Community Champions
Celebrating the People Who Make It Possible
Every program, every cookout, every doll kit and business plan starts the same way — with someone in our community deciding to help.
This page honors the people and businesses whose generosity keeps young people stepping toward independence.
Bridge Builder Champions — Creek Rd Kids Bridge 2026
Daniel & Jenn Kurdziel
When the Creek Rd Kids Bridge needed Bridge Builder Champions to make Katie's 2026 fundraiser a reality, Daniel and Jenn stepped up without hesitation. Their sponsorship covered the heart of the event — the toy giveaway, the souvenir stand, and the little touches that made the day unforgettable for local kids.
Read about the Creek Rd Kids Bridge projectChampions don't wait for the perfect moment — they build the bridge.
Honoring Bob Marcy — A Legacy of Conservation and Community
During the 2026 Covered Bridge Festival, a memorial plaque was dedicated at the Creek Road Covered Bridge in honor of Robert B. "Bob" Marcy (1937–2025), a lifelong Conneaut resident and dedicated community advocate.
Bob played an important role in protecting one of our community's treasured natural resources. In 1999, he helped lead renewed efforts to have Conneaut Creek recognized as an Ohio Wild and Scenic River. Working alongside conservation professionals and community supporters, his efforts contributed to the creek receiving its official state designation on October 6, 2005.
The Creek Road Covered Bridge holds special significance because it marks the dividing point between the creek's designated Wild and Scenic River sections.
On October 10, 2026, approximately 75 community members gathered for a memorial dedication recognizing Bob's contributions. The ceremony took place during the same weekend as the Creek Rd Kids Bridge, where young entrepreneurs and families gathered to celebrate community, creativity, service, and giving back.
We're pleased to share photographs of this meaningful tribute as part of our 2026 Kids Bridge memories.
Honoring those who helped preserve our community reminds the next generation that one person's dedication can make a difference for years to come.
See the 2026 Kids Bridge memoriesFounding Partners
Our Founding Program Homes
Some partners do more than sponsor a program — they give it a home. Without these two organizations, our youth programs wouldn't have places to gather, learn, and grow. We're proud to recognize them here.
Program Home — Adult Independence Program
Amboy United Methodist Church
Amboy United Methodist Church opens its doors for our Adult Independence Program, giving young adults a welcoming, consistent space to build practical life skills and prepare for work and independence.
Program Home — Kids Care Crew & Steppin' Out Jr. Young Entrepreneurs Club
Conneaut Youth Center
The Conneaut Youth Center hosts our youth programs — the Kids Care Crew caregiving sessions and the Steppin' Out Jr. Young Entrepreneurs Club where kids dream up and run their first small businesses.
Our Growing Circle
We're grateful to every champion who has given time, supplies, food, or funds to our programs.
Bill & Clara Lundgren — doll kits and caregiving supplies for Kids Care Crew
Every donor, volunteer, and neighbor who has cheered our young people on
Become a Champion
Sponsorship looks different for every champion — and every kind of support matters.
Sponsor a Program
Fund a specific program session, event, or supply drive — and be celebrated by name on this page.
Give In-Kind
Donate goods, professional services, printing, food, or space for programs and events.
Give Financially
Monthly and one-time gifts of any size add up to real opportunities for local young people.
Give Your Time
Lend your skills — mentoring, teaching a life-skills class, helping at events.
Ready to join them?
Stepping Out Independence Program is a developing Ohio nonprofit — 501(c)(3) status pending. Sponsors and donors make every program possible.