Page 6 - 2016-2017 Annual Report

A YEAR IN REVIEW

S.T.E.A.M. LAB

S.T.E.A.M. Specialist Tia Purnell

Giant Steps’ S.T.E.A.M. Lab was constructed over the course of three weeks, costing approximately
$27,000 to complete – $12,000 for the structure and $15,000 for the purchase
of learning materials and other classroom requirements. The S.T.E.A.M. Lab
was funded by a combination of grants from the Colonel Stanley R.
McNeil Foundation and the DuPage Community Foundation, as well
as donations to the 2017 Annual Auction for Autism’s
“Fund the Need.”

Using chemistry sets, programmable robots, and many
other types of hands-on learning tools, the S.T.E.A.M.
Lab creates a connection between book-learning and
real-world applications of academic topics. For our
population, who thrive in an experiential learning ’
environment, this proves invaluable with CHRISTINES DREAM

CANOPY Thanks in part to a successful “Fund the Need” at the 2017 Annual Charity Auction for Autism, last year saw a promising

start to adding another tool to Giant Steps’ arsenal against autism. Sara Carley, a certified PATH (Professional Association
FINDS of Therapeutic Horsemanship) instructor, joined the Giant Steps team to take the reins and bring the school’s first
certified, therapeutic equine program to life.

The Rich family and Rich Harvest Farms, in addition to generous donations, made the equine program possible
Last year, the Sugar Grove community showed its true
HOME blue. Dozens of Sugar Grove businesses and organizations through the donation of the use of their indoor arena, stables, and most importantly, their horses.
color to Giant Steps, and that color just happened to be
“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to develop a program that will serve to improve the lives of our
came out in force to support Giant Steps’ Canopy Adult Day
Program during the 2017 Corn Boil Festival. adult community members with autism,” Giant Steps PATH Certified Riding Instructor Sara Carley said.
“Even more incredible is the unmatched generosity of Rich Harvest Farms in allowing Giant Steps to
utilize their horses, equipment and facilities to achieve our goal.”
“Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of the Corn Boil. The festival is all about
celebrating community and there’s no better way to do that then by giving back to charities we The equine program, which was later dedicated “Christine’s Dream,” in memory of beloved Giant
believe are doing great work here in Sugar Grove. Giant Steps and Canopy are doing amazing Steps family member Christine Thornton Weiner, took its first steps with Canopy Adult Day
things and we want to lend our voice and support to the cause any way we can,” said Cornboil Program participants learning how to be around horses, as well as how to care for them and help
Committee President Jackie Link. with duties around the stables.