Lifesteps Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
HELPING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH LIFE'S CHANGING NEEDS BY PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WHICH WILL IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE.
- Income
- $36.4 million
- Spending
- $34.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 86%
- Reserves
- 7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 83%
- Employees
- 643
- Volunteers
- 271
- Highest pay
- $338,623, president & ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 7.0 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 20% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1586% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2512 of 12 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $22.0 million spent. DIRECT RESIDENTIAL SERVICESRESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY HOMES ARE PROVIDED AND STAFFED TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS. EACH OF LIFESTEPS 51 HOMES ARE STAFFED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL AND TO SUPPORT THEIR INDEPENDENCE AS OUTLINED IN THE INDIVIDUAL'S SUPPORTS PLAN. LIFESHARING / FAMILY LIVING IS A PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO RESIDE IN THE PRIVATE HOME OF A HOST FAMILY OR PARTICIPANT. THE HOST FAMILY PROVIDES FOOD, SHELTER, PERSONAL CARE, TRANSPORTATION, AND COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORTS FOR ONE OR TWO INDIVIDUALS.SUPPORTED LIVING IS A PROGRAM LIFESTEPS IS QUALIFIED TO PROVIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO HELP THEM RESIDE IN THE PRIVATE HOME THEY OWN OR RENT. STAFF ASSISTS INDIVIDUALS WITH GREATER INDEPENDENCE IN FOOD PREPARATION, SHELTER, PERSONAL CARE, TRANSPORTATION, AND COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORTS FOR ONE OR TWO INDIVIDUALS.
- $4.0 million spent. DIRECT CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICESCHILD CARE (INTEGRATED) FOR CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS AGES SIX WEEKS TO SCHOOL-AGE. CHILD CHECK IS A FREE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING FOR CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO 5 YEARS OLD THAT EVALUATES A CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING TALKING, SEEING, HEARING, MOVING, THINKING, AND LIVING SKILLS. AN AUTISM SCREENING IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN 18 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS OF AGE ALONG WITH HEARING, SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE BY REQUEST OR REFERRAL. CHOIC ASSISTS FAMILIES AT RISK FOR DRUG USE OR ABUSE TO REMAIN HEALTHY AND SAFE BY PROVIDING IN-HOME FAMILY SKILLS TRAINING, CHILD DEVELOPMENT SCREENING AND EDUCATION, AND CONNECTS FAMILIES TO THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY. CRISIS CHILD CARE IS PROVIDED AT NO CHARGE TO ELIGIBLE FAMILIES TO HELP ALLEVIATE STRESS THUS REDUCING THE POTENTIAL FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION COUNCIL (ECEC) IS A COUNTY-WIDE COLLABORATION OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE UNITED TO INCREASE THE QUALITY OF EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION IN OUR COMMUNITY AND ADMINISTERED LOCALLY BY LIFESTEPS. EARLY HEAD START PROVIDES SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME PREGNANT WOMEN AND FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN BIRTH TO AGE 3. SERVICES ARE THROUGH HOME-BASED VISITS TO HELP MEET THE NEEDS OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT, EDUCATION, HEALTH/NUTRITION, DISABILITIES/MENTAL HEALTH, AND SOCIAL SERVICES. EARLY IDENTIFICATION / CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM (EICIP) PROVIDES DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS FOR CHILDREN THREE MONTHS TO 6 YEARS OF AGE WITH EVALUATIONS IN HEARING, SPEECH, BEHAVIORAL, AND DEVELOPMENT TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE DELAYS AND WHO MAY BE AT-RISK FOR ABUSE OR NEGLECT. ADDITIONALLY, CRISIS CHILD CARE HELPS TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN TO 6 YEARS OF AGE WHO ARE AT-RISK, ALONG WITH PROVIDING HOME-BASED FAMILY SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING STRESSORS THAT IMPACT THEIR ABILITY TO PARENT EFFECTIVELY. FAMILIES FOREVER IS A PROGRAM FOR ADULTS STRUGGLING WITH THE FAMILY CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY DIVORCE, SEPARATION, OR LIVING IN A DIVIDED FAMILY SITUATION AND THE PAIN, FRUSTRATION, AND STRESS RESULTING FROM CUSTODY ISSUES. FAMILY CARE MOBILE RESOURCE PROGRAM IS A COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE THAT TARGETS LOW-INCOME FAMILIES LIVING IN INDIANA COUNTY AND ASSISTS IN ACCESSING COMMUNITY RESOURCES AS APPROPRIATE TO MEET IDENTIFIED NEEDS.INFANT TODDLER CONTRACTED SLOTS (ITCS) IS A FREE, QUALITY CHILDCARE FOR CHILDREN AGES SIX MONTHS TO THREE YEARS OLD. CHILDREN MUST BE ELIGIBLE BASED ON LIVING IN LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.MATERNAL HEALTH HOME VISITING PROGRAM UTILIZES EVIDENCE-BASED TOOLS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY PREGNANCY FOR LOW-INCOME MOTHERS, PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT TO IMPROVE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH FOR THEIR NEWBORN CHILDREN, AND ENCOURAGE GREATER ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY. HOME VISITING STAFF SUPPORT MOTHER AND CHILD IN MEETING NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH.PRE-K COUNTS IS A FREE, QUALITY PRESCHOOL FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN AGE 3 AND THE TIME THEY ARE READY TO ENTER KINDERGARTEN. CHILDREN MUST BE ELIGIBLE BASED ON POTENTIAL RISK OF SCHOOL FAILURE, EITHER BECAUSE OF LIVING IN LOW-INCOME, LANGUAGE OR CULTURAL BARRIERS, OR HAVING SPECIAL NEEDS. PRE-KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO ASSIST ELIGIBLE FAMILIES IN PROVIDING A HIGH QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION EXPERIENCE. FAMILIES MAY APPLY TO RECEIVE PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EITHER PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME PRESCHOOL SERVICES AT LIFESTEPS. PRESCHOOL (INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTAL) FOR CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS FROM 3 TO 5 YEARS OF AGE. EACH CHILD IS ASSESSED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT: 1) COMMUNICATION, 2) COGNITION/THINKING, 3) VISUAL MOTOR, 4) PHYSICAL, AND 5) SOCIAL EMOTIONAL. SUMMER (CAMP) DISCOVERY PROGRAM IS A SIX-WEEK PROGRAM OFFERED TO CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN DEVELOPMENTAL, COMMUNICATIVE, AND SOCIAL SKILLS, AND ENCOURAGES INTERACTION WITH PEERS IN A STRUCTURED SOCIAL PROGRAM.
- $3.1 million spent. DIRECT INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY DAY PROGRAM SERVICESADULT TRAINING FACILITY-BASIC EDUCATION & SOCIALIZATION TRAINING (BEST) PROVIDES LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, AND MEDICAL CHALLENGES. PROGRAMS FOCUS ON ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN BECOMING MORE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITY THROUGH EMPLOYMENT EXPLORATION, ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING; PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY EVENTS; AND SOCIAL INTERACTION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. ADULT TRAINING FACILITY-COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER (COR) FOCUSES ON ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN BECOMING MORE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITY THROUGH EMPLOYMENT EXPLORATION, ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING; PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY EVENTS; AND SOCIAL INTERACTION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. TRANSITION THE NEXT STEP IS A PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL/ DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, INCLUDING AUTISM, TO ASSIST IN REACHING THEIR PERSONAL POTENTIAL IN INDEPENDENT LIVING, EMPLOYMENT, AND SECONDARY EDUCATION. A THEMED DAILY SCHEDULE ALLOWS FOR PARTICIPATION TAILORED TO THE STUDENTS' NEEDS BY UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY, SIMULATION, HANDS-ON PRACTICE, VISUAL AIDS, AND INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, AND COMMUNITY-BASED INSTRUCTION.SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS TO GAIN COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT IN AN INTEGRATED WORK SETTING THAT INCLUDE JOB FINDING AND JOB SUPPORT. JOB FINDING MAY INCLUDE INTERVIEW ASSISTANCE, JOB EXPLORATION, RESUME' PREPARATION, AND JOB SEARCHING. JOB SUPPORT CONSISTS OF TRAINING FOR JOB ASSIGNMENTS, PERIODIC FOLLOW-UP AND/OR ONGOING SUPPORT WITH THE EMPLOYER.PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES (P.E.T.S.) - PROVIDED TO SCHOOL STUDENTS AGED 14 TO 21 WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES INCLUDING AUTISM. AREAS OF INSTRUCTION INCLUDE: DAILY LIVING SKILLS, SELF-DETERMINATION, WORKPLACE READINESS TRAINING AND JOB EXPLORATION. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (JOB COACHING) SUPPORTS QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALS SEEKING COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EMPLOYMENT READINESS ASSESSMENTS, CAREER TRAINING AND JOB COACHING IN UNLICENSED SETTINGS. ASSESSMENTS MAY TAKE PLACE IN COMMUNITY LOCATIONS OR EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS. TRAINING FOCUSES ON FOUR CAREER AREAS (HOSPITALITY, RETAIL, FOOD PREPARATION AND HOUSEKEEPING). JOB COACHING SUPPORTS INDIVIDUALS IN LOCATING POSITIONS CONSISTENT WITH LONG-TERM CAREER INTERESTS, PRACTICE INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES, RESUME DEVELOPMENT AND GUIDANCE IN RETAINING COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT ONCE EMPLOYMENT HAS BEEN SECURED.COMMUNITY WORK INSTRUCTION PROVIDES 6 TO 12 WEEKS PAID WORK EXPERIENCE AND INSTRUCTION IN AN INTEGRATED COMMUNITY SETTING. THREE TO FOUR STUDENTS PERFORM WORK AND RECEIVE WORKPLACE READINESS INSTRUCTION INCLUDING PROBLEM SOLVING, INTERVIEW SKILLS, TIME MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATION, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, AND COMPUTER SKILLS.DIRECT SPEECH/LANGUAGE/HEARING SERVICESSPEECH AND LANGUAGE EVALUATIONS SERVE INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES AND INCLUDE CAREGIVER INTERVIEW, OBSERVATION AND INTERACTION, AND STANDARDIZED TESTING BY A SPEECH PATHOLOGIST TO COMPLETE A PROFILE OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S COMMUNICATIVE STRENGTHS AND NEEDS IN THE AREAS OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, HEARING, AND SOCIAL SKILLS. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SHARED WITH THE INDIVIDUAL AND/OR CAREGIVERS WITH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED AS NEEDED.SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY PROVIDES INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT FOR A VARIETY OF COMMUNICATION NEEDS INCLUDING CHILDHOOD APRAXIA, ARTICULATION AND PHONOLOGICAL DISORDERS, LANGUAGE DELAYS, PRAGMATIC/SOCIAL COMMUNICATION DISORDERS, VOICE, AND FLUENCY. THERAPY IS DESIGNED TO INCORPORATE PERSONAL INTERESTS AND DAILY ACTIVITIES. HEARING SCREENINGS ARE PURETONE AND TYPANOMETRY SCREENINGS CONDUCTED IN BOTH EARS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 ARE SCREENED USING A HEAR KIT CONSISTING OF A VARIETY OF SOUNDS AND PITCHES.
- $263,975 spent. ADULT DAY HEALTH SERVICES IS A MEDICALLY-MONITORED DAY PROGRAM SERVING CLIENTS WHO ARE MEDICALLY FRAGILE AND/OR SOCIALLY ISOLATED OR HAVE A FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT WHO ARE 60 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, OR WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND HAVE POST STROKE OR DEMENTIA, PARKINSONISM, OR A DEMENTIA-RELATED DISEASE SUCH AS ALZHEIMER'S OR OTHER ORGANIC BRAIN SYNDROME. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES DAILY ACTIVITIES, SOCIALIZATION, NUTRITIOUS MEALS AND SNACKS, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, DAILY EXERCISE, AND TRANSPORTATION. BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDES SPECIALIZED TRAININGS AND SUPPORTS FOR FAMILIES AND PROFESSIONALS WHO CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS TO IMPLEMENT POSITIVE SUPPORT STRATEGIES THAT WILL HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1995.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.