StepStone Family and Youth Services — located at 2601 West Parrish Ave. — specializes in matching children with dedicated and caring foster families.
With more than 5,000 children in the foster care system, StepStone strives to ensure a pleasant and memorable experience for families and children alike.
“There are many reasons to choose StepStone, including competitive per diem rates, hassle-free payments, and continuous training and support,” said Julie Gilreath, Foster Parent Recruiter and Trainer. “We want your experience to be smooth and enjoyable, and StepStone works hand-in-hand with all of our foster parents to ensure the best hosting experience.”
Services offered by StepStone include preservice training, assistance in completing licensing requirements and applying for the license, and ongoing guidance and support once children are placed in a home.
In fostering through StepStone, families can benefit from ongoing training and support, industry-leading rates, hassle-free recurring payments, respite programs for time off, discounts with national retailers, quarterly recognition programs, housing assistance, and continuous care opportunities.
The Owensboro location services the counties of Daviess, Crittenden, Union, Mclean, Breckinridge, Ohio, Muhlenberg, Hopkins, Webster, Hancock, and Henderson. Those with inquiries or interest in fostering can reach Gilreath at 270-691-1090.
“It takes one step to change a life,” Gilreath said. “Our business benefits greatly from the community — without the community, we would not be able to find the amazing people that open their hearts and homes to children in need.”
According to the organization’s website, StepStone offers both therapeutic and non-therapeutic foster care.
Therapeutic foster care requires parents to work in concert with a child’s therapist, case manager, and social worker to ensure each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Non-therapeutic foster care is traditional foster care that provides the caring, safety, and security that children need, no matter what their needs might be.
In addition to actively recruiting quality foster parents, the organization also leans on the community for contributions and resources.
“We need backpacks and supplies donated for the upcoming school year,” Duke said. “Christmas is also around the corner and I would love to have all of our children sponsored. Another great way people could help is to put out signs for us throughout the counties or help distribute information by simply forwarding our web page announcements regarding upcoming events or needs that we might have.”
By Joh Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times