Dreaming with fish glassesWest Virginia Dreamers

Step by Step's model for working with communities to invest in their children's dreams throughout their developing years was recognized as one of 19 national models for community development by the Pew Partnerships' Wanted: Solutions for America in 2002. All our programs are free of charge, include healthy snacks or meals, recreation, academic and arts enrichment, and transportation. Components of the Dreamers include:

After School programs: Step by Step's program on Big Ugly Creek, that opened January of 1996, is the longest continuously running after school and summer programming in the southern West Virginia coalfields. Step by Step also coordinates afterschool programs through 21st Century Afterschool in Harts and Chapmanville. Programs are free to all children, with an afterschool snack, homework time, literacy development, arts class, and recreation class.

Energy Express LogoSummer Camps: Step by Step helped bring Energy Express to Lincoln County in 1996 and continues to work with WVU Extension, as well as Lincoln and Logan county schools to supplement six week summer programs on Big Ugly Creek, in Chapmanville and starting in 2007, at Ranger Elementary in Ranger, WV. Energy Express' model of two meals per day and a morning of reading activities is supplemented with additional service learning, arts, science and recreation activities.

Appalachian Teen Leaders: We have sponsored teen leadership programs at Big Ugly Community Center since 1997 and work with several state and regional groups including helping plan the teen track at the annual Family Leadership Conference.

Americorps VISTA LogoWest Virginia Dreamers VISTA Collaborative: Step by Step supports up to 25 Volunteers in service to America (VISTA) placed at over a dozen sites from the Kentucky border through Mingo, Logan, Lincoln and Kanawha counties. VISTAs work with community and grassroots non profits to build the capacity to address poverty with programs in community education, family and youth wellness, senior services, environmental education, and youth development.