After 100 years, Lifesteps still providing social aid
BUTLER TWP — Students in Lifesteps’ preschool programs get to sing “Happy Birthday to You” to one another at school, but Tuesday, Oct. 3, was the first time they got to sing the song for a 100th birthday celebration.
A group of preschool children sang the song to close out the celebration event for Lifesteps’ 100th anniversary Tuesday, which also featured speeches from the organization’s leaders and a client of the social services nonprofit.
Julia Kaluzny, a graduate of Lifesteps’ transition program, said she has Down syndrome and probably would not have been able to land a job if it wasn’t for the assistance provided by programs at the nonprofit.
“I attended Lifesteps’ transition program to become an independent and responsible woman,” Kaluzny said. “Lifesteps taught me a lot of things, such as how to get a job, having a good work ethic, to be independent, safety skills, money management and much more.”
Lifesteps began in 1923 as part of the National Society for Crippled Children, which was part of the Easter Seals Society. In 1994, the name changed to Lifesteps and the organization became independent from Easter Seals. In 1954, the local agency offered eight programs and services. That number grew to 35 programs and services by 2002, according to Lifesteps’ website.
Karen Owens, president and CEO of Lifesteps, said Tuesday the organization now has more than 40 programs and services, and has helped “hundreds of thousands of people“ across Western Pennsylvania.
“Some people might understand that we do early care and education, but they might not know that we have 51 residential community homes,” Owens said. “We focus on the individuals and families, and we meet people where they are. We’re in the business of helping people, and that is what has been our focus for the last 100 years.”
Programs range from free developmental screenings for infants and toddlers to programs that allow adults with intellectual disabilities to live as independently as possible.
The anniversary celebration took place outside the Lifesteps Butler Township location at 383 New Castle Road. Dozens of people attended the ceremony, including Lifesteps personnel and clients, government officials and Rotary members. Speakers included Kaluzny; Owens; Brenda Dare, chairwoman of the Lifesteps board of directors; and Daniel Musko, former president and CEO of Lifesteps. Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche emceed the event.
Osche commented that her children were involved in Lifesteps programs, and she is a member of Rotary. She also presented a proclamation to Lifesteps alongside county Commissioners Kim Geyer and Kevin Boozel. The organization also received one citation from state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, and another from state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th.
Owens and Dare recognized several people at the event who make the nonprofit’s programs successful, with Owens saying support for the agency has only grown since it was founded.
“We’ve got volunteers; we’ve got dedicated and committed staff. It’s compassion, service and caring,” Owens said. “Volunteers, staff, business support, community support, individual donors or funders, it really has been around 100 years because of so many people.”
A visit to Lifesteps’ website demonstrates the reach the organization has, with information on dozens of its programs available. Osche said numerous people could have spoken positively about the organization at the anniversary, but Kaluzny’s story was a good example of the aid the agency provides.
Kaluzny said the skills she learned through Lifesteps have helped her be independent and pursue goals and passions in her life.
“I got the opportunity to practice and learn the skills by participating in volunteer work experiences,” Kaluzny said. “I am now ready to look for a next job — Ulta.”
