Stepping Out Independence Program
Every Stepping Out program is hands-on and practical — because confidence grows from real practice, real meals, real budgets, and real wins. Four community programs serve young people today, and two developing initiatives are growing our mission for the years ahead.
These programs are active today, serving young people and families across Ashtabula County and surrounding communities.
Youth Life Skills & Leadership
Kids Care Crew helps young people develop responsibility, confidence, safety awareness, and caregiving skills. Through hands-on activities, participants practice communication, age-appropriate childcare, problem-solving, and leadership while preparing to become dependable helpers in their families and communities.
Conneaut Youth Center
Turning Young Ideas Into Opportunities
Our Young Entrepreneurs Club helps youth discover the excitement and responsibility of starting a small business. Participants learn budgeting, product development, pricing, marketing, branding, customer service, and sales through practical activities that encourage creativity, confidence, and financial literacy. The club carries the founding legacy of the Creek Rd Kids Bridge.
Conneaut Youth Center
Practical Pathways Toward Adult Independence
A hands-on educational program helping young adults build the skills necessary for independent living. Topics include personal finances, cooking, grocery shopping, household management, housing readiness, employment, transportation, communication, and everyday responsibilities. The program welcomes participants with different experience levels and learning needs.
Amboy United Methodist Church
Status: Open for appropriate referrals.
Kids Helping Kids, Community Helping Community
Founded by Katie in memory of her brother Steven, who passed away from cystic fibrosis, the Creek Rd Kids Bridge brings families together for youth entrepreneurship, activities, community involvement, and cystic fibrosis awareness. Now in its seventh season in 2026, this annual Covered Bridge Festival tradition encourages young people to create, volunteer, give back, and make a difference. The Kids Bridge is made possible through Bridge Hosting for the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival, and it is the founding legacy of the Steppin' Out Jr. Young Entrepreneurs Club.
Creek Rd Covered Bridge, Conneaut, Ohio
An independent community initiative supported by Stepping Out Independence Program and other community supporters. Made possible through Bridge Hosting for the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival.
These initiatives are under development — we share them openly so supporters can see where their involvement makes a difference.
Equipping Young People for Their Next Chapter
This developing resource center will collect and organize donated clothing, career wear, household essentials, and first-apartment supplies for foster youth and young adults preparing for independent living and employment. Our goal is to reduce everyday barriers and help young people begin their next chapter with dignity and practical support.
Status: Facility renovation and resource development underway.
Building a Future of Stability, Skills & Opportunity
Our long-term vision is to develop an Independence Campus that brings life-skills education, workforce preparation, mentorship, housing readiness, community resources, and future supportive housing opportunities together. The goal is to help vulnerable young adults gain the knowledge, confidence, connections, and stability needed to build independent lives.
Status: Long-term development vision; campus housing and facilities are not yet operational.
Life Skills • Stability • Opportunity • Brighter Futures
Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, sponsor program needs, or make a referral, there's a place for you on this path.
