WILLIAMSPORT — When you spot STEP vans throughout Lycoming and Clinton counties, talk to a family with a Head Start child or see older adults gathering for activities or receiving meals, you might not see the full picture of the agency and its history.

Founded in 1966 with just two programs under its umbrella, the agency is celebrating 60 years of service with over 30 programs to help the whole family, community-level projects that benefit everyone and a dynamic board of directors. The federally-legislated, nonprofit, private Community Action Agency is currently led by President & CEO Rachelle Abbott, chief executive since late 2024 after over a decade and a half with STEP.

STEP’s Board of Directors is made up of elected officials or their designates, representatives of low-income populations and private community members, who can represent a wide range of perspectives and networks. As public officials cycle out of office, and as individuals change locations or employers, STEP must update its board membership accordingly.

The agency recently recognized three outgoing members for their service: Randy Allison (Williamsport City Council); Patti Wylie (former Director of Federal Programs at the Williamsport Area School District); and Aron Carter, who served as a private representative during his tenure as a member of our area’s financial/business sector. All three members brought unique skills and viewpoints along with their volunteerism. Their service to STEP over the decades is so appreciated.

STEP welcomed three new members in December 2025: Carrie Pauling (designee for State Representative Jamie Flick, 83rd District); Valerie Fessler (private representative and Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Williamsport); and Erin Brouse (current Director of Federal Programs at WASD).

With board engagement plus a significant number of additional community volunteers, STEP started planning for a full year of 60th anniversary events last year. Kicking off in January, highlights include a return of STEP Office of Aging bus trips starting in April; a signature fundraising event at Bald Birds Brewing in Jersey Shore on May 30; public open houses at the STEP Round Hills Campus (April 27), Clinton County Community Center and RiverWalk Center (tentatively scheduled for August and September); the agency’s first Little League pin; and a facility ribbon cutting event in June.

The signature “STEP through the Decades” event on May 30 will be a night of nostalgia, highlighting how STEP has faithfully carried out its mission — to engage diverse individuals, families and communities in the pursuit of social and economic success — in local communities since 1966. The evening will have performances of songs from decades past and current by Uptown Music Collective students and ensembles.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in the attire of their favorite decade and dance to the music, bid on items in the silent auction, enjoy fun twists on classics at the decades-themed meal stations and hear individuals share how STEP’s resources and opportunities impacted their lives — from utilities assistance to transportation subsidies and early learning resources like Head Start.

More information, and tickets, for the signature event can be found at www.stepcorp.org/decades, or by calling 570-601-9546.

About STEP, Inc.

STEP, Inc. is one of 1,100 Community Action Agencies nationwide, and a member of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1966 and formally known as the Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., the agency is celebrating 60 years of partnerships and service to the community throughout 2026. The mission of STEP, Inc. is to engage diverse individuals, families and communities in the pursuit of social and economic success. STEP, Inc.’s mission is accomplished through five Pathways to Success: Early Learning, Housing Options, Workforce Development, Community Collaboration and Independent Living.