Our History After being a foster parent and witnessing the hardships that befall troubled teens  ̶  such as dropping out of school, becoming homeless, and dealing with substance abuse  ̶  Sheri Benham, founder and Executive Director, began meeting with a group of local providers to discuss the problem of teen homelessness. We incorporated in July 2004 as an independent nonprofit organization. Through a partnership with Youth Services Bureau, we were awarded a HUD Continuum of Care Supportive Housing Program grant. Stepping Stones opened in August 2005 in an apartment complex where we house six residents in three furnished, supervised apartments with a fourth apartment serving as our community center, administrative offices, and housing for the Resident Assistant. Since that time, Stepping Stones has served 25 young adults between the ages of 16 and 20. We are the only organization in Monroe and surrounding counties addressing the needs of youth experiencing homelessness.