STEPS, Inc.

STEPS, Inc. S.T.E.P.S., Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to empowering girls and uplifting communities To find out more about all that S.T.E.P.S., Inc.

We offer free after school programming to the girls of Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, Groton Middle School, and the high school girls of Groton and New London. Our curriculum is built upon the elements of The Wellness Wheel and includes units designed to nourish the "whole girl". Topics include: Stress and anger management, media literacy, body image, healthy relationships, financial literacy

, goal setting, and much more. In addition to our after school programming, S.T.E.P.S., Inc. holds Summer Program Sessions which focus on developing leadership skills. has to offer, visit STEPSCT.org

S.T.E.P.S., Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization

🖤💚❤️ Happy Juneteenth! ❤️💚🖤Today, we honor freedom, resilience, and the enduring strength of the Black community. Junete...
06/19/2026

🖤💚❤️ Happy Juneteenth! ❤️💚🖤

Today, we honor freedom, resilience, and the enduring strength of the Black community. Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of education, empowerment, and the continued pursuit of equity for all.

At S.T.E.P.S., we celebrate the voices, achievements, and limitless potential of the girls and young women we serve every day.

Nothing says summer is near quite like pizza, sunshine, and time spent with friends! ☀️🍕💜During our end-of-year pizza pa...
06/19/2026

Nothing says summer is near quite like pizza, sunshine, and time spent with friends! ☀️🍕💜

During our end-of-year pizza party, the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School girls enjoyed one of their favorite things—being outside together. Whether they were laughing, talking, playing, or simply soaking up the sun, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the friendships and connections they built throughout the year.

Moments like these remind us that some of the best memories are made simply by spending time together.

💜☀️🍕

☀️ Summer is almost here, and so is an incredible opportunity for girls to learn, grow, and have fun!S.T.E.P.S., Inc. is...
06/17/2026

☀️ Summer is almost here, and so is an incredible opportunity for girls to learn, grow, and have fun!

S.T.E.P.S., Inc. is now accepting registrations for our 2026 Girls' Summer Leadership & Enrichment Program for girls in Grades 6–12!

Participants will enjoy:
✨ Leadership development
✨ Mental health & wellness activities
✨ STEM/STEAM experiences
✨ College and career exploration
✨ Arts, crafts, dance, yoga & more
✨ Exciting field trips, including kayaking, swimming, mini golf, and a pool party

Best of all, meals and transportation are provided daily!

This program is designed to help girls build confidence, discover new interests, develop meaningful friendships, and create lasting summer memories in a safe and supportive environment.

📅 July 27 – August 7
🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 UConn Avery Point & CT State Community College (Three Rivers Campus)

Space is limited, so we encourage families to register early!

📞 (860) 941-7949
🌐 Registration link: https://forms.gle/M8BAEY4CK49dUyst5
or scan the QR code to sign up.

💕

Our final STEPS session at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School didn't go quite as planned, but it was still a great way t...
06/17/2026

Our final STEPS session at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School didn't go quite as planned, but it was still a great way to end the year! 💜

Due to the hazardous heat, we moved our outdoor plans inside and spent the afternoon enjoying the gym. Some girls played basketball with Ms. Ashley and Ms. Demetria (who retired after her first missed shot 😂🏀), while others enjoyed life-sized Jenga, tumbling, and building forts with gym mats.

Student Quote:
"Wait, so there's no girls club next Monday? Can't we still have it even if school is over?"

That question says it all. STEPS is more than an after-school program—it's a place where friendships are built and girls feel connected.

Thank you, BDJMS girls, for an amazing year. Have a wonderful summer! 💜✨

Kelly Middle School wrapped up its final STEPS session of the school year today, and what a beautiful way to celebrate! ...
06/15/2026

Kelly Middle School wrapped up its final STEPS session of the school year today, and what a beautiful way to celebrate! 💜

We spent the afternoon enjoying each other's company, sharing food, dancing, painting rocks, laughing, and making memories that will last long after the school year ends.

One student summed up the impact of the program with a simple but powerful question:

"Can you please make sure I get into STEPS next year?"

Perhaps the most touching moment came when our lone 8th grader turned to a 6th grader and said, "I'm going to miss you so much next year. I need your number." These two young ladies didn't even know each other when the year began.

Moments like these remind us that STEPS is about so much more than activities and lessons. It's about building confidence, creating connections, fostering belonging, and helping girls form meaningful friendships that extend beyond the classroom.

We are so proud of each and every girl who was part of Kelly Middle School's STEPS family this year. Have a safe, fun, and wonderful summer—we can't wait to see what the future holds for you! 🌟💜

Today's conversation focused on Menstrual Health as we explored the why, how, and when of the menstrual cycle. Together,...
06/05/2026

Today's conversation focused on Menstrual Health as we explored the why, how, and when of the menstrual cycle. Together, we discussed why periods happen, how the cycle works, and whether periods ever become regular.

One of the best parts of the session was watching the girls feel comfortable enough to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another. As knowledge was exchanged around the room, so was support, encouragement, and understanding.

Creating a safe space where young ladies can ask questions, gain confidence, and learn about their changing bodies is an important part of helping them grow into informed and empowered young women.

💜 Student Quote:
"It's scary to know that my body thinks it's okay for me to get pregnant. I certainly don't!"

Moments like these remind us how important honest conversations and education can be.

.T.E.P.S.,Inc

06/04/2026

Girls from our Norwich, New London, and Groton after-school programs recently came together for an exciting evening at the Connecticut Sun basketball game—and what a night it was!

From singing on the bus ride there and back, to cheering loudly from our seats, meeting Blaze the mascot, and even receiving free CT Sun t-shirts personally delivered by the CT Sun dancers, the evening was filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Of course, the snacks while watching the game were a great bonus, too!

When asked about their favorite part of the experience, some of the girls shared:
🏀 "Being with my friends and the dancers."
🏀 "The whole thing."
🏀 "The food."

While the girls had an amazing time, it was also a special night for our facilitators, who enjoyed seeing students from different communities come together, connect, and create lasting memories.

.T.E.P.S.,Inc

During this session, our girls Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School girls participated in a powerful conversation about se...
06/02/2026

During this session, our girls Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School girls participated in a powerful conversation about self-love, identity, and growth. Together, they reflected on who they are, who they are becoming, who inspires them, and the messages they hear from others about who they are.

The girls explored their strengths, values, goals, and the qualities they hope to carry with them as they continue to grow. As we approach the end of another successful year together, it was inspiring to hear the confidence, self-awareness, and wisdom these young ladies have developed.

One of the most meaningful moments of the session came when the girls took turns sharing compliments and words of encouragement with one another. The room was filled with kindness, affirmation, and genuine love.

Several girls shared that our Lead Facilitator, Miss Ashley, is someone they look up to and admire. What may not have started as the best day for her turned into one she won't soon forget as she listened to the impact she has made on the lives of these young ladies.

Some of the girls shared:
💜 "You teach us how to take care of ourselves and to be there for our sisters and care for other women, and you are someone I can talk to."
💜 "You are very supportive to people, you're funny, and I like your personality."

Moments like these remind us that leadership, mentorship, and showing up consistently matter. We are so proud of the young ladies in STEPS and grateful for the caring adults who help guide them along the way.

.T.E.P.S.,Inc

In this session with our girls from Kelly Middle School, our discussion focused on stress — what it is, the many things ...
05/27/2026

In this session with our girls from Kelly Middle School, our discussion focused on stress — what it is, the many things that can cause it, and how it can affect our emotions, mental health, and even our bodies. The girls shared thoughtful insights and personal experiences, with many mentioning fidgeting as one way stress shows up for them.

To end the session with a hands-on activity, the girls created their own stress balls as a healthy tool they can use during stressful moments. The room was filled with creativity, laughter, and meaningful conversation.

What the Girls Had to Say:
“Making these is so much fun and it’s going to be great to squeeze when I need it.”

“I might make one for my little brother so I can give it to him when he’s stressing me out.”

Moments like these remind us how important it is to create safe spaces where girls can openly talk about their emotions while learning healthy coping skills.

This week, our girls participated in a follow-up session focused on reinforcing confidence, self-care, and understanding...
05/22/2026

This week, our girls participated in a follow-up session focused on reinforcing confidence, self-care, and understanding the changes that come with growing up. 💕

The sessions created space for questions, encouragement, honest conversations, and continued growth as the girls continue building self-awareness and confidence in themselves.

We are proud of the way our girls continue to show up, support one another, and grow through every conversation and activity. Creating safe spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and empowered will always matter.

.T.E.P.SInc

Address

Groton, CT
06340

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 5pm
Tuesday 6am - 8pm
Wednesday 6am - 5pm
Thursday 6am - 8pm
Friday 6am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+18609417949

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when STEPS, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category