Leaving a Legacy

William James once said, “The great use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”  As we set out on an ambitious endeavor to pour our heart and soul into two schools, we knew that the main purpose was to develop, nurture, and instill positive character traits into not only the children who were entrusted to our care, but also to our educators working with us each and every day.  Our heart’s desire was to impact the life of every individual that walked through our doors by making them better than they were when they walked in. We dedicated much of our early years researching and reflecting on what family truly means and how we could develop this type of culture on our campuses.  It was not just about running a business, it was about sharing hopes, dreams, building relationships, facing trials and adversities together, and rising above any challenge or obstacle that would hinder this mission. We truly believe that legacy is not leaving something for people but rather it is leaving something in people.

As we reflect on our twenty years, we cannot help but think about the many children, educators, and families who have taught us so many life lessons we would have never experienced otherwise.  We have been blessed to watch children mature and grow up into successful adults and go on to have started their own families, we have been inspired by staff members who have gone on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in education or other fields they love, and we have been a part of families lives as they celebrate the sweet taste of success and the endure the most tragic of heartbreaks.  We have learned about commitment and loyalty through our many staff members who have been with us through most of this twenty-year journey and who have given countless hours and dedicated their life to impacting our Stepping Stones children and families. A Chinese proverb says “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Once we took that step the first day we opened our doors in January 2000, we have not looked back and the mission remains the same, to offer a safe and loving environment for our children and educators to grow and flourish in.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We look forward to celebrating 20 more years together!!!