There are real heroes in this world. Most are unsung, and unnoticed. Helping out when and where they can, for no other reason than because they can and feel compelled to.
Casaundra Hill is the Executive Director of Stepping Stone Women’s Shelter, located in Michigan City. She and her staff are unsung heroes because they have dedicated their time and energy to helping with the oft unspoken tragedies of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Stepping stone is the sole provider of domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy for all of La Porte County, we’ve been around since 1983. We have an emergency shelter that holds about 42 people. We also have a transitional housing building that holds 15 apartments,” informed Hill.
According to Hill, most don’t realize that men, as well as women, are victims of domestic violence. Knowing that, Hill and company provide the exact same services to men as they do to women.
“We do a lot of things here, and all our services are free of charge,” said Hill. “We provide food, clothing, essential transportation, case management services, and self-sufficiency classes. It’s basically tailored to what the person needs.”
The staff at Stepping Stone make sure that they empower the person and assist them to become self-sufficient, such as finding a job, building a resume, taking a GED, or even relocating to a safer environment. However, there is another set of heroes in this story. When Hill applied for help at 1st Source Bank, after submitting an application, they were given a $5,000 donation that went to keeping the lights on.
“The money they donated will help keep the lights on,” said Hill. “This is a big building and the NIPSCO bill was quite high this winter because of water and heating. That donation came in just in time.”
Thankfully, the men and women of 1st Source Bank saw the good that Stepping Stone was doing and knew they had to help.
“Today, we are making a $5K check presentation, a donation, to Stepping Stone Shelter,” said Matt Vessely, Regional President of 1st Source in La Porte and Porter County. “They appealed to us and really made a statement about the services they provide, and the need that it fills in the community. So, we gave this donation to help support the operations here and the many good things they do in the community.”
Vessely saw a need and knew that he had the power to help do some good. When we, as humans, see a need and are in the position to help, and do, that is a noble act indeed.
“I am proud to work for an organization that finds other organizations to give back to in the community,” stated Kelly Woloszyn, Branch Manager of 1st Source in Michigan City. “I am grateful that 1st Source finds that important as well. It’s part of who I am.”
Small, noble acts like these are all over the place, happening everywhere. With organizations like 1st Source out in the community, helping to support the nonprofits that lift us up and provide such vital services, we are sure to see the fruits of such generosity continue to grow.
If you’d like to learn more about Stepping Stone, or are in need of their services, go to http://www.steppingstoneshelter.org/ for more information.
If you’d like to learn more about 1st Source Bank and the good things they can do for you, go to www.1stsource.com.
