Page 4 - 2018-2019 Annual Report

A LETTER FROM GIANT STEPS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello, Giant Steps Supporters,

Looking back on 2018 – 2019 is exciting. Giant Steps took many meaningful steps this
year to help our students and young adults who live with autism. We often feel that life is
speeding by and we do not take time to stop and rejoice in our accomplishments. As you
read our 2018 – 2019 Annual Report, take a moment with us to appreciate just some of the
excitement and joy that Giant Steps experienced this year.

The introduction of our STEAM Lab two years ago was a significant win for our students.
The ability to use technology to provide innovative cross-curricular learning approaches
has motivated our students to venture into subject areas that did not interest them in the
past. This year, our STEAM lab took another step forward by introducing a month-long
STEAM CHALLENGE in March. The STEAM CHALLENGE offered students a month-
long opportunity to experiment with and accomplish various projects; e.g., coding different
robots to move and complete different tasks, assemble/disassemble desktop computers, and experience old technologies
in new ways. Parents, our community, and staff were able to observe the amazing tasks that our students could achieve
when given the opportunity!

Our Canopy Adult Program, located in Sugar Grove, also had an exciting year. We accomplished two key goals: One, after
working for over two years, the new Laundry and Life Skills Center was built in the (formerly) unused back space of our
building. This added space provides our young adults with the opportunity to learn life skills such as washing clothes,
folding clothes, cooking, cleaning, and organizing household resources. And two, we were able to purchase a small activity
bus to offer more safe transportation for our growing enrollment.

Christine’s Dream Equestrian Center was awarded the prestigious “Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
International (PATH Intl.)” certification in 2019. This certification took a year to meet the rigorous requirements. As an
international certification equine program, our program is now amongst a small number of accredited programs in the
State of Illinois.

Giant Steps also enjoyed growing community partnerships. A highlight for the year was our Multi-Cultural Read-A-Long
with the volunteers from ACE Hardware. In early December, approximately eight volunteers came to Giant Steps to read
wonderful books on holiday traditions from around the world to small groups. Our students sat attentively as the ACE
volunteers read and spoke to six small groups as they rotated to each holiday tradition read-a-long.

The 2018 – 2019 year for Giant Steps and Canopy Adult programs has been filled with many exciting accomplishments for
our students and staff. Our goal is to continue to take purposeful steps year by year to establish a strong foundation which
ensures steady growth for our students and young adults for years to come.

Thank you for your support,

Dr. Sylvia Smith
Executive Director, Giant Steps IL

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