Recently Lisburn’s learning disability charity Stepping Stones NI welcomed Jeffrey Donaldson MP who popped in to see all of the great work happening in the organisation and meet staff and trainees.
During his visit Mr Donaldson met many of the staff and trainees and was briefed on the success achieved by this local organisation in their work with people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties.
Afterwards he commented “Stepping Stones have always had an excellent record of achievement, particularly over the past four years. During this time 52 trainees have been supported into paid employment and 46 trainees into long-term voluntary work. In addition, 30 young school leavers have been assisted with their transition from school into the community and 370 courses have been successfully delivered by Stepping Stones.”
“Recently, Stepping Stones “The Avenue Coffee Shop” won the award for best non-licensed catering establishment in the Lisburn City Business Awards. The Charity was also a finalist in the same awards for Best Social Enterprise. Their “Pink Elephant Cards” wedding stationery business was also a finalist for “Best Business” in the Belfast Telegraph “Make the Difference Awards. The Charity’s Business Development Manager Cara Cash was also a finalist for “Best Young Businessperson” in the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, and their Chief Officer Paula Jennings nominated for a “Third Sector leadership award.”
“I was also delighted to hear that at the Culinary Ability Awards in the Kings Hall four young trainees from Stepping Stones, Christian, Kyle, David and Kelly Ann won awards. All these achievements bear testimony to the excellent support that Stepping Stones provide to their trainees and the high standard of professionalism the staff bring to this vital work. Lisburn can be proud to have such an excellent facility in our local community.”
Paula Jennings Chief Officer of Stepping Stones was delighted to welcome Jeffrey to Stepping Stones and commented: “The support of our local politicians give our Charity Stepping Stones is very important and encouraging, as we provide vital and progressive transition, training and employment services for all our trainees and clients in the City of Lisburn.”
Pictured above (back row left to right) are Stepping Stones’ Chief Officer Paula Jennings with volunteer Stephen McCracken and Customer Service Assistant Sue Anne Hannah.
Front row left to right; Carolyn Kerr (Project Coordinator at The Avenue) Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Joanne Murray, Operations Manager at Stepping Stones NI.
