This story is part of a series on 1st Source Foundation’s grant program. Learn more about the program and the impact it has on communities across Northern Indiana here.
Serving a vulnerable population takes time, effort, and resources that few have access to. That’s what makes organizations like Michigan City’s Stepping Stone Shelter an integral part of their community.
Stepping Stone Shelter has been serving La Porte County since 1983, providing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking with a safe space to recover as well as educational and financial programming that helps them restart their lives after such a traumatic experience.
“We started off as and still are a 24-hour shelter,” Stepping Stone Shelter Executive Director Christine Kostbade said. “We have a 24-hour response team, and we work with Franciscan Health and Northwest Health - La Porte. If the ER calls us with an assault or something similar, we can send someone out right away to advocate, whatever time of day.”
The need for the services provided by Stepping Stone Shelter for both women and men is ever present in the community. The rate at which domestic violence occurs in Northwest Indiana can be shocking, even to professionals working closely with survivors every day.
“1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have been affected by domestic violence,” Kostbade said. “I've grown up in this community, lived here all my life, done work in mental health and residential treatment, and I still didn't realize the extent of the domestic violence happening.”
As the sole provider of emergency domestic violence and sexual assault services in La Porte County, Stepping Stone Shelter takes great strides in ensuring the people it serves feel safe and secure during their stay at the shelter.
As a continuation of this endeavor, Stepping Stone Shelter is upgrading its entrance to include more security features, funded with a $10,000 grant awarded to the shelter by 1st Source Foundation.
“The front door is the main and only entry into the shelter, and we're going to be updating that,” Kostbade said. “That's exciting for staff and survivors because what we do is pretty vital. It's going to be a large project, but we’ve already got the ball rolling.”
All of Stepping Stone Shelter’s programming is provided free of charge to those in need. As a result, local organizations like 1st Source Bank and 1st Source Foundation are integral to the shelter’s continued operation.
“All of our work is funded solely by grants and donations,” Kostbade said. “We really rely on people like those at the 1st Source Foundation to support the work that we do. We're so grateful for their support and that they really took the time to learn more about what we do.”
“Stepping Stone Shelter provides invaluable services to the community of Michigan City,” said Matt Vessely, West Region President at 1st Source Bank. “1st Source Foundation is proud to support the work they do by providing funding to assist with replacing their front entry door. This update will enhance the safety for the staff at the shelter as well as the individuals and families that they serve. We appreciate Stepping Stone’s commitment to our community.”
As Stepping Stone Shelter continues to strive to help its community live violence-free, Kostbade and the team are forever grateful for the support they receive from the community. Those looking to become involved can visit the shelter’s website for giving opportunities.
“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so we’re trying to do a lot of different outreach,” Kostbade said. “We're just really grateful for the support of our mission to empower the community to live violence-free.”
Beyond emergency services, Stepping Stone Shelter offers a transitional housing program to help survivors recover and reintegrate following their stay at the shelter. Those in need of immediate assistance can contact Stepping Stone Shelter’s 24-hour hotline at 866-879-4615.
To learn more about all of the services provided by Stepping Stone Shelter, visit steppingstoneshelter.org.
1st Source Foundation helps fund local projects making a significant impact on their community. Those interested in applying for a grant should visit 1st Source Foundation’s page to learn about eligibility, application requirements, and more
