STEPS

Seneca Towns Engaging People for Solutions (STEPS). The STEPS Project encourages and supports residents of southern Seneca County NY to work together to improve community health. Through collaboration, we can achieve a higher level of social, educational, physical, and economic health. ​Do you dream of starting your own business, or have an idea that could help improve our community, or an expertise to share? Our projects are resident-driven, and our working groups meet monthly, with virtual attendance as an option. Some of the initiatives that STEPS has supported include community gardens in Lodi, Interlaken, and Ovid; "Communiversity" classes on healthy cooking and beekeeping; eight book boxes to promote literacy; composting programs; a guided bird walk; and the annual community Day of Service -- to name a few. Our Micro-Enterprise program helps jump start small businesses. To date, we have launched 28 small businesses by awarding a total of $82,500, distributed in mini-grants and low-interest loans. For expert guidance and help writing a business plan, we connect interested residents to free consultation with a regional branch of the US Small Business Administration. STEPS also convenes "Kitchen Table" conversations on relevant topics like composting or water protection, and free trainings in Emergency First Aid and Home Safety. We welcome your suggestions on other topics. Everyone who lives, learns, works, or plays in the towns of Covert, Lodi, Ovid, or Romulus are part of STEPS. Please consider joining in our activities and sharing your ideas for community improvement. We look forward to meeting you!