2015 - Step by Step

“Providing support to children and adults with intellectual
disabilities, behavioral health and autism spectrum disorders.”
Accredited by CARF International for the following services:
Behavioral Consultation Services (Autism Spectrum
Disorder - Children and Adolescents) and Community
Housing (Autism Spectrum Disorder - Adults)
Published Winter 2015/16
www.stepbystepusa.com
Report to the Community
2016
Friends,
“Opening the doors to independence and
opportunity.” This is the vision that we’ve lived by
for the past 38 years at Step By Step, Inc.
Throughout our four regions in dozens of
communities across the commonwealth, Step By
Step staff support the people we serve to be active
and live life to the fullest.
This 2016 Calendar/Annual Report depicts
some of the many ways our consumers and our
employees are fanning out across our service
network to collaborate, celebrate, and capitalize on
community integration.
Thanks to great stewardship from a dedicated
and caring board of directors; a great management
team; and a professional corps of employees,
generous volunteers, donors and community
partners, we ensure that each of those we serve
has the opportunity to be a productive and valued
member of the community.
Whether through counseling programs for
children; residential and community living
guidance for adults; vocational supports and a
myriad of other services, Step By Step is challenged
everyday to find new and innovative ways to care
for those with intellectual disabilities, mental health
diagnosis and autism spectrum disorders.
It is hard work but rewarding beyond measure
when we see our consumers experience all that life
has to offer.
We are a constant work in progress, always
looking to add appropriate service lines that meet
present and emerging needs of our consumers and
advocating federal, state, and local policy to ensure
those with special needs are supported by our
government leaders.
Mindful that service and support are integral to
our success, we are always on the lookout for great
people and great community support to bolster
our service offerings and ensure that we remain a
strong and stable organization capable of serving
those with special needs for 38 more years and
beyond!
As we close 2015 and look forward to the new
year take a moment to review the 2016 calendar
that highlights several of our programs that have
made a positive impact on the lives of so many and
how Step By Step looks further to opening the
doors to independence and opportunity.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!!
James Bobeck
President/CEO
William Fromel
William Fromel, CPA
Chairperson, Board of Directors
Step By Step, Inc. 2015 – 2016
Board of Directors
Mr. William Fromel, Chairperson
Ms. Carol Douds, Vice-Chairperson
Ms. Anna Cervenak, Immediate Past Chairperson (1999-2015)
Mr. Jack Jones, Treasurer
Ms. Sheri Yech, Secretary
Dr. Robert Bohlander
Dr. Cynthia Charnetski
Ms. Mary Beth Farrell
Mr. Brian Gill
Ms. Billie Gillean
Mr. James Harowicz
Rabbi Lawrence Kaplan
William Fromel James Bobeck
Mr. Josh Katyl
Chairperson
President/CEO
Ms. Tina McCarthy
Mr. George Rable
Ms. Cornelia Romanowski
Mr. Christopher Siegel
Mr. James Bobeck, President/CEO
Ms. Patricia Blazaskie, Assistant Secretary to the Board
Management Team
Mr. James Bobeck, President/CEO
Mr. Michael Bernatovich, Executive Vice President of
Operations/COO
Mr. Michael Kasenchak, Vice President of Finance/CFO
Ms. Edie Hennebaul, Vice President of Human Resources
Ms. Janet Romero, Lehigh Valley Vice President
of Operations
Ms. Margaret Lukaszewski, Northeast Vice President
of Operations
Mr. Edward Coleman, Southeast Vice President
of Operations
Ms. Denise Cavenaugh, Western Vice President
of Operations
Cover art: “Consumer Tyrie’s picture is being featured on the
cover in Step By Step’s calendar. He was so artistic and loved
to create as well as having a great sense of humor. And, he was
always willing to lend a hand. This gentle giant will be greatly
missed.” Step By Step Staff
Artwork throughout was produced by Step By Step consumers.
A Message to the Community
“Having a place
to go is home;
having someone
to love is family;
having both is a
wonderful life.”
L
ifesharing involves people with
intellectual disabilities “living and
sharing life experiences with supportive persons
who form a caring household.”
Lifesharing provides a close personal
relationship and a place to live for those with
intellectual disabilities. Since its inception
in 1982 in Pennsylvania, Lifesharing has
consistently demonstrated itself as a
cost effective residential option
for people whose needs for
services and support are
best met in a shared home
environment. There are now some 2,000
individuals enjoying Lifesharing in almost every
county in Pennsylvania. Step By Step, Inc., has
offered Lifesharing since 1995.
Relationships make life worth living as
everyone needs love and a sense of belonging.
Lifesharing enriches and enhances lives, provides
opportunity for friendship and trust, offers
increased community life and offers
continuity.
A period of 3-6 months
is recommended to
facilitate the development
of relationships in a
Lifesharing arrangement;
however, there are no
fixed time frames as this
should be a natural process
based on the consumer and
his/her choices.
For information call (570)
829-3477. Lifesharing services
are provided in several regions of
Step By Step.
Lifesharing
Community Support Program Talent Group
of the Lehigh Valley
The Community Support Program (CSP)
Talent Group is a group of individuals from the
Lehigh Valley who have united their efforts to
perform on-stage with the purpose of providing
entertainment and education to the community
about mental disabilities.
The group uses drama and music to
entertain and educate their audience. The
group formed in 1995 with the concept of
providing entertainment and anti-stigma
education about mental disabilities.
Since that time, the CSP Talent Group
has performed at various locations
throughout Pennsylvania. The
group has also been featured
on television on the weekly
special “Lehigh Valley
Tempo.”
The CSP Talent Group
is made up of individuals
who are, themselves,
recovering from or managing
a mental disability including
mental health disorders,
addiction and developmental
disabilities.
For more information call 610867-0688.
Designer Bag BINGO
Step By Step is holding its 3rd annual Designer
Bag BINGO. The event is being held on April 17,
2016 at the American Club of Coplay Pavilion,
300 Cherry Street, Coplay, Pa. The day is packed
full of BINGO games, door prizes, tie game
prizes, food and baked goods. Funds raised go
directly to events held for individuals receiving
services in the Lehigh Valley. Anyone wishing to
be a sponsor of the 2016 Designer Bag Bingo,
donate or participate should call
(610) 867-0688.
In the Community
Protect and Respect Campaign
Protect and Respect is Step By Step’s yearlong awareness campaign aimed at re-confirming
and re-committing everyone to the core values
of protecting and respecting the rights of those
served by the agency.
Signs, symbols and activities are prevalent
throughout all regions depicting the Protect and
Respect logo and mission. Activities, employee
training programs, fundraisers and fun contests
are also part of the 52-week observance of this
simple, yet important reminder: Protect
and Respect.
Protect and Respect
C
ommunity involvement, it a way of life for
Step By Step people.
Each year, the agency’s employees and
consumers commit thousands of hours of
community service and spend countless days and
nights experiencing all that our region, our state
and our nation have to offer.
It’s our way of being engaged and involved in
the community and enjoying all that life has to
offer - no matter what your abilities.
Whether walking to support causes
such as autism awareness, breast
cancer research, Alzheimer’s care
and many other notable activities,
Step By Step people are always on
the go. We love our community
picnics, our holiday parties, our
field trips to museums, parks, and
sporting events and nature walks.
We’re a people that never sit
idly by and we’re always looking
to see what’s on the next
horizon. Perhaps
someday you’ll see us
at your community
event, too. Be sure
to call us if you know
of something that we
might enjoy.
Access Sports
Multi-dimensional recreational activities
are big parts of Step By Step’s community
integration activities. In the Southeast
Region, Access Sports is the agency’s
partner in identifying sporting events and
recreational activities for that region’s
consumers. Activities during the past year
included attendance at Philadelphia
Eagles and Philadelphia Flyers
games; meet and greets with
players; and autograph
sessions, to name a few.
Community Involvement
What is an Adult Training Facility?
An Adult Training Facility is a premiere preemployment training program for adults with
developmental disabilities. An ATF offers
training in vocations such as housekeeping/
janitorial, office skills, manual labor, human
services, horticulture, retail and simple
kitchen skills. Individuals are provided the
opportunity to refine their skills through
volunteer and employment opportunities.
How do I become eligible for this service?
Individuals age 18 and older with a
developmental disability are eligible. Individuals
must be enrolled and active in the Pennsylvania
Department of Human Services Home &
Community Based Services Program.
ATF Services include:
• Community Inclusion Training
• Pre-employment Training
• Employment Skills Training
• Volunteer and Employment Opportunities
• Itinerant support for individuals working on
various projects for private human service
organizations or private state organizations,
who require assistance to enhance their skills.
What are the hours of services?
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Who do I contact?
Contact the Adult Training Facility (412) 6558677 or (570) 822-5653.
What can I expect from ATF Services?
ATF offers:
• Challenging and diverse opportunities for
community inclusion through volunteer and
employment options
• A wide range of community inclusion, preemployment and employment training
• Carefully structured training programs
which allow for growth and independence
• Employment training with gradual faded
supervision and encouraged independence
Adult Training Facility
W
e need you and
you need us.
This can be the theme for
several days of caring programs
celebrated in 2015 at Step By Step.
Thanks to great community partners,
several volunteers from various organizations pitched in to
assist Step By Step people with office-related, tasks, facility
upkeep chores, building and grounds maintenance and agency
clean up activities.
Likewise, many Step By Staff staff members also lended their
time and talents out in the community by performing similar
services for other non-profit agencies needing a hand.
These efforts are the organization’s way of being an eager
community partner - whether its on the giving or receiving
end. It all adds up to some great Days of Caring with many
more planned for the future.
Days of Caring
Annual Golf Tournament
Each year, dozens of Step By Step
supporters gather for the annual Step By
Step Foundation Golf Tournament. The
2016 event is planned August 29th at the
Huntsville Country Club.
This yearly golf outing raises awareness
and funds for the charitable giving arm
of Step By Step. The foundation permits
individuals and organizations to donate
funds and equipment that allows the
agency to further its program offerings
to enhance education, training, health and
rehabilitation services for those in need.
Information about the Step By Step
Foundation Golf Tournament can be found at
www.stepbystepusa.com, or call (570) 829-3477.
2015 FOUNDATION GOLF COMMITTEE
Carol Douds, Chair
Roger Howell, Tournament Sponsor
Corny Romanowski
Mary Beth Farrell
Cindy Charnetski
Ed Steltz
Jim Harowicz
Rick Mebane
Jim Bobeck
Patti Blazaskie
Bob Blazaskie
2015 FOUNDATION GOLF VOLUNTEERS
Andrea Graboske
Diane Kendig
Colleen Kustrin
Jim Qualters
Jim Bobeck
Marbee Sulitka
Patti Blazaskie
Corny Romanowski
Mary Beth Farrell
Bob Blazaskie
Golfers Support Programs
Step By Step People
Step By Step attributes
its continued success to the
many valuable and dedicated
employees who provide quality
care to our consumers. The
agency currently employs
1,292 individuals across
Pennsylvania.
Who We Are
Our direct support staff account for 85% of the
agency’s positions and have an average tenure of
five years.
Our administrative and regional support
services employees make up 2% of our workforce
and have an average tenure of nine years.
Our managers and professional positions
account for 12% of our employees. The
employees in this grouping have an
average tenure of 12 years. Our
executive management team has an
average tenure of 24 years.
The average age of our
employees is 42 and 73% of our
employees are women.
We recognize our employees’
many talents by inviting them to
participate in agency committees,
statewide committees, and to serve as
presenters at state association meetings and
national conferences.
Staff Recognition
Intervention Techniques
The SASP model is based on the principles of
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and employs
the following techniques:
•Discrete trial intervention
•Differential reinforcement (DRA, DRI, DRO,
DRH, DRL)
•Shaping
•Forward and backward chaining
•Task analysis
•Modeling and video modeling
•Prompt and prompt fading
•Premack principle
•Behavior momentum
•Natural environment teaching (NET)
Specialized Autism Support Program (SASP)
T
he mission of the Specialized Autism
Support Program (SASP) is to provide an
efficient, clinically appropriate, comprehensive
service to early intervention and school-aged
individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorders through a team format of support. The
primary goals of this service are: to create an
environment that will decrease problem behaviors
while increasing learning time; enhance the
acquisition and development of communication,
academic and social skills through the use of
evidence-based techniques.
The highly qualified and trained staff of the
SASP classroom models interventions, transfers
skills to caregivers and educators, and seeks
to develop ongoing community supports for
the individual and family receiving services. In
treatment planning the importance of focusing on
individual and family strengths is highlighted.
Overview of Support Services
The SASP model includes:
•Psychological evaluations
•Interagency team meetings
•Individualized behavior planning
•Social skills training
•Intensive communication development
•Functional behavior assessments
Referrals
The SASP classroom model is run in
collaboration with local school districts. Referrals
come from the school districts where the program
is implemented. These services are funded through
the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
Medical Assistance Program. Families who
participate in the program are required to obtain
Medical Assistance.
For Further Information
CARF International is a three-year accreditation
awarded to Step By Step, Inc., for the following services:
Behavioral Consultation Services, Autism Spectrum
Disorder-Children and Adolescents, Community Housing
and Autism Spectrum Disorder-Adults. This accreditation
is valid through November 2017.
In Luzerne, Lackawanna and neighboring
counties contact Step By Step, Inc., at (570)
829-3477. In Carbon, Monroe and Pike Counties
contact Step By Step, Inc. at (570) 646-0377.
Specialized Autism Support Program
Fairweather Lodge
Step By Step is in the development phase of
its implementation of a Fairweather Lodge. The
Program, located in Allentown, is a research driven,
recovery-oriented housing model for persons with
mental health disorders. The model consists of
shared housing and an employment component
for persons with mental health disorders. The goal
is to provide a home in which members emphasize
group cohesion, bonding and support as a
foundation for recovery and wellness.
The Lodge offers a long-term affordable
permanent housing option for adults with
mental health disorders. Lodges are quality
homes in residential communities close to
shopping and public transportation.
Lodge life is based upon
interdependency. Members are active men
and women sharing a common bond of
companionship and responsibility. Lodges
are member-managed. Staff serve as
teachers, coaches and advisors to the
Lodge and its members, and are
available in emergencies, but onsite staffing in permanent Lodges
is non existent with staff members
visiting the Lodges several times
a week on an as needed basis. The
ultimate goal is to achieve autonomy
and self governance in support of Lodge
practices, principles and people.
Weil Street Community Residential
Rehabilitation (CRR) Program
Located in Bethlehem, this special program
provides services to individuals with behavioral
health diagnoses who are in the process
of recovering from their disorders and are
seeking support, assistance and rehabilitation
in their activities of daily living and wellness
management.
Services at the Weil Street CRR home
is specific to individuals with Co-occurring
Disorders (Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol
disorders) and are provided in a homelike,
non-institutional environment, which provides
maximum opportunity to learn skills and develop
and implement recovery plans.
Assistance is designed to provide individuals
with autonomy, independence and selfdetermination in order to enable them to move
to less restrictive environments.
Staff work cooperatively with
other providers, stakeholders
and individualized
consumer-specific
teams in order to
provide coordinated,
continuous and
effective rehabilitation
services and plans.
Independence
“So that Step By Step, Inc., can continue
its work of providing services to those
in need.”
C
ontributions to Step By Step will be
used to wisely enhance our education,
training, health and rehabilitation services
for those in need.
Legacy planning is a means of passing
on values, ethics, wisdom and/or
financial resources to serve a purpose.
For the Step By Step Foundation
legacy planning provides an
opportunity for someone to be a
steward of the community while also
helping the agency to serve those in its
care.
Step By Step, Inc., provides services
throughout Pennsylvania.
Opportunities to leave a legacy and
commit resources to help the agency
continue to serve those in need are
plentiful. And, they can be important
components of tax planning.
Please consider
making a contribution
to the not-for-profit
Step By Step
Foundation, Inc.
Your support will
enable us to continue
our over 35-year
tradition of caring for
those in need. 
The Step By Step Foundation
Step By Step, Inc.’s, charitable giving
foundation was established in 2008 for the
purpose of providing support for the mission
and vision of Step By Step, Inc.
The foundation assists the agency in
generating funds to provide community
education programs regarding developmental
disabilities, Autism spectrum disorders and
behavioral health/mental health services. The
Foundation may also aid with underwriting
special project opportunities to enhance
services provided to individuals receiving care
throughout Step By Step regions.
Send contributions to:
Step By Step Foundation
744 Kidder St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Or on line at www.foundationgiving
The Step By Step Foundation is a 501
(c) 3 organization registered with the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Bureau of
Charitable Organizations.
Leave A Legacy Gift
Funding Partners
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015
Step By Step, Inc., Program Revenue Information
SOURCES OF FUNDS
PROGRAM REVENUE
( $ IN THOUSANDS)
Developmental Disabilities
Medical Assistance Services
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Behavioral/Mental Health Services
Office of Long Term Living
Consumer Assessments
Other
TOTAL
 $  39,906
 $    4,988
$   151
 $  11,030
$
260 
$    2,474
 $   663
 
$ 59,472
Step By Step, Inc., Program Expense by Type
TYPE OF EXPENSE
PROGRAM EXPENSE
( $ IN THOUSANDS )
Personnel
Adult Day Training
Occupancy
Transportation
Client Supports
Operating
Depreciation and Capital Debt Service
TOTAL
 $  47,841
 $   287
 $    7,234
 $    1,731
 $       300
 $       659
 $    1,255
 $59,307
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
Borland and Borland, L.L.P.
CORPORATE AUDITORS
Matlowski Corporation, P.C.
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Autism Coalition of Luzerne County
City Of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and
Intellectual disAbility Service
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human
Services
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation
Community Care Behavioral Health
County Of Delaware Department Of Human Services
County of Lehigh Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/
Early Intervention/Drug & Alcohol
County Of Montgomery Department of Behavioral
Health/Developmental Disabilities
County Of Northampton Mental Health/Early
Intervention/Developmental Program
Hazleton Area School District
Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health/Intellectual
Disabilities and Early Intervention Program
Lehigh County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services
Luzerne County Office Of Community Development
Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and
Developmental Services
Magellan Behavioral Health, Inc.
Nanticoke Area School District
Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium
Pittston Area School District
Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental
Programs and Early Intervention
Wilkes-Barre Area School District
Financials
2015 Foundation
and Golf Tournament
Sponsorships
Howell Benefits
Great American Insurance
Sundance Vacations
Enterprise Holdings
PNC Bank
Eastern Alliance
Concord Ins. Agency
Sandy Russell
Motorworld
Cigna
Borland & Borland
Rosen, Jenkins, Greenwald
McCauley Insurance
Hobson Insurance
Buchanan Ingersoll
Blue Cross
Grotto Pizza
United Healthcare
Mass Mutual
Protect Alarms
Frontier Communications
Benco Dental
Community Bank
Matlowski Corp.
Austin’s Auto Service
One Point
McConkey Ins.
Vision Benefits of America
Golden Business Machines
United Concordia
VCI Mobility
Jane Gritman
Cindy Charnetski
Edie Hennebaul
Corcoran Printing
Lou Mangino
Independence Honda
Joe & Betty Bilbow
Jim Bobeck
The Tipsy Turtle
Dromana Realty Co.
Joe Carr
Newhard Pharmacy
Lisa Baker
Independence Toyota
Schoen Communications
Cillo Plumbing
Ancient Order of
Hibernians
A. Lanethea Mathews
Arbor Centre Corp.
US Medical Staff Inc.
Champion Builders
Harrold’s Pharmacy
Mary Beth Farrell
Tina McCarthy
Sandy Pelleschi
Pat Mentis
Dr. Henry Bobeck
Kuhn’s Market
2015 Tournament
In-Kind and Other
Donations
Carol Douds
Roger Howell
Corny Romanowski
Huntsville Golf Club
Cindy Charnetski
Paul Shriber
Ed Steltz / Martz
Brian Gill / Kirby
Ernie Els Foundation
Personnel Dept.
Compliance Dept.
Fiscal Dept.
Herr’s Eastern Shore Golf
Rick Mebane/ESSA Bank
PNC Bank
Community Bank
Blazaskie’s
Sulitka’s
Mike Bernatovich
Janet Romero
Denise Cavenaugh
Donna Zalora
Gravel St. / Pathways
CBH Dept.
Lehigh Valley Region
Meg Lukaszewski
Ed Steltz/ Martz Travel
Motorworld
Property & Risk Dept.
Mike Dennen
Jim Bobeck
Mohegan Sun
Shiel’s Market
Jack Jones / Luzerne
Bank
Jeff and Nancy Brown
Mr. Michael Kolojejchick
Mr. Herbert Fellerman
Ms. Sandra J. RussellSchwab
Mr. and Mrs. Keith
Saunders
In Memory Of Arliss
Wood
Harry and Judith Reed
Kathleen Rihs
Mr. John Papst
Donna and Michael
Mostick
Helen Wigger
James Knause and
Colleen Bradford
Audrey Blackstock
In Memory of Anna
Cervenak
Mr. Jim Bobeck
Mr. Joe Agolino
Nancy and Jeff Palumbo
Ms. Karen Clifford
Ms. Maxine Libenson
Mr. Peter Kizis
Mrs. Mary Saunders
Bob and Susan Rathmann
Mr. John Thalenfeld
Dr. and Mrs. Mahmoud
Fahmy
Dr. and Mrs. Authur
Meyer
Ms. Cynthia Yevich
Ms. Mary Beth Farrell
Mr. Bob Tambur
Leonard and Rose
Stachowiak
Ms. Elaine Amdur
Pat and Marie Solano
Ms. Kathleen McCarthy
Atty. and Mrs. Gifford
Cappellini
In Celebration
of Steve & Kim
Teufel’s Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. Michael
Mangan
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence
Hinders
Foundation Donors
Edie Hennebaul in
memory of Elizabeth
Hennebaul
Family in memory of
Linda Marie Miller
Dr. Henry Bobeck in
memory of Joe and
Ester Forgetta and
Joseph and Agnes
Bobeck
Mr. Michael Kasenchak
Ms. Kathleen Williams
Mr. Jeremy Trier
Ms. Elaine Kahler
Mr. Joseph Paglianite
William and Cathleen
Schoen
Mr. and Mrs. George
Rable
Mr. Kenneth Krogulski
Joseph and Arlene
Dwojewski
Dr. Lynn Brandsma and
Dr. James Herbert
Geraldine Durkin in
memory of Gerard
Durkin
Your Gift Can Help
Step By Step, Inc. Regions
LEHIGH VALLEY REGION
623 W. Union Boulevard
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 867-0688
NORTHEAST REGION
Cross Valley Commons
744 Kidder Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 829-3477
SOUTHEAST REGION
201 Marple Avenue
Suite 200
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
(610) 352-7837
WESTERN REGION
275 Curry Hollow Road
Building 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
(412) 655-8677
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Cross Valley Commons
744 Kidder Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 829-3477
Please consider making a contribution to the
not-for-profit Step By Step Foundation.
Your support will enable us to continue our
over 35-year tradition of caring for those in need. 
Your contribution to Step By Step will be used
to wisely enhance our education, training, health
and rehabilitation services for those in need.
Step By Step Contributors
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Cross Valley Commons
744 Kidder Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Address correction requested
Address correction requested