Stepping Stone Builds a Stronger Team with Bensol’s Tailored Benefits Support
When Stepping Stone began experiencing rapid growth, they knew their employee benefits needed to evolve too. Formerly known as the Drop-In Centre, the organization has been a cornerstone of support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness since 1983.
With a mission to foster housing stability, health, and community belonging, and recently adding permanent supportive housing to its scope of services, Stepping Stone’s team has grown from 35 to 85 employees inside of five years-most of whom are frontline workers supporting people in crisis.
This growth brought new challenges and opportunities. “We realized our benefits plan needed to reflect the diverse needs of our expanding team,” says Stephanie Burchat-Samson, Human Resources Manager at Stepping Stone. “We wanted something more comprehensive than what we had-something that supported our staff’s wellbeing and helped us retain the incredible people doing this vital work.”
Stephanie and her team conducted an internal benefits survey to better understand what employees needed.
“We brought those insights to Michele at Bensol, and she helped us explore the best options,” Stephanie explains. The result? A transition to the Chambers Plan, offering broader coverage-including for couples, which her team had identified as a goal-and enhanced mental health support.
“Seventy percent of our staff are often dealing with people in their most vulnerable moments. That takes a toll,” Stephanie says. “Having an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and comprehensive benefits that prioritize mental wellness is essential.”
More Than a Provider-A True Partner
The partnership with Bensol went beyond plan design. Stephanie and her team appreciate the ongoing level of service and support. During a critical transition period, when Stepping Stone was shifting benefit administration roles, Bensol’s Raven Steepe stepped in to help. “She came onsite, sat with us, and made sure we understood everything. She went the extra mile, and that made a huge difference,” Stephanie recalls.
A Culture of Care, Backed by Benefits
Stepping Stone’s commitment to employee wellbeing doesn’t stop at benefits. They conduct quarterly engagement surveys, host social events, and invest in training to build confidence and capacity across the team. “We’re building a culture where people feel supported, heard, and empowered,” says Stephanie. “Our benefits are a fundamental part of that.”
With Bensol’s responsive, personalized support, Stepping Stone is not only meeting the needs of today’s team-they’re laying the foundation for a resilient, thriving workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
