MENOMONIE, WI – For 38 years, Stepping Stones has been a pillar of support for the Dunn County community, offering food, shelter, and essential services to those in need. What began as a small volunteer effort in 1986 has grown into a multi-faceted nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people find security.
Originally founded as Interfaith Volunteers, Stepping Stones was created by local churches seeking to assist elderly residents in need. This initiative became the Community Connections Program, which focuses on keeping people housed, supporting low-income seniors with food deliveries and companionship visits; and linking individuals to services that address urgent financial needs, such as rent and utility assistance.
Recognizing the growing issue of homelessness, community leaders expanded Stepping Stones’ mission in 1994 by opening the first Stepping Stones Shelter. Offering transitional and emergency housing, case management, and referrals, the shelter quickly became a vital resource.
To meet rising demand, a second location was added in 2014, increasing the organization’s capacity to provide safe, stable housing. Since then, Stepping Stones has added a third shelter: The Cairn House.
In total, Stepping Stones can provide housing to 35 households, this includes 20 individuals at the Cairn House and families of 2 -5 in their shelter apartments. Guests in shelter have an average stay of 45 days and receive one-on-one case management, a warm bed, a private bathroom, and fresh meals. With the addition of the Cairn House, Stepping Stones provided 10,600 nights of shelter.
Two years after launching the shelter, Stepping Stones introduced its third program: the Food Pantry. Initially housed in the basement of the Broadway shelter, the pantry quickly outgrew its space due to increasing demand. In 2011, it moved to its current location at 1602 Stout Rd., Menomonie—a facility more than twice the size of its previous home—allowing Stepping Stones to better serve the community. Now, Stepping Stones is serving 1 in 9 households in Dunn County which is over 11% of the county’s population.
If you are part of a business or organization and haven’t yet visited Stepping Stones, we invite you to learn more about the vital work being done. Reach out to Corrisa at [email protected] to schedule a visit and explore ways to get involved.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Challenges and Community Support
As Stepping Stones enters its 38th year, we had hoped for a year of stability. However, uncertainty looms as federal funding cuts threaten some of their critical programs. Already, we have lost more than $100,000 in grant opportunities and fresh, local produce due to the elimination of the LFPA (Local Food Purchase Assistance) program, which funded our Farmers Feed Dunn County Program. With additional cuts on the horizon, we are relying on the community more than ever to help fill the gaps.
Now, more than ever, your support matters. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every contribution strengthens our ability to provide food, shelter, and assistance to those in need. Together, we can ensure that Stepping Stones remains a lifeline for Dunn County—no matter what challenges lie ahead.
To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit www.steppingstonesdc.org
Corrisa Villeneuve, Assistant Director at Stepping Stones, may be contacted at [email protected]
