ABOUT US
38 years ago, several local churches sought a solution.
Stepping Stones marked its 38th anniversary in 2024. The organization, originally called Interfaith Volunteers, began in 1986 when several local churches, concerned about the unmet needs of elderly residents in Dunn County, began what is now known as the Community Connections Program. Volunteers were linked to seniors and people with disabilities to provide services which enabled them to live independently as long as possible. In 1994, community leaders began investigating the need for a homeless shelter. This resulted in the opening of the first Stepping Stones Shelter, offering transitional and emergency shelter, case management, and housing referral services. In 2014, in order to address increased need, we expanded the shelter program to an additional location so more people could be served. In 1996, the organization's third program, the Food Pantry, began to offer free food to low income households. Initially, the pantry was located in the basement of the Broadway shelter as a compliment to services already provided there, but growing demand required successive moves to larger facilities. Since 2011 the pantry and Stepping Stones’ offices have been located at 1602 Stout Rd., Menomonie. This space is over twice the size of the previous one and positions Stepping Stones to serve the community for many years to come.
What Guides Us
We believe in Justice & Sustainability
We strive to foster a community
• All people have the right to
nutritious food, adequate housing,
and other needed support services.
• Sufficient resources exist in our
community to provide supportive
services and prevent hunger and
homelessness.
• Stepping Stones advocates for the
just and equitable sharing of
resources.
• Stepping Stones is committed to the
sustainable use of resources,
including economic, environmental,
and personal resources to assure
their availability and abundance in
the present and the future.
• Individuals reach their full
potential, and achieve balance
and wellness through connections
to community.
• Stepping Stones’ services provide
bridges to community, to stability,
and to self-sufficiency.
• Community is fostered by
nurturing inclusivity and diversity.
We are committed to Compassionate Work & Service
• The effectiveness, talent, and
commitment of volunteers and staff
are critical to the success of
Stepping Stones’ mission.
• Staff must be equipped to
accomplish their responsibilities,
and provided with just
compensation.
• Clients, volunteers, and staff
cooperate to create a caring,
respectful, trusting atmosphere and
to engage in work that is mutually
rewarding.
• Work and service spaces that are
pleasant, well maintained, and
suited to the needs of the service
will best facilitate Stepping Stones’
mission.
We support Inclusivity
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Stepping Stones does not discriminate in employment matters or in providing its services by reason of a person’s age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, family status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, political affiliation, membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or this state.
Meet The Team
Board of Directors
President: Barbara Fagan, Asst. Corporation Counsel, Dunn County
Vice-President: Jerry Porter, Retired Engineering Manager, 3M
Treasurer: George Brewe, Business Banker, Bremer Bank
Secretary: Nichole Manson, Recovering Addict & Advocate for Sustainable Food Usage
Bev Deyo-Svendsen, Retired Academic Dept. Associate, UW-Stout
Maggie Fischer, Sr. Engagement Specialist-Vol. Serv., American Red Cross
Nina Koch, Retired Educator
Katie Kramschuster, Librarian, UW-Stout
Stacy Nelson, Director of Nutrition Services, Menomonie Area School District
Paul Schwartz, Rehabilitation engineer, Business owner
Rod Smeltzer, Retired Dunn County Circuit Court Judge
Wendy Slaback, Pastor, Menomonie United Methodist Church
Matt Swenson, IT Operations Supervisor, WESTconsin Credit Union
Rachael Taylor, Physician Assistant, Mayo Clinic Health Systems