Letter to the Community On Behalf Of Our Director

Dear Stepping Stones Community,

As a parent, family member, volunteer or friend of Stepping Stones, you know that SSP is both a program for youth, and a community for many.  As such, when good or bad things happen, we want you to know about it.  And sometimes we need to ask for your support.  
We are saddened to have to tell you that Danielle Gladd, our Executive Director for the past two years, has recently taken medical leave due to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.   Our community is deeply saddened.  Her condition is worsening and treatment is difficult. The purpose of this letter is to update you as part of our community, regarding Danielle’s condition and what you may wish to do if you are called to help.  

Naturally, we’ve received questions from leaders, parents, and friends of SSP, and we want to answer them.

Is there anything I can do to help?    

As you can imagine, Danielle has encountered significant expenses in health care.  At this time, we encourage anyone who feels called to make a direct contribution (large or small) to help Danielle with these expenses via the website below.  A donation of any size will be very appreciated and you will be able to send comments of support for Danielle on the website as well.  
Donate : https://www.youcaring.com/daniellegladd-799943

How is SSP moving forward?   

We want to assure you that we are coordinating a plan to move forward.   Our Board has named Emily Frost, who has been working with Stepping Stones for the past 3.5 years, as our new Executive Director.  Emily is very experienced with the elements of operation in Stepping Stones and will be working through the summer to guide staff and continue with important processes such as group starts, leader hiring, and many other critical items. We are confident in her ability to serve as a caring and effective ED in this transition.

Other staff members (Madhavi, Shena, Laurie, and Laura) will be picking up some of the task areas as well.  Meanwhile, the Board, along with key members across our organization, are initiating succession planning as appropriate.   We have increased hours for staff to make sure that administratively we are meeting our many program tasks.  

We appreciate your patience during this time of transition. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns.  SSP is a wonderful community of caring people engaging their skills and hearts to help youth in a challenging world, one we all share.  We appreciate your care and concern during this time.

Respectfully,

Eric Poncelet
Board President