Earlier in August, Heather Martin (current walk-run & fundraising committee member), joined our board of directors in early August, after her great involvement thus far. Heather was approved unanimously by the board fo directors on Wednesday August 14th at our Board of Directors meeting.

“This is a great opportunity for our growing organization. Heather brings such great work ethic & experience to our organization through her years in education.” said Connor Archer, founder & CEO/Executive Director of The Courageous Steps Project.

Heather has been involved with our annual walk-run, our gala events (Masquerade for Awareness & Costumes/Cocktails, and most recently, has been a huge contributor to our future plans for long-term programming through the Step Forward Initiative and its’ future programs.
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Heather Martin joined The Courageous Steps Project’s volunteering team in late 2017. Heather currently sits on our walk-run committee, and helps with other programs of the organization. She has been teaching for 19 years. She always enjoy watching children learn and grow. "I love volunteering with the Courageous Steps Project as it helps, teaches and provides tools to area students on how to face day to day obstacles."

The Courageous Steps Project recently held its' 2nd Annual Masquerade for Awareness on Saturday March 30th at the Morgan Hill Event Center in Hermon. 

With a turnout of approximately 230 people, it easily surpassed last year's total. 

"Everyone seemed to have an awesome time" said founder & executive director Connor Archer. "This event has allowed us to expand our efforts and has allowed our overall organization to take that next step forward" added Archer. 

Archer would also like to add that the event would not be possible without the sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. 

Registration for the 2020 Masquerade for Awareness will be open this fall. However, because of the turnout, we have a new event in store for later in 2019. 

"Because of all the support we received, we decided to launch an event called Costumes & Cocktails" said Archer. He goes onto say that this event will be a great fall event giving those to go out and have a fun night during the Halloween season. Registration is OPEN and can be accessed through our Facebook page! 

The Courageous Steps Project recently awarded a donation to 10 schools worth a total of $2,500. Each school received $250 from playing in our 3rd Annual Unified Basketball Fun-Day in March. 

Throughout the end of March and early April, The Courageous Steps Project awarded these donations from schools all over the Eastern Maine region. 

We are already looking forward to the 2020 Unified Basketball Fun-Day. More information to be released later this year! 

The Courageous Steps Project's 6th Annual Walk-Run is less than only 1 month away! Join us on Sunday May 19th for a fun afternoon of walking, running, and other fun for a great cause!

This event, dedicated to the late Dylan McInnis, a young boy who lived with the challenges of Autism. Dylan was gone from us too soon due to a congenital heart defect back in 2016. Through this event, we want to now honor his life and share his story with others so they are inspired to take their own steps. 

"This is a great event for everyone to be apart of" said founder & executive director Connor Archer. "The atmosphere makes it a great experience for everyone, and is a great time for everyone to connect and show their support for our efforts" added Archer. 

The event will take place from 1-4PM. A bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, slap shot game, and other activities will take place on the infield, along with the walk & run portions. Spencer's Ice Cream truck will be there from 11:30am-4:30pm selling ice cream. 20% of those sales will benefit children and young adults with developmental challenges. 

For more information, just email us at: info@thecourageousstepsproject.org. You can also visit our website at: www.thecourageousstepsproject.org. 

The Courageous Steps Project's Wishlist Initiative recently gave $200 to a classroom teacher in Orono. Suzanne Neville, a 1st grade teacher at the Asa Adams School was able to purchase sensory learning seating & other fidgets for her first graders. 

The kids did a great job taking a picture with our founder & executive director Connor Archer, using the fake check. 

Looking to apply for a Wishlist grant? Learn more by visiting the Wishlist Initiative page on our website, or email Connor Archer at: connor@thecourageousstepsproject.org! 

On Wednesday August 29th, our founder & executive director Connor Archer went to the Dr. Lewis Libby School in Milford, to talk to their 8th graders about the importance of acceptance of others, no matter what challenges that they may face. 

Connor, does many of these engagements throughout the year, and he hopes to add many more. Are you interested? If so, please email Connor directly at: Connor.archer@thecourageousstepsproject.org. 

The Courageous Steps Project recently was nominated to receive a $1,000 grant from the Wireless Zone Foundation of Giving. Founder & CEO/Executive Director Connor Archer stands with Wireless Zone Marketing Director Becky MacManus to accept the check. 

Here is the statement from the Wireless Zone of Bangor: 

​The Courageous Steps Project is a local non profit organization who's mission is to raise awareness of the developmental challenges of children. Since 2014 they have supported over 35 programs in Eastern Maine, donated boxes of school supplies to local schools and created an awareness campaign that continues to strengthen and reach thousands of people. We were so proud to present the The Courageous Steps Project with a $1000.00 donation this morning from the Wireless Zone Foundation For Giving and our Verizon location in Bangor.

The Courageous Steps Project’s 5th Annual Back-To-School Drive was a major success. With several supporters, sponsors, and volunteers that were able to contribute their time and energy towards shopping, sorting, or delivering supplies, we were able to donate bins of supplies to 27 schools in Eastern Maine (specifically Hancock and Penobscot counties). 

Schools from GreenBush, to Dedham, to Bucksport, and Bradley, received supplies for their schools. All schools received bins filled with markers, crayons, and other goodies. 

Brewer Community School Assistant Principal Jason Richards had this to say to our founder & CEO Connor Archer about our back-to-school drive efforts, "Thanks so much for your hard work in gathering these supplies to support the learning of our Brewer students as well as other local students.  Your efforts are greatly appreciated by all of us here at Brewer Community School."

Many others had the similar message to Connor and the Courageous Steps crew. 

A total of $2,500 was raised in monetary donations, and 14 locations filled/collected supplies for the event. Governor’s also partnered with us to host a collection day on August 1st where ice cream proceeds also benefited the event. 


“I am already looking forward to next year’s drive, said Archer in a statement earlier this evening.” Archer encourages any schools needing support, to reach out to him via email at: connor.archer@thecourageousstepsproject.org. 

The Courageous Steps Project’s Step Forward Initiative held the first annual Step Forward 5K Challenge on Saturday July 28th starting and finishing at Old Town Elementary School. 

Runners ran through the UMaine Bike Path & Demerritt Forest trails in great pace. Results can be found on www.sub5.com under Road Races, and choose Results. 

Top 10 finishers of male & female received medals, and runners were also treated to free water, whoopee pies, and chocolate milk. 

In total, around $1,000 was raised from the first ever Step Forward 5K Challenge. Thanks to all for making it to the race, and supporting the event.