Stepping Stones Center is a non-profit United Way Partner agency that serves close to 1,000 adults and children with disabilities annually. We offer year-round services at two locations.  Founded in 1963, we have been providing services to the Greater Cincinnati community for more than 45 years.

This passage is found on a plaque dedicating the land and buildings at 5650 Given Road to the Fresh Air Farm. In 1898, Thomas J. and Mary M. Emery wished for the land and buildings "to be used for a charitable purpose" in memory of their sons - Sheldon and Albert  

In 1962 several parents and community members became interested in providing day camping opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Prior to this time, no day camping programs existed for children with disabilities in the Cincinnati area. Consequently, a few parents planned activities for their children on a rotating basis in several community parks each summer.

During a Board meeting of the Fresh Air and Convalescent Aid Society in September 1961, discussion centered around the future use of the 23 acre "Fresh Air Farm" in Indian Hill. It was suggested that the farm no longer served its original purpose of family camping. As stated by the study committee of the board "the beneficiaries get the same air and food at home; had a laundramat at home and had recreation areas at home." They felt that family camping as a unit was good, but perhaps some kind of rehabilitation of the handicapped or aid to the retarded and emotionally handicapped child might be the future for the farm.

After legal counsel reviewed the instructions in the deed by the donors, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Emery, it was decided in February 1962 that immediate steps be taken to dispose of equipment on the farm and to sell the property. In June, Mrs. Eugene (Peggy) Geier - with support from Mary Schloss, Barbara Robinson, and Minor LeBlond - presented a proposal to the Trustees to consider allowing the Cerebral Palsy Association to use the farm for a demonstration day camp project for two years. The camp would be available to other children with disabilities beside those with cerebral palsy. The name would be Camp Stepping Stone - a camp for children who do not fit into any other program. The camp may be a Stepping Stone for a happier life. In October 1962 the proposal was approved by the Trustees. In addition, the Trustees approved that the Society transfer the endowment to a community fund for a Community Foundation. In June 1963 the Greater Cincinnati Foundation was formed and the first pilot day camp for children with disabilities took place on the "Farm" operated by Camping for the Handicapped.

In October 1964 the Fresh Air and Convalescent Aid Society approved giving the land and remaining funds to the Greater Cincinnati Foundation with the provision that Camping for the Handicapped, Camp Stepping Stone be allowed to use the land without charge as long as it desires. In March 1965 a merger between the Fresh Air Farm and Convalescent Aid Society and Camping for the Handicapped Inc. took place. Throughout the beginning years, program ideas were developed and explored by a predominately volunteer staff. As staff were employed, program content improved and organization developed.

As the need for recreational and camping opportunities for persons with disabilities in this community increased and proved successful, Day Camp Stepping Stones was charged by the United Appeal to become a Chest agency providing year-round recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. In 1968, Stepping Stones Recreation for the Handicapped was organized for that purpose. For several years, the agency operated daily two-hour recreation programs throughout a five county area. Programs were located in schools, church basements, recreation centers, the University of Cincinnati, and at the Stepping Stones Indian Hill site. Activities included adapted sports, swimming, crafts, music, dance, and field trips.

Stepping Stones Recreation for the Handicapped also became responsible for operating the Resident Camping Program at Camp Allyn in 1967. The Rotary Foundation asked Stepping Stones to administer the program and accommodate the demand for services. In 1974, Stepping Stones Recreation for the Handicapped was changed to Stepping Stones Center for Persons with Disabilities to indicate the expansion and scope of services.

Today, more than 45 years later, Stepping Stones Center continues to respond to community needs through various inclusive services for toddlers through adults. The agency mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities which increase independence and promote inclusion within the community. Stepping Stones Center relies on the generosity of the United Way, the Cincinnati Rotary Club, churches and civic groups, and hundreds of individuals who provide the financial support that make it possible to continue to respond to the needs of over a thousand individuals each year. In addition, over 800 volunteers give countless hours of vital service.

Stepping Stones Center celebrates a rich history and looks forward to meeting the challenges of the next century in partnership with the community.