Services To Enhance Potential

Our mission is to support individuals in the pursuit
of their chosen goals and the achievement of personal satisfaction in their lives.

Services To Enhance Potential (STEP) is a non profit organization which provides supports and services to nearly 1,300 persons with disabilities and other mental health needs in Wayne County.

Employment, volunteer, and other opportunities are offered
to each individual promoting self determination, choice, and the development of meaningful roles in the community. A major goal of Services To Enhance Potential is to increase the number of persons who are employed, self employed, and volunteer in their communities. STEP provides and supports a variety of employment and self employment options. STEP supports individuals in community-based jobs and their employers including American House, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Box Smart, Buddy’s Pizza, CEVA Logistics, Detroit Quality Brush, Detroit Zoo, Fox Run, Henry Ford Village, JEET Inc, Kroger, McDonald’s, Meijer, Odyssey Electronics Inc, Olive Garden, The Parade Company, Rite-Aid Pharmacy, State of Michigan, Target, Vivio’s, Wal- Mart, Wendy’s, and many more.
STEP is an original partner in Project SEARCH at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan since its inception in 2010. A national model of best practices, Project search provides onsite internships to students with disabilities. Other partners are ConsumerLink, the Detroit Public Schools, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Commission for the Blind, the Guidance Center, and the Business Leadership Network of Michigan. STEP also supports individuals with their Micro-Enterprises, these persons are self employed and earning income, in such areas as food service, vending, arts & crafts, shredding, poetry, music, delivery services, furniture refinishing, etc.
STEP was incorporated in 1973 to unite four programs then operated by the Dearborn, Detroit, Downriver, and Western Wayne Arcs. STEP operates seven Resource Centers: Two in Dearborn, two in Detroit, Livonia, Wayne, and the community-based DREAM program in Southgate. STEP also owns and operates two Tried and True Thrift Stores located in Wayne and Southgate. A social enterprise employing over 35 persons with disabilities in the stores. STEP is active within and maintains membership in several local Chambers of Commerce including Canton, Detroit, Livonia, Southern Wayne County, Wayne, and Westland.
The following programs at STEP are accredited by CARF International, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities through April of 2015: Community Integration; Community Services Coordination; Community Employment Services including Job Development, Job Supports, and Job-Site Training; Employment Services Coordination; and Organizational Employment Services. In the fall of 2002 STEP adapted to the emerging managed care environment and has since established and maintained good working relationships with all five of the Managed Care Provider Networks (MCPNs) which include CareLink, ConsumerLink, Community Living Services, Gateway, and Synergy. Services To Enhance Potential is noted for the quality and delivery of its Supports Coordination services in support of person served and their care providers. Through Person Centered Planning we arrange for various transportation options for individuals and an array of other services as they pursue their chosen employment and other goals, developing their opportunities for participating in their community, and achieving personal satisfaction in their lives. Services To Enhance Potential is noted for its outstanding Customer Service department which assists persons to understand and navigate the mental health system. For more information contact STEP Customer Service at 734.718.0483 or visit our website www.stepcentral.org. Communication and information sharing is possible with those with Limited English Proficiency, hearing or visual impairments.
In FY 2002-2003 our mission statement was revised to reflect our commitment to individuals with disabilities. More than being reviewed and approved by the board on an annual basis, it has become the mantra and rallying call of the organization.
In October 2004, the organization received the Creative Achievement Award from the Detroit Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency in acknowledgement of the skill building services at the Northwest Resource Center which fosters extraordinary support to persons with special needs. In July 2005 the organization incorporated the Family Neighborhood Services program which opened the door for expanded services to persons with mental illness.
In June 2012 the organization recognized its 40th anniversary providing supports and services to people with developmental and other disabilities. Services To Enhance Potential is an advocate and partner in planning and implementing Michigan’s new Integrated Care Initiative and other service system changes.
As a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization your contribution in support of STEP is tax deductible.