One week after school ended, we began work on our

Summer Project. It consist-

ed of building 4-sheds that

are converted to one unit.

The entrepreneurial venture

taught mathematics and

mechanical skills through

hands-on activities, and

created jobs and cultivated skills that lead to self-reliance

and independence. During the Project’s first week, the

platform was constructed and will be the foundation for fu-

ture units.

Each shed is 10’ x 10’. The

sheds are united by clamps

that convert the ‘four’ into one

unit. The unit is portable and

has strategic points that make

it easy to separate the sheds

for transport and reconnect at a new site. The unit can

serve as a haven for hunters, a 4-room cottage, retreat geta-

way or any amazing idea depending on your needs and/or

imagination.

The walls are built using 16”

center. The building has a

pitched roof and is well insu-

lated. With an interest in

technology & engineering, a

young entrepreneur designed the building and established

specific division points. The Stepping Stone presented the

design to Mr. Judd of Judd Lumber Company in Dowagiac

MI. Mr. Judd committed to extend a line of credit to help the

idea become a reality.

About 20 individuals worked diligently

on the project. Our initial goal to have

the project finished during the week

before school was accomplished.

See the Auction section to learn more

information on a great opportunity.

2016-2017 School Year Our after school program provides tutorial services for academic advancement.

Thirty students were enrolled during the school year. Through continued efforts, the students worked hard, and had a fun, rewarding experience. Our classes contin-ue to operate Monday – Thursday, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, based on the academic calendar.

As we begin the new school year, we look forward to familiar and new faces.

Individual tutoring is available by contacting us at

269-782-8934 or 269-782-0323.

Through various contributions, the Community Garden became a reality this year. Various age groups participated throughout the entire process, especially our students from The Pebbles Program.

Everyone worked together. Those with gardening experience helped younger minds learn about planting, weeding and growth.

Most important, our community became one as the garden flour-ished and provided produce. An abundance of tomatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, squash, greens, onions, green/red peppers and cabbage, were grown and shared.

Tax-Exempt Donations

As the year comes to its last quarter, we ask you to consider The Stepping Stone, 501(c)3 status, as part of your annual donations.

Your donations will help in several ways:

The Administrative Center—continue scheduled services.

Tutorial & After-School Program—academic assistance to include The Pebbles Program

Family Soup Kitchen—providing meals and food distribution coordination.

Community Activities—bicycling, sporting events, and field trips.

Cultural Exposure—college visitations, arts performances, museums, etc.

Skills & Trades—mechanical and technical hands-on activities.

The Stepping Stone envisions many more community events in our future. With your help, we can open more opportunities.

Please consider helping The Stepping Stone succeed.

Thank you and God Bless.

Ester Stanley, Administrator

OPEN HOUSE AUCTION The Stepping Stone September 30, 2017

12 noon until 7:00 pm We are showcasing several events on that day.

4 Shed/1 Unit Small House Tour - you are invited to join us as we provide an inside view of our summer project. We have staged it with furnishings for the visual audience.

Our Center/Rental Facility - We are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser. A donation of $10.00 is requested. We will be serving spaghetti with meat or plain sauce, garlic bread, salad and dessert.

Family Soup Kitchen - we will be utilizing our kitchen during this event. The excitement overwhelms us as we prepare to provide much needed nourishment to our community.

Spaghetti fundraising tickets will be available beginning September 18, 2017. Tickets will be available through our volunteers, who will display The Stepping Stone logo, or by calling 269-782-0323 or you may buy a ticket the day of the Open House at The Stepping Stone, 214 Miller Street.

All ticket stubs will be entered for door prize drawings.

Lots of fun planned for the day. Music provided.

Join us for a festive occasion!

Our 4-Shed/One Unit will be auctioned on October 7, 2017. Our

goal is to provide much needed assistance to The Stepping Stone

in a variety of ways.

Please make your bid. This small house is a worthwhile invest-

ment. It can be kept as a portable unit or placed on a foundation

and anchored down to convert the status to small house.

The auction format is open to the public and will

Friday, September 22, 2017

Until midnight on Saturday, October 7, 2017

The minimum opening bid is set for $19,500.

Bids can be

placed by sub-

mitting the “Bid

Offer” form at

The Stepping

Stone Center,

online at the link

on our website www.thesteppingstoneback2basics.com or by

calling 269-782-0323.

The rustic small house is structurally sound, cosmetically attrac-

tive, and is ready for transport to its new location.

Happy bidding!

Entrepreneurial Ventures -

Educational Platforms - Fundraisers

The Stepping Stone invites entrepreneurs who have the will and a

business interest to contact us to take it to the next level. The

entrepreneur will receive the opportunity to present his/her idea

for approval. If The Stepping Stone believes the plan has poten-

tial, and we believe we can be successful, further discussions will

proceed.

The Stepping Stone

214 Miller Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047

269-782-0323

501(c)3 Non-Profit

The entrepreneur will have an opportunity to claim ownership of

his/her venture after 1 year, providing outstanding debts have

been satisfied. The entrepreneur has the option to work on the

venture an additional year dependent on the status. If at the end

of the second year the entrepreneur is not willing or able to as-

sume ownership of the venture, the venture will become the

property of The Stepping Stone.

Do you know someone that would benefit from this opportunity?

Is it you?

Contact The Stepping Stone.

www.thesteppingstoneback2basics.com

Call for Rental information for your special event.