Program utilizes challenged adults to do important jobs on campus

By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The S.T.E.P. program (Services To Enhance Potential) originally began at Fox Run’s sister community, Henry Ford Village.

“I saw an ad in a local newspaper about the program,” says Fred Moschetta, who served as the director of general services at that time. “It worked great.” Fred is currently director of sales at Fox Run.

The S.T.E.P. program, based in Livonia, employs challenged adults and then places them in a variety of jobs in the community.

S.T.E.P. staff keeps campus beautiful
Each Monday and Friday, the S.T.E.P crew reports to Fox Run’s housekeeping manager, Sidney Saeger.

“The S.T.E.P. crew collects interior trash only, at community members’ doors,” says Sidney. “They use rolling totes to go through the hallways; then, one of our employees takes the totes and empties them into a small garbage truck outside.”

“The job is quite physical,” says Sidney, “it can get heavy, but they do their jobs very well.”

S.T.E.P. job coach motivates and assists
A job coach helps guide the S.T.E.P. staff during their shifts at Fox Run. David Halk, who has worked with the S.T.E.P. program for 12 years, is the crew’s current job coach.

“I’ve known most of the team for a long time,” says David. “I love the idea of teaching them independent living. They know this building better than I do.”

Community members ‘adopt’ S.T.E.P. crew
Community members at Fox Run have gotten to know the S.T.E.P. employees over the years, and have developed friendships as well as a great respect for them.

Mary Kay Ulrich, who moved to Fox Run from Birmingham, is one of four community members who organize an annual holiday luncheon for S.T.E.P. employees. Mary Kay has a mentally challenged adult son herself who works at a local grocery store.