“NOW is the time to act on our dream for the next generation of children”
Connor J. Archer, Founder & Chairman/CEO

The Vision

The Courageous Steps Project’s Step Forward Center will be able to offer various programs oriented around developing life-skills for children and young adults with various abilities and challenges, to enhance their success in school and in life.
Our ambitious project will have a profound impact on thousands of children all across Eastern Maine through community-oriented, educational, and recreational programming.
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By investing in our children, we are creating safer and more well-rounded communities for the future. There is no better time than now to act on this 10+ year vision.

Prospective Programming

Life Skills

• Cooking
• Gardening

Recreation

• Developmental

Ext. School Services

• Speech & Language
• Occupational Therapy (OT) • Physical Therapy (PT)

Early Childhood

• Infants & Toddlers
• Expanded Preschool
• After School Specialty Programs

Adult Programs

• Day Program
• Special Practices

The Need

Supporting Children's Development

Children need spaces where they can learn through play and exploration. From music to gardening, the Step Forward Center enables children of all ages to learn through a hands-on approach in all specialty program to be offered.

Preparing for Adulthood

Older teens and soon-to-be young adults need skills to prepare for their next steps forward. Whether it’s college or the workforce, knowing that you have opportunities to grow your skills, can be a game changer for the future.

Providing Therapies & Services

Through partnering with local agencies and businesses, we are able to provide speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children who qualify for those services. Other services will also be made accessible through our community partners.

Supporting Families & Community

Providing a safe and fun place for children and their families is so important, especially after the e!ects of COVID-19. Through various spaces inside and outside, children will be able to participate in experimental activities. Families will even be invited to join in on the fun!

Creating A Bright Future

We know how necessary it is to create a future full of possibilities for our children. Creating a space that is colorful, fun, and inviting, provides a safe haven for all, while being sensitive to all needs. In addition, it keeps our communities safer which makes our world a much happier place.

Get Involved & Take That Step Forward With Us!

The Courageous Steps Project is pleased to kick off the Capital Campaign to build the Step Forward Center for Discovery & Learning. The timeline is to have the center completed by September of 2026 just in time to offer programming during the school year for hundreds of children and young adults with various abilities and challenges, while maintaining the original aspect of giving back to our community.

How To Donate

One-time gifts can be made, or there is a pledge plan that encourages financial commitments over a three-year (36 month) period. Our pledge plan allows you to designate your total pledge, initial o!ering and payment interval that you request. Appropriate payment schedules will be sent upon receipt of your pledge with the payment period beginning on the date we receive your pledge. A Payment of gift is requested at the time of your gift plan selection.

Commemorative Gifts

Although gifts are given to reflect our commitment to the community, we recognize this as an opportunity to remember or honor our loved ones. Please contact us at: [email protected], if you’d like to explore commemorative gift opportunities or explore ideas to memorialize your donation.

Recognition 

For all gift levels of $5,000 or more, a signed intent to donate agreement and payment schedule must be received and confirmed before the gift will be recognized. All plaque language shall be approved by the donor before ordering, but should conform to the campaign basic standards. Gifts can be made as a 2-year pledge, but must be two-thirds completed before signage is installed. Gifts, if requested, can be made anonymously. All donations are for this project are tax deductible under section 501(c)3 of the internal revenue code.

Understand our Entire Vision

Read Our Full Plan

Connor's Message

10 years ago, I had a vision even before The Courageous Steps Project was founded, to create a space that would support children of all ages. Providing a safe place for playing, exploring, learning, dreaming, and growing.

This vision has been in the works since then, and is now coming to fruition with our recent moves to create programs and expand our e!orts in the communities we serve. With COVID-19 impacting children and young adults in significant ways, there is even a bigger calling to create this center.

With the Step Forward Center for Discovery & Learning, our families and children that come will be immersed with spaces that are designed for quality programming and services, meeting the needs of so many in our region, and our state.

Addressing these needs now is critical, and is the highest priority for me as Chairman/CEO. Creating this space, will have a direct impact with all our local schools, and other community groups that utilize our spaces.

I am looking forward to your involvement in this exciting effort. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions at: [email protected]. You can also visit our website for more information at: www.thecourageousstepsproject.org.
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With Profound Appreciation,
Connor J. Archer
Founder & Chairman/CEO