For decades, STEPS have been working to create those opportunities. Through education, employment, training and community services, the organisation supports people to build skills, confidence and greater independence throughout their lives.
A key part of this work is STEPS Pathways College on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast—the first and only independence education boarding college of its kind in Australia.
STEPS Pathways College supports young people with disability and autism to develop practical life skills, from communication and relationship building to healthy living, tenancy skills and community participation, helping them prepare for greater independence and choice in adulthood.
Like many organisations working across multiple service areas, STEPS operates in a constantly evolving policy and funding environment. Changes across the NDIS, employment services, education and training programs, and social enterprise initiatives create both opportunities and challenges for organisations committed to delivering quality services and long-term outcomes.
This complexity was one of the reasons STEPS became a Member of Amplify Alliance Australia.
“We could see the value Amplify Alliance (previously Jobs Australia) had to offer in providing important industrial relations advice, insurance options tailored to Not for Profits, and support to help navigate the changes and challenges that come with operating across multiple service areas,” shares Managing Director of STEPS Group, Carmel Crouch AM.
As a long-standing Member, STEPS has drawn on a range of practical supports, including workforce advice, policy updates, webinars, workshops and sector intelligence. These resources have helped the organisation understand emerging reforms, strengthen internal capability and make informed decisions with confidence.
In recent years, that support has become increasingly important.
“The past few years have been tumultuous as we face continuous change across NDIS, employment, education and training services. Staying ahead of these changes and understanding their impact across our operations has been an intense and time-consuming task,” shares Carmel.
Beyond operational support, STEPS highlights the importance of Amplify Alliance’s advocacy work.
As government continues to reform programs and funding arrangements, ensuring decision-makers understand the realities facing service providers is critical to achieving positive outcomes for both organisations and the communities they serve.
“Amplify Alliance has been critical in supporting us, and fellow Members, to raise the profile of the Not for Profit sector with government. Perhaps even more importantly, its advocacy gives organisations like ours a voice to argue for better conditions for our sector and, ultimately, the people we support,” shares Carmel.
For STEPS, membership is about more than access to information. It is about being part of a network of organisations working towards shared goals.
“Being part of the Amplify Alliance network has been invaluable. The sector intelligence, support and advocacy we receive is a lifeline for organisations like ours. The opportunities to engage with fellow Members allow us to share experiences, learn from one another and develop partnerships that broaden our social impact,” shares Carmel.
STEPS’ experience shows what’s possible when NFP organisations have access to trusted advice, capability building, strong advocacy and a network of peers who understand the realities of their work.
Together, these supports from Amplify Alliance enable NFP organisations to stay focused on what matters most: improving outcomes for the people and communities they serve.
How you can support STEPS Pathways College
- Donate and help create a brighter future for young people with a disability and autism
- Volunteer to be part of a team that’s creating brighter futures
- Enquire about programs
For more information or to enquire about programs at STEPS Pathways College, visit: stepspathways.com.au
We’re proud to be working alongside Members across Australia to support strong organisations and thriving communities.
If you’d like to connect with others across our network navigating similar challenges, we are here to support you. Please get in touch by emailing info@amplifyalliance.org.au or call 1800 331 915.
