STEPS Workplace Integration Draws Attention in Upcoming Media Feature

Staff Report

VICTORIA – STEPS is well-known to people in Southside Virginia as an organization that offers a wide variety of positives to the community. From offering jobs to people with disabilities to being the designated Community Action Agency for areas such as Amelia, Buckingham, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward, the group plays many roles in the area.

The footprint for the company includes the above counties along with Charlotte, Halifax, Brunswick and Mecklenburg.  While the group has been in the news for many positives, the Victoria plant, where workers manufacture items such as the popular Taaluma Totes that were featured on Shark Tank, is continuing to draw attention for the partnership it provides for workers with disabilities and and others without a disability to work side by side.

STEPS is set to be featured on a story from WRIC 8 that was conducted in recently. The story centers on the overall company, the manufacturing facility, but most importantly on the workplace integration that it offers employees.

President and CEO of STEPS Sharon Harrup stated, “STEPS is a strong believer in every individual’s right to work.  We are also firm in our belief that working in an integrated environment is not only beneficial to our employees with disabilities, but it also provides the opportunity for our employees without a disability to work beside someone with a disability.

This workplace integration is often accomplished when an individual with a disability is placed in a ‘community based job.’  However, in our region, where unemployment rates are above the state or federal average, it is often very difficult for a citizen with a significant disability to secure and maintain a job.  Recognizing this challenge, STEPS took the proactive approach of reversed integration, by bringing the community into our business operations.”

The company, much like others, suffered scary and tough times during some of the economic issues that the United States has faced in recent years. They were the manufacturer of Department of Defense clothing that helped sustain the Victoria branch and helped the overall organization. When the economic downturn took place that contract was lost. However, the organization continued to work toward finding other options and Taaluma Totes proved to be a great option.

Taaluma Totes was started by Jack DuFour and Alley Heffern who travel the world finding the best and most exotic fabrics of which to make their backpacks.

The former Virginia Tech students and couple are not just about profits, and instead, when a tote is purchased with fabric from a certain country like Ghana or Indonesia, 20 percent of the profits go back to the people of that nation.

It makes sense that the duo would use a company such as STEPS that is trying to help people as well. The duo has called their partnership with STEPS a “perfect fit.”

Following their appearance on Shark Tank, the company saw orders take off and this has in turn helped STEPS. This company, along with others, has helped not only sustain STEPS, but also help it grow.

Ms. Harrup stated, “While it was devastating when we had to close our Department of Defense manufacturing line, STEPS kept the faith.  Our faith and perseverance has served us well.  We are now producing five commercial lines and provide employment to 28 South Central citizens.  Volume demands are increasing and STEPS is looking to employ an additional 8 – 12 employees in the immediate future.”

The upcoming news story about STEPS is expected to be on air November 10th on Good Morning Richmond & 8 News at 9 pending other breaking news on that day.

Also be sure to support STEPS at their Annual Farmville Christmas Show … Shopping With A Cause. The event takes place Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. – 4p.m. and Sunday, November 13, 11a.m. – 4p.m. Any questions should be directed to Cynthia Saunders, STEPS Chief Operating Officer at 434-315-5909 Ext. 209 or csaunders@steps-inc.org.