In the fall of 2019, Steps to Success founder and executive director Michelle Harbaugh learned that the building where the preschool and day care service was located at 56 Hillcrest Ave., Leola, would be sold. The learning center, which accommodates children from 6 weeks to 13 years of age in a variety of programs, would have to move when the building was auctioned.
Before long, a Steps staffer had connected with Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola. At first, negotiations to move into what had been church Sunday school rooms moved slowly due to the COVID-19 shutdown in March of 2020, but by June of that same year, plans to move the day care to the church were well underway. In April 2021, Steps to Success moved in.
On April 26, Patti Corll, director of faith foundation for Zion, returned from vacation to the sounds of children giggling in the hallways. "It was so wonderful to walk into this building and hear children this morning," Corll told Harbaugh. "It is fabulous. When God has everything in a plan, it's just providence."
The front door of Steps to Success' new home is on the side of the church as one pulls into the drive. The doorbell plays "Under the Sea" from "The Little Mermaid" when rung. Inside, the halls have been painted navy on the lower half and white at the top to match the foyer of the church. Harbaugh was happy to provide a tour of the 1-year-old room, prekindergarten, the before- and after- school program room, an office, and a staff room, among others. Steps will also utilize the gym and the kitchen, with meals being served in classrooms. Harbaugh said that all the playground equipment has been moved from the previous location and that the Upper Leacock Fire Company donated time, energy, and trucks to bring nine tons of mulch to the new playground.
Harbaugh noted that the new location within the walls of Zion is fitting with the church's reputation for being involved in multiple projects that benefit the community. "The church is so community minded, when they heard we needed a home, it seemed like a good fit for everybody," she said, adding that pastor Karen Larson is one of Steps' biggest supporters. "Child care - how much more community minded can you get? It just makes sense."
As of the fall of 2020, Steps also offers before- and after-school care at each Conestoga Valley School District elementary school.
Readers who would like to know more about Steps to Success may visit http://www.stepstosuccessinc.com or call 717-656-3363.
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