First-class citizens. Always.
For 24 years, Stevens Center has operated under one simple concept: that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve to be treated as first-class citizens with the same right to independence, purpose, and community as anyone else.
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Years serving families
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Acres on Kelly Drive
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Year of dedication
Our history
Our founding story
In the mid-1970s, Broadway resident Jane Stevens began a Sunday school class for youths with disabilities — individuals who for various societal reasons had been excluded from attending church. Through the next 15 years, the class would be forced to relocate to another church when the host church felt they no longer had excess available space. At one point the Sunday school class met on the second floor of a church, though some class participants used wheelchairs, as this was the only available space.
In the late 1980s, Ms. Stevens stated her intention to donate a parcel of land if it was used to "create a place where people with disabilities were treated like first-class people." This was the seed that eventually grew into the Stevens Center.
In 1989, the Stevens Foundation was created as a nonprofit organization to accept a donation from Ms. Stevens of 16 acres on Kelly Drive. The Board of Directors met regularly to discuss how the property would be used. Ideas included building a residential or vocational center, but eventually focused on creating an educational/recreational center. Construction began on the facility in 2001, and its dedication occurred in May 2002.
Our mission
To uplift individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by creating an environment filled with care, resources, and opportunity — fostering independence, dignity, and a strong sense of belonging for everyone we serve.
Core values
What we believe
Dignity first.
Independence is the goal.
Belonging matters.
Families are partners.
Board of Directors
Interested in serving on the Board? Submit the Board interest form.
Anna Stinson
President
Born and raised in Sanford, Anna moved back home after her husband completed dental school. She worked for BB&T / Truist for 15 years as a Commercial Banker. She is heavily involved in the community, serving on many boards and committees. For the past six years, Anna has had the privilege of serving on the Stevens Center Board. She says, "it has been incredibly rewarding to watch the organization grow and see the meaningful difference it continues to make in our community." The Stevens Center holds a very special place in her heart, and she is truly grateful to be a small part of an organization that does so much for the individuals and families it serves. Anna and her husband, Chad, have twin 13-year-old daughters who are in seventh grade at CCA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, watching her daughters play/coach sports, and traveling.
Jean Dabbs
Treasurer
Jim Sheehan
Board Member
Jim Sheehan, a devoted Sanford resident for 37 years, contributes extensive engineering and operations management leadership to the Stevens Center Board. His experience is invaluable in guiding the center's strategic initiatives, notably leveraging his expertise to help bring the transformative Horizons project to life. Committed to the Stevens Center's mission, Jim, who lives at home with his wife, plays a key role in advancing the organization's goals and supporting the individuals it serves.
Chris Thompson
Board Member
Brad Salmon
Board Member
Brad Salmon was twice appointed to serve as a District Court Judge for District 12 covering Lee, Harnett and Johnston counties. Salmon was a founding partner of The Salmon Law Firm where he focused on criminal law, civil matters, wills and estates, and served as a defense attorney for the District’s Veterans Treatment Court. From 2014-2016, Salmon served in the North Carolina General Assembly representing Harnett and Lee Counties (District 51). He is a graduate of North Carolina State University and the Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. Brad and his wife Rebecca live in Sanford, NC.
Ruth Washer
Board Member
Ruth Washer, a valued Board Member, brings a unique and vital perspective to Stevens Center as a person with a disability living independently in Sanford, NC. She skillfully applies her strengths as a part-time Records Management Clerk at Pfizer and dedicates time to Lee County Industries for socialization and skill development. Ruth's commitment to the disability community in Lee County and her personal journey underscore her dedication to Stevens Center's mission, highlighting the critical community support needed for independent living.
Accreditation & quality
Stevens Center is CARF accredited — an independent standard held by the strongest health and human-service providers, earned through rigorous review of the quality and safety of our programs.
Our partners
We're proud to partner with the American Red Cross to provide CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens Certification.