Media Release
Date: 15 November 2023
Media Contact:stepvainc@gmail.com
November 11, 2023 – Fredericksburg, Va. – Just over a month after a successful fundraising gala, STEP VA, Inc. is excited to announce it has secured its own space and will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, November 29.
Shareholders, community members, and other interested parties are invited to join board members at 3328 Bourbon St. (22408) at the Bowman Center from 4-7 p.m., to view STEP VA’s official home.
“The space is amazing and beautiful,” said Debbie Brown, STEP VA treasurer, who saw it for the first time during strategic planning last week. “It’s open and full of light; it’s full of potential.”
Consisting of two classrooms, an office space, a sensory room, a multipurpose room and a private bathroom, STEP VA’s home base was made possible through many generous donations made at the 10th Anniversary Gala in late September.
The organization was able to begin holding limited classes early in November, starting with a daytime yoga class and a self-advocacy and social skills (SASS) class. The All Abilities Choir will begin practicing in the new space this weekend, bringing the music “home.” And while many STEP VA classes will be held at the new location, the group will continue working with community partners such as Riverside First Church of God and Movement Mortgage.
“I can’t wait to see what we do with the space,” said Lauren Michaud, who has been connected with the organization for 10 years and served as volunteer coordinator during the 2023 Summer Program. Indeed, STEP VA plans to bring its hallmark artistry to the space by asking participants to create artwork for the walls and sound proofing panels.
“Our dream is to create a space where people with disabilities feel welcome and can freely express their creativity in a space that prioritizes their sensory needs,” said Carol Yeh, STEP VA secretary.