One Step & Beyond:

The Newsletter

"One month into the New Year and I find myself clinging to feelings of optimism as we plan for the future." -Madison Blanton, CEO. Yes, it is time for us to plan for the future here at One Step Beyond, and we are getting creative! We are going to make this year a masterpiece of memories and paint a picture of progress as we color the year with positivity! So, get ready for some bright ideas to ensue as we move across the canvas of 2022.
 

At One Step Beyond, we have a great appreciation for inclusion in the arts and a deep understanding of the impact it holds for our talented artists who put their creativity, love, and soul into each piece they create. Their work captures the essence of who they are and what they hope to communicate to the world; something we support and encourage full-heartedly. While for the greater part of last year, you have seen some of this artwork made available in print form on various items and canvases in the OSBI online store, we are beyond thrilled to announce that you can now find original artwork in the online SHOP as well! As we continue to foster opportunities for equity and inclusion, when you purchase an artist’s original work, 70% of proceeds from that sale goes directly to the artist. Fill that blank space on your wall with work that will inspire you, not only through the physical medium of the art, but by knowing you are supporting independence for people with disability through their work as artists. 

California gets a new look!  Last week, the OSBI campus in San Carlos made its neighborhood debut. Along with a 5'x10' vinyl window inlay, we installed a new sign stretching 10 feet across one of the two buildings that make up our cozy California campus. We hope to generate some extra community exposure to passers-by on the Cal-train and commuters on Old County Rd. You never know who may want to pop in and meet the amazing participants who are inside!

Stephanie Hayes has been part of the development of One Step Beyond since the VERY beginning as a neighbor of one of our first program locations. Stephanie holds a Master of Education degree from Northern Arizona University, and she continues to help further the mission of inclusion by serving on the OSBI Board of Directors and lending her 40+years of experience teaching in Special Education, 25+ years volunteering with Special Olympics. Stephanie became acquainted with One Step Beyond founder Mimi Rogers in 1992. As she befriended her new neighbor over the years, Mimi started her journey to create what we now know as this beautiful organization, with Stephanie as a resource. As Stephanie watched the growth unfold in the organization she helped build; she knew where to direct her attention after retirement. She is now quite an asset around the Glendale campus, helping to create curriculum, volunteering her skills in multiple departments, hosting fundraising events, and coordinating our annual Holiday Luminary sale! We asked Stephanie what she wanted her message to our readers to be, and this is what she said, "I encourage folks to get involved in the OSBI family in any way that they can. Whether it is through serving, donating, or being there with the participants to inspire them, there is nothing more rewarding than sharing that intrinsic feeling that rises when you see that "ah-ha moment in the eyes of the participants!" Thank you, Stephanie, for playing an essential role in the success of OSBI!

Did you miss out on the OSBI Gala? Take a visual journey with us and watch the full-version Gala on the OSBI website today! osbi.org/gala/ Just click the link or push play.