Engagement in the Community

STEP provides many opportunities for integration into the community in meaningful and exciting ways.

Opened in 2012 and located in the heart of Detroit’s Eastern Market District, STEP’s Made in the Market Program helps integrate individuals with a developmental disability or a mental illness into the community. Led by a licensed chef, the program educates the participants on a variety of healthy lifestyle topics, including proper eating habits, food prep and clean up. Each participant purchases items from local food and produce vendors, prepare a meal with these items,  and enjoy lunch while celebrating their achievement. Four days each week, adults with developmental disabilities head to Eastern Market for a day full of
planning menus, shopping for fresh ingredients, cooking and enjoying a meal together.
For some of these adults, they are learning about nutrition and cooking to prepare them for a career in
the food industry. For others, they just enjoy cooking, the company and eating.