Our Purpose

STEPs believes that every person has the right to full engagement in their community and supports people in their own personal plan of participation.

A time for change

As we move towards the completion of our expansion project, we recognize that Delaney House, together with Rotary House, will significantly enhance our ability  to serve our participants and our community. After collaboration with our stakeholders, it was determined that the name Colchester Community Workshops no longer accurately reflects our purpose nor the services we provide to our participants. It also failed to capture the vison and plans for the future. In September 2021,Colchester Community Workshops formally became STEPs on Arthur, Supported Training Employment Programs.

Vocational Skills Development

Clients voluntarily participate in one or more, in house vocational programs, with placement (s) determined through various skills assessments and client identified areas of interest.

Community Employment

STEPs recognizes and supports clients in their desire to seek employment for a competitive wage, i.e. minimum wage or better.  Clients in this program participate in job readiness skills, resume development and interview preparation.   As appropriate, the community employment staff will support the client in job searches, applications and the interview process.  A community employment staff is then available to provide on site job coaching for the individual, with the expectation that support needs will decrease, as the employee and employer grow more comfortable with the employment relationship.

Volunteerism

Volunteerism is an important component in any community and when a client expresses a desire to participate in such a way, staff will assist in finding a placement of interest to the individual.   STEPs will only commit to this support for traditional volunteer positions, such as other not for profits and charities. STEPs will not support clients in volunteering for work which would typically receive a wage.

Life Enhancement Programs

STEPs on Arthur recognizes that some individuals have limited resources to participate in community events and attractions throughout the province.  As a result, the Life Enhancement program was developed with a committee of clients, instructors and managers responsible for the development of an annual calendar of events.  Outings may be targeted to an individual program area or some may appeal to a larger group.  Previous experiences have included a ferry ride to Charlottetown, Snowbirds, train trips, Magic Mountain and the Moncton Zoo, with the annual Christmas shopping trip continuing to be a “fan favorite”.  This committee also takes responsibility for addressing the Health and Wellness needs of clients, managing the walking program, membership at the Rath Eastlink Community Center and other opportunities for active participation in the community.