Lifesteps footprint covers region
A nonprofit service organization’s longevity is a testament to its mission, its vision, its people and the community it serves. Endurance also is a sign of commitment to the future. Nonprofits willing to take risks and adapt to the changing needs of the individuals they serve can stand the test of time.
Lifesteps celebrates a century of providing generations of care along life’s journey this year. From its humble beginnings serving the families of children with polio to its current multi-county, multi-program and service offerings, the organization continues to thrive by focusing on its sole purpose: to improve the quality of life for its members.
In 1954, the nonprofit had eight programs and one location in Butler. Today, Lifesteps and its subsidiaries accessAbilities and the organization All Abilities serve on average 7,500 individuals annually with over 800 dedicated and caring staff in 67 locations with an operating budget of over $50 million.
“We have many locations and serve thousands of people,” said Karen Sue Owens, Lifesteps president and chief executive officer. “But it’s not really about the numbers and the bricks and mortar. It’s about the people and the positive impact we’re making. It all goes back to improving the quality of life. That’s our purpose. That’s why we exist.”
Owens said if Lifesteps’ leadership continues to keep its eyes on its main purpose, the organization can continue to persevere.
Part of staying true to their vision requires a strong strategic plan. Five key strategic directions drive Lifesteps:
√ Programs, services and assurance of quality. Lifesteps provides programs and services that meet the needs and address the challenges of individuals and families of all ages in their multi-county service area. Programs are regularly evaluated to ensure the highest standards of excellence.
√ Staffing. The agency strives to be recognized as an employer of choice with the highest quality workforce.
√ Sustainability. Lifesteps evaluates programming and monitors changing needs within the communities it serves to ensure a full spectrum of high-quality programs and services.
√ Marketing. Lifesteps strives to be recognized as the first-choice human services agency in Western Pennsylvania for its comprehensive, high-quality programs and services for all generations.
√ Governance. The organization prioritizes appointing a board of directors that represents the community, bringing a variety of skills and expertise to the fold.
“Yes, we’re a nonprofit human service agency,” said Owens. “But we’re a business, nonetheless. If we don’t operate like a business, the front doors don’t open, and people can’t receive the services they’ve come to trust and depend on.
“However, we never lose sight of what our business is — to help people.”
Alison “Mickey” Bell, a Lifesteps board member since 2018, said she’s witnessed the evolution of the organization as it shifted its services to continue serving the community.
“To see the resilience and ability to pivot and adjust and adapt is monumental,” Bell said. “It’s not about the money. It’s an organization that works for the families and individuals they serve.”
Bell said the strategy and decisions are based on what is best for the people Lifesteps serves, as well as the employees who deliver services and oversee programs.
“It’s amazing the number of hours leadership spends going through everything,” she said. “(Leadership does) a lot of research to ensure they’re offering the best services and getting the best deals and quality.”
One of the most pivotal board decisions was the investment in community homes, said board member Peter Kyne III. The homes, operated by Lifesteps, provide a supportive living environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive with the assistance of dedicated staff.
“This expansion into our community homes represents not just a strategy but a significant line of support services that underscores our commitment to fostering independence in the individuals we serve,” he said.
Autumn Timmons, senior vice president of family services, said leadership constantly evaluates how to help or serve the community.
“(We are) always asking how else can we help? What else can we be doing?” she said. “We do so much in so many different ways.”
As the agency moves forward with fulfilling its vision, Owens said a greater focus is being placed on how technology — present and future — plays a role in helping Lifesteps continue to evolve.
“Life’s changing needs’ is a part of our mission and therefore we’ll continue to adapt and change to meet the needs of people in our communities,” Owens said.
“There’s not many human services agencies that have been around for 100 years. That longevity speaks volumes about our approach.”
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