Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
STEPS Celebrates 15 Years
by Barbara Sheehy, OP, and Maureen Croak, OP
Sr. Maureen Croak (center) instructs hospital employees.
From left: Srs. Barbara Sheehy and Suzanne Lorentz assist factory employees.
Sinsinawa Training and Educational Programs for Success (STEPS) completed its 15th year of service enhancing the skills of undereducated workers in the Milwaukee area.
The idea of going into worksites to provide skill-building and education for the employees who missed out on such opportunities came from the brainstorming of a group of Sinsinawa Dominicans and friends. They saw that the needs of many of the working poor were not being met. So, in 1994, this group invited us to come to Milwaukee to develop a program to meet the needs of these workers.
The past 15 years is the history of how that concept unfolded for the working poor in this area. We went into five factories, seven hospitals, four nursing homes, and various social service centers to serve the workers. We developed innumerable computer courses, gave academic assistance for those who needed it to move toward their GED or build up skills long forgotten, and provided English as a second language (ESL) courses for those struggling with it.
When he first came to us, Bruce wanted to know how to read better and write numbers so he could open a checking account. Rick wanted help so he could take and pass the Wisconsin driving test. We are proud of Gwen and Diane who have completed their GED and gone on to take college courses to prepare for nursing. Danica needed practice in speaking and writing in English so that she could become an American citizen, and she did it. Sue felt that the learning center was important because the one-on-one instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint gave her time with the teacher and a slower pace for learning. Waulonda got help with science review to prepare for chemistry and math classes at the community college. These are just a few of hundreds of women and men who have participated in the STEPS program over the years. They have been successful in their goals and continue to learn.
In addition to Sinsinawa Dominicans Barbara Sheehy, OP, and Maureen Croak, OP, the current staff also includes Marian Gibbons, OP; Suzanne Lorentz, OP; Judy Parent, OP; and Marie Sarah Dineen, OP. Sinsinawa Dominicans who served there in the past include Mary Ann Carroll, OP; Anne-Marie Doyle, OP; Mary Mahony, OP; and Ginny Pfluger, OP. There were also eight religious from other congregations. The educational expertise and devotion of all the staff enriched the lives of those with whom they worked.
The current board members, all of whom have been with STEPS for these 15 years, are Associate Ann Campagna; Barbara Dannhausen, OP; Ann Marie Palmisano, OP; and Judy Parent, OP. In the early years of STEPS, Colleen Brady; Ann Curley; Mary Lewis; Patty Caraher, OP; Ginny Pfluger, OP; and Ginger Phillips, OP, were also board members.
Congratulations to Barb and Maureen for their 15 years of developing and implementing STEPS and serving workers in Milwaukee!