Stepping Stones Network

08/31/2026

Please help us welcome Jan M. as Stepping Stone Network’s new Director of Finance!

Here’s a little about Jan, in her own words:

“I am a nonprofit finance and grants professional with more than 20 years of experience in financial leadership, accounting, compliance, and organizational strategy. I have led a grants finance team overseeing more than 126 grants representing approximately $56 million in annual funding, with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and fiscal oversight.

My experience includes federal grant compliance, nonprofit accounting, audit readiness, internal controls, and partnering with executive leadership, boards, funders, and program teams to strengthen financial performance. I am passionate about bringing structure to complex financial environments and helping organizations translate financial information into sound, strategic decisions.”

We’re so excited to have Jan as part of the team!

08/22/2026

Giving to Stepping Stones Network means investing in two generations at once. Each gift helps support adults and children impacted by commercial sexual exploitation as they rebuild their lives. Help plant seeds here: https://steppingstonesnetwork.networkforgood.com/projects/169747-general-fund

08/20/2026

Change, growth, and healing aren’t instant — they happen in small, steady steps. Be gentle, celebrate tiny wins, and trust the process. 🦋

08/18/2026

We know life is busy, and email can be a lot. So, we’ve created a quick, easy way for you to get the highlights.

Sign up to receive occasional texts featuring participant milestones and moments worth celebrating. Text “Steps” to (888) 592-3596.

We appreciate your support in making these steps forward possible!

06/19/2026

Today, we celebrate the progress that Juneteenth has made in restoring freedom! However, we know the fight for freedom isn't over. As civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer noted, “nobody's free until everybody's free.”

06/18/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our Chief Financial Officer and dear friend, Virginia "Ginny" Girmscheid.

For more than a decade, Ginny was a foundational part of Stepping Stones Network. She played a key role in building our Moms & Kids Program. Through her leadership, diligence, and unwavering attention to detail, she helped lay a firm financial, operational, and spiritual foundation that will enable this work to continue to flourish.

Ginny was a trusted leader, faithful prayer warrior, and steady presence who brought wisdom, stability, and grace to every challenge. Beyond her work, she was a devoted wife, mother of seven, and woman of remarkable courage and perseverance.

As we grieve this profound loss, we are deeply grateful for Ginny's life and the lasting impact she leaves behind. Please join us in praying for her husband, Tim, their seven children, and all who loved her during this difficult time.

02/12/2026

We are honored to receive the Lavina Legacy Award from the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County (“AWALC”).

This award supports smaller organizations serving women and children in our community, and we are deeply grateful to be recognized for the work we do alongside the families we serve.

Thank you to Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County for your support and commitment to women and children in Lake County.

02/11/2026

The Lake County Human Trafficking Task Force is powered by strong subcommittee partners working together across law enforcement, prosecution, victim services, healthcare, child advocacy, education, community organizations, and more.

Our subcommittees focus on:
• Victim Identification & Outreach
• Law Enforcement & Prosecution
• Community Engagement & Prevention

Each agency plays a vital role in identifying trafficking, supporting survivors, and building a safer community.

01/26/2026

There are many factors that make someone more vulnerable to trafficking. If you would like to learn more about how to identify a possible victim or help prevent trafficking, attend one of our Get Educated sessions. Register or learn more here:

Attend one of our monthly GET EDUCATED sessions. Sessions are held every third Monday of the month at 7 pm via Zoom video conference. Register here to receive an invitation. The session is 90 minutes and includes: Education on the issue of sexual exploitation Overview of Stepping Stones Network’s ...

01/22/2026

Do you have the National Trafficking Hotline saved in your phone?? If not, be sure to add it and keep your eyes open! You never know when you may need to report a potential trafficking case.