After a record-breaking fundraising event in October 2023, STEP VA has moved to a new location on Bourbon Street.
Last fall’s 10th anniversary celebration raised a record $50,000 for the organization. A month later, the group got their own space for the first time. STEP VA rented or leased rooms from local businesses and places of worship to hold its meetings. “Our dream is to create a space where people with disabilities can feel welcome and freely express their creativity in a space that prioritizes their sensory needs,” said STEP VA Executive Director Carol Yeh.
After securing the space, STEP VA media spokesperson Brigid O’Leary immediately began planning the group’s programming schedule — which took three and a half months to prepare for the spring musical. He said a three-week summer camp was scheduled. Session—I didn’t have time to organize my space.
Local real estate agent Sean Derrick, part of Keller Williams Capital Properties, and his 12:45 team donated one day of services to prepare the space. On May 10, the team of more than a dozen people completed a variety of tasks, from assembling shelves to hanging lights and installing soundproofing panels. Sandy Habina, co-coordinator of STEP VA’s Parent Connect group, was on site to work.
“They’re doing what we know we have to do, but we didn’t know when we would get it done,” she said.
Derrick, a longtime supporter of STEP VA, said, “STEP VA’s mission to serve families by caring for people with disabilities aligns with ours. We’re thrilled to be able to support them and to take the time to support a great mission here in our local community…We know the family and we know the heart of the board, so We are excited to support them further.”
Step VA Co., Ltd.is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 that provides sensory-based theater and arts programs that empower people. people with disabilities and their families.
Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News. If you haven’t received our free email newsletter, you’re missing out. Subscribe now!
