STEPS Pathways College is at the cutting edge of technology, thanks to a $4,000 donation from Diamond Partners and Milford.
Bridget MacKenzie, Managing Director and Head of Advice at Diamond Partners, nominated STEPS for a grant through Milford’s Community Connection Program. “The are truly an amazing organisation, that does not get funding from the Government to support their contribution to the lives of young people,” says Bridget.
“Community is at the heart of their organisation and every dollar actually goes directly to improving the lives of their students. They are so grateful and appreciative of any support and with the work they do, it really is easy to put them forward of being a worthy recipient.”
It was through a connection with Carmel Crouch, Director and Founder of STEPS, that Bridget decided to put the nomination forward.
“I feel we have a duty to give back once we reach a certain point,” she says. “Connecting via this program has certainly been a display of connection and relationship ‘for the greater good’. Being able to share STEPS’ story with those that can assist is a simple way to pay it forward.”
Carmel said the grant was used to purchase a new digital whiteboard, that will further engage and develop the learning experience of its students. “I was deeply moved to hear about the very generous donation which enabled the purchase of the new whiteboard,” she says. “This has enhanced our ability to achieve our mission to provide quality education to all and, I can say first-hand, that this is an incredibly powerful and enriching outcome for both the students and our community more broadly. It always fills me with a deep sense of appreciation to see businesses like Diamond Partners through the Milford Community Connection Program give back to local charities and I was thrilled STEPS Pathways College was selected as the beneficiary for this wonderful gift.”
Carmel says the interactive whiteboard represents a gateway to a new era of education, fostering immersive and collaborative learning environments. “Equipped with advanced features like a built-in camera, real-time saving and sharing functions, this interactive device leads to a richer and more collaborative learning experience by improving the presentation of learning materials, encouraging participation and fostering engagement, and empowering College trainers to explore new ways to have fun with their students while remaining supportive.”
One of the key advantages of the interactive whiteboard is its ability to accommodate students’ varying needs, ensuring that no one is left behind. “Even on days when students are unable to attend classes in person due to illness or other reasons, they can seamlessly participate in lessons from the comfort of their own boarding units.”
STEPS Pathways Charity enables us to change and transform lives every day and to accomplish this, we need the help of partners like Milford and Diamond Partners. We look forward to working together in the future and partnering in other ways to help young people to set their goals and chase their dreams.
Bridget says she was pleased to be able to support STEPS and the awesome work they are doing in the community. “What resonates with me most is that they are an organisation advocating for a vunerable portion of the community via empowerment through education and learning. Education to all is something I am passionate about and something we can often take for granted when it’s been easy for us or a given in our life. Having someone like Carmel give a voice (and education) to the students in her programs is truly inspiring.”
STEPS Group is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing training, employment, and community services. With a focus on creating inclusive, supportive communities, STEPS empowers individuals to achieve their full potential through a diverse range of innovative and accessible programs. STEPS Group established STEPS Pathways College to address a growing gap in the needs of people with a disability and their families. We found that while many people with a disability had the capacity to learn the skills that would see them living independently, there were no educational programs available in which students could learn these life skills in a way that would transform their approach to life. We are passionate about making a difference by providing opportunity and provide students with a pathway towards independence and the opportunity to achieve their goals.
