclusion into mainstream society. Together we can. Our purpose is to serve our community through educational advancement, job creation, community beautification, mentoring and counseling. Our services benefit every generational group. The organization provides many services including support and encouragement for entrepreneurial business ventures, assistance with home repairs and improvements, and consultation to help individuals figure out their options and find the best way to p
Contact your relatives, friends, neighbors, and tell them about THE STEPPING STONE. Please go to website, www.thesteppingstoneback2basics.com and make a donation, as well as our GoFundMe link on our Facebook page. No donation is too big or small. Add us on Facebook and promote the organization whose cause is to make a difference by thought, word and deed.
Thank you.
Ester Stanley, Administrator
Lawn service provides exercise, builds communication skills, teaches mechanical skills through maintenance of machinery (teaches math and science concepts in the process) and generates revenue. During the summer, grass needs to be cut and lawns need to be cared for. In the fall leaves need to be gathered. In the winter, the need for snow removal is predictable and inevitable. This service is needed.
Physical exercise is very instrumental in creating or retaining a healthy body. Being in touch with natural elements can be therapeutic. Conversations that result in a clear understanding of plans and expectations enhance communication skills. The ability to keep the equipment in good running condition is necessary for the venture to survive and grow. Being able to maintain and repair equipment requires an understanding of which tools are needed to accomplish the task and which factors interact to make the machines run in the first place. Amateur mechanics, when working cooperatively, trouble shoot and resolve problems that each might not have been able to accomplish independently.
This activity, like many others, is a platform that opens communication between individuals from different socio-economic groups. When we become acquainted with others in mutually beneficial situations, it is possible to improve levels of interaction from tolerance to acceptance.
Mentoring and tutoring allow us to build one on one relationships or small group relationships. These activities provide an environment where young people are accepted as they are. We do not dwell on what can’t be done; rather, we focus on what can be done It is important to meet each child where he/she is (at his/her own skill level) and methodically build on the skill base. The objective is to make noticeable improvement. No one should ever put a child down because of limitations. On the contrary, we must encourage, support and build on the strengths of the individual. When we help a child build self-esteem by magnifying abilities and what is being done right, we are building a platform that will allow for and encourage future effort and successes.
We reach the children through community interaction and by working with the schools that are willing to work with us. We have met with some of the local schools and administrators to assist where we can. The middle school once had a very powerful program, the KCP (King-Chavez-Parks College Visitation Program). The program exposed the target group and students of other socio-economic backgrounds to visitations at numerous colleges and universities and many other cultural events. We have spoken with the former sponsor, Western Michigan University, who has expressed a willingness to embrace a similar relationship with local schools and representatives of THE STEPPING STONE. The current school year offers renewed opportunities.
Recreation gets people back to the basics in several ways. Participation and observation provide interactive experiences that facilitate socialization and communication. Furthermore, it gets us off the couch and out of the house which is good physical and mental exercise. A stroll around the block or through the park is perfect medicine that clears the mind on beautiful fall evenings. Bicycle riding, roller skating, swimming, camping and hiking provide plenty of fresh air, build muscles and allow for relaxation and peace of mind. These activities are inexpensive or free. The group activities provide a support system for motivation; solo activity allows for meditation. In the name of health, get up and get started. Invite your friends along.