Seven employees at STEP, Inc. were recognized recently for their years of service to the agency.

STEP (Solutions That Empower People) is a community action agency with services in Patrick and Franklin counties, and Bedford, Martinsville and Danville. Services include Early Head Start and Head Start; youth services (LIFES Academy and Project Discovery); senior services (Meals on Wheels, transportation); supportive services (re-entry, homelessness prevention); housing and weatherization; and financial services (tax preparation assistance, financial education, individual development accounts.) STEP’s mission is to empower people to overcome barriers to economic, educational and developmental success within the communities it serves. STEP has offices in Stuart, Rocky Mount, and Martinsville.
Melissa Register, of Stuart, received a 5 year award for Head Start Teacher Assistant. James Shelton, of Patrick Springs, received a 5 year award for Senior Transportation Driver. Tammy Blankenship, of Ridgeway, received a 10 year award for Head Start Teacher Assistant. Jennifer Compton, of Ridgeway, received a 10 year reward for Head Start Teacher. Lesley Sanchez, of Martinsville, received a 5 year award for Infant/Toddler Teacher. Sharon Lambert, of Glade Hill, received a 20 year award for Housing Director. Dawn Lawrence, of Rocky Mount, received a 15 year award for Accountant.