STEP Programs
All of STEP's services are designed to assist individuals and families in achieving or maintaining self-suffiency.
Early Care & Education Administration
STEP’s Early Care and Education Administration works in partnership with families, childcare providers, institutions of higher education and community stakeholders in an effort to prepare today’s children for their important roles in tomorrow’s marketplace.
In Lycoming and Clinton Counties, Child Care Information Services (CCIS) staff assists working families to select quality, subsidized childcare.
Across 17 counties, the Central Regional Key administers
state funded grants to community engagement groups, which
are composed of childcare providers, educators, elected
officials and other community stakeholders that are invested
in quality early learning. In addition, the Central Regional
Key distributes more than millions in grant funding to
providers progressing through the PA Keystone STARS program.
Through collaboration with colleges within the regional key
area, credit-bearing and credential-based courses are
offered to childcare providers interested in earning a
degree or credential in Early Care and Education.
Housing & Building Initiatives
STEP’s Housing & Building Initiatives collaborates with municipal and county governments to target, leverage and impact specific communities in Lycoming and Clinton Counties to respond to the housing needs of today. Recognizing the importance of coordination, Housing & Building Initiatives has worked with municipal and county officials to integrate affordable housing revitalization with downtown, industrial and commercial revitalization strategically, resulting in both social and economic benefits.
Responding to the increased cost of energy, weatherization
and energy services are available to the general public.
Energy conservation through Weatherization remains one of
the most cost effective and immediate solutions for today
and the future.
Linkage Lycoming
Linkage Lycoming provides a vital link to connecting people in Lycoming County with the information or service they need. Utilizing a vast resource data bank, Linkage Lycoming’s Information and Referral component links individuals and families in Lycoming County with the appropriate human service organizations, relative to their needs (health-related, emergency situations, rent, food, and utilities).
For elderly, homebound, and any other individuals who do not
get out much or need additional human contact, the Telephone
Reassurance component offers regularly scheduled phone calls
or e-mail that link individuals to the community and help
foster independence.
The Clearinghouse component is designed to monitor the
provision of services and avoid duplication of service
provided by over 44 human service organizations in Lycoming
County.
Through the Advance Care Planning component, individuals and
families who are seeking ‘end-of-life’ guidance and
information are linked to highly trained professionals.
Lycoming-Clinton Head Start
Lycoming-Clinton Head Start is committed to helping children and families succeed. The program implements its vision of being “a catalyst for inspiring positive change and fostering hope in children, family and community” through its Head Start, PA Pre-K Counts, Raising Great Kids, and Parent-Child Home Programs. Lycoming-Clinton Head Start gives children the tools they need to succeed in school and in life, and gives families the tools they need to maximize their children’s success as well as their own.
STEP’s Community Connect AmeriCorps
STEP’s Community Connect AmeriCorps is part of a national service program that provides thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with education awards in exchange for a year or two of service to their communities. Throughout Clinton and Lycoming Counties, members serve in various professional roles with partner host sites. AmeriCorps members also serve as a team to provide opportunities for youth to become engaged in their community, teaching leadership skills and promoting volunteerism.
The national AmeriCorps motto is “Getting Things Done”, and
STEP’s members do get things done!
STEP Homeownership Counseling
Purchasing and/or maintaining a home is part of the American Dream, and STEP Homeownership Counseling strives to assist qualified families to achieve that dream. Prospective homeowners are provided with the tools they need to successfully purchase and maintain a home. Consumers receive counseling regarding budgeting, predatory lenders, renovation and repair loans, realtors, and various mortgage options. For those subjected to foreclosure, counseling and intervention is also provided.
In addition to providing service to people in Lycoming and
Clinton Counties, STEP Homeownership Counseling also serves
those who live in Centre, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland,
Snyder, and Union Counties.
STEP Office Of Aging
STEP's Office of Aging staff has worked hard to provide or connect people (aged 60 and over) to the services they request. From the Community Centers that provide health screenings, information, exercise, activities and meals, to the home-delivered meals, personal care, home modifications, protective services, and other services provided in the home, staff strive to give elders the options to choose from, as they face the opportunities and challenges of a long and full life.
STEP Outreach
STEP Outreach offers many services that provide support and opportunities to resolve a crisis, rather than become a victim of circumstance. From crisis intervention to budgeting counseling, energy assistance, assistance in securing decent and affordable housing, providing for affordable utility bill payment plans, and more, STEP Outreach assists individuals and families to address barriers to self-sufficiency.
STEP Transportation
STEP Transportation helps people with their transportation needs to maintain their independence. Transportation service is available to all residents of Lycoming and Clinton Counties through the coordinated efforts of STEP and the local cab companies. Courteous, friendly, door-to-door service is provided via wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Transportation is provided throughout Lycoming and Clinton Counties, as well as to Geisinger Medical Center, The Surgical Center, Allenwood, and the Centre County Hospital in State College. Transportation available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (holidays included). Fares for trips are reduced for seniors, persons with disabilities and eligible Medical Assistance recipients.
STEP Workforce Development
STEP Workforce Development addresses the needs of employers and assists job seekers in securing employment. Training in job readiness, job acquisition and job retention skills, along with "hands-on" work experience, all leading to sustainable employment, are available for eligible public assistance recipients transitioning to the workforce and for persons 55 and over.