For 60 years, one organization has met the needs of struggling families.

STEP, or Lycoming-Clinton County Commission for Community Action, provides Head Start to ensure children from low-income households are ready for school, social services for people with disabilities, job placement services, transportation for the elderly and many more.

As Rachelle Abbott, president and CEO of STEP explained to the Sun-Gazette for an article in Thursday’s edition, the organization takes a “wrap-around” approach, or approach where the organization tries to align struggling families with a full scope of services to provide the best chance of escaping poverty or other trying circumstances.

The organization’s assistance is a collaborative effort, she said, with local government and other agencies and initiatives.

“It’s really a lot of that collaboration, of focusing on what we can do best in terms of case management, kind of whole home approach, but then also making sure that we’re working with all of the partners and what they do best as well,” Abbott said.

STEP’s contributions to our communities have been immeasurable and its growth in meeting communities’ needs impressive. The organization’s balance of decentralized, independent partners with a dedication to comprehensive services for those in need — as well as the tireless work done by STEP’s leadership and staff — have helped secure that impressive record.