LifeSteps’ Star Gala honors Amber Merrison with Star Award
FRANKLIN TWP — For its 19th Star Gala, LifeSteps honored Amber Merrison, a woman who used LifeSteps’ programs to gain employment for the first time, with the Star Award.
The event, which was hosted at The Atrium, featured dinner, a silent auction, a DJ, live music and more. Its theme, “Rock and Roll with LifeSteps,” gave attendees the opportunity to don leather jackets, denim and sunglasses at night.
But the real purpose of the night was to honor a woman who had overcome her diagnoses through the help of one of LifeSteps’ programs.
Merrison is diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as mental health conditions. After graduating from Butler Area School District, she enrolled in LifeSteps’ transition program “The Next Step.”
The program supports young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop life skills and vocational training.
Karen Sue Owens, president and CEO of LifeSteps, said there is more to Merrison’s story than just her path to employment.
“Your story is about more than finding a job. It’s about discovering your abilities, building confidence, developing life skills and finding your place in the community,” Owens said to Merrison.
In the program, Merrison was able to develop skills, such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning and planning activities. The program also gave her the opportunity to do community-based employment training with several organizations.
Owens said Merrison used to struggle to stay on her feet for long periods without getting tired but through the program was able to develop those skills.
“With encouragement and practice, your endurance steadily increased. And today, you’re rocking it with consistently scoring 95% or better on your skill assessments. That 95% is more than a number that assesses your skill, it also represents your determination and persistence,” Owens said.
In February 2024, Merrison was offered a dietary services position with Lutheran SeniorLife, where she helps restock and prepare banquets, among other things.
“Amber has also achieved something incredibly important to her. Can anybody guess what that is? Amber is now earning her own money. She’s also contributing to the workplace and experiencing the satisfaction that comes from doing a job that she enjoys,” Owens said.
When asked at the gala about why she loves her job so much, Merrison said she enjoys helping the people she gets to serve in her role.
Owens said she is thankful for the support of the event’s sponsors and attendees as they help continue LifeSteps century-old mission. She said over 5,300 people across 10 counties in Western Pennsylvania were assisted by more than 40 programs LifeSteps offers.
“Each program and service is vital in laying a foundation of success for life for those with special needs while raising their quality of life. The dollars raised tonight support LifeSteps’ family caring fund, helping to ensure these critical programs and services remain available for people in need,” she said.
