To enhance the independence, self- sufficiency, and quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities who might otherwise be alienated from the mainstream of society.”

Description:
Stepping Stones provides a variety of programs and services to children and adults with a developmental disability who live throughout the East Bay. For children we offer an after school enrichment program and programming during school holidays. The children served are typically dual diagnosed, with many of them being children with autism and behavior disorders. For adults we offer an array of employment services, including pre-vocational training, assessment, job placement, and on the job coaching in both group and individual employment situations. Other services we offer to adults are independent living support and travel training assistance. We also have a creative arts program and a health and wellness program for adults.

History:
Stepping Stones was founded in 1975 by parents of children with a developmental disability, in order to give their children training and growth opportunities not being offered in school. As the children started to age our of school the adult side of the program was born, beginning with a unique work training situation that eventually led to our current community based supportive employment programs. In the early 90's we began an independent living program and in the late 90's added a creative arts program. The first decade of the 21st century has seen the creation of a pre-vocational training program and a health and wellness program. Stepping Stones offers its participants and supporters a variety of events and activities each year, including an annual picnic, baseball game, free pancake breakfast and Thanksgiving dinner, dances, and our very entertaining Stepping Stones Idol. We receive most of our funding through the state through the Regional Center of the East Bay and the Department of Rehabilitation. We are also supported by individual donors and by a number of foundations, including the San Francisco Foundation, the J.M. Long Foundation, the Safeway Foundation, The Soda Foundation, the Valley Foundation, the Special Hope Foundation and many more. We also receive grant funding from the Human Services Commission of the city of San Leandro

Contact people:

Margaret Barbee, Human Resources Consultant, (phone), (email) Jerry Joseph, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Vic Entrikin, Deputy Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (510) 568-3331
Office fax number: (510) 568-4168

Address:

311 MacArthur Blvd. San Leandro, CA 94577, CA 94577 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.steppingstonesgrowth.org

Directions:

Driving: 580 East to 106th/Foothill (in Oakland), take two quick lefts to 4 way stop at 106th and Foothill, turn right onto Foothill, take long block to light at MacArthur, turn left, go 4 blocks, just over the Oakland/San Leandro. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: San Leandro BART,   Walk distance (in minutes): 30   Nearest Bus Stop: AC Transit, 50 line, 30 seconds minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	American Sign Language, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	No minimum, but prefer high school or older
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes