At Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, leadership extends beyond the walls of the shelter—it’s built on a foundation of passion, experience, and a deep commitment to service. One of the driving forces behind Stepping Stone’s success is Nick Bednarczyk, our Board Chair, who brings decades of financial expertise, a strong belief in personal development, and a heart for community impact.
A Legacy of Service
For Nick, Stepping Stone’s mission is personal. His mother, Joan Bednarczyk, was one of Stepping Stone’s founding members, dedicating years to shaping the shelter’s foundation. Though she eventually stepped away to make room for new leadership, her passion for helping others stuck with Nick.
“Seeing what my mom put into Stepping Stone made me realize how important this work is,” Nick shared. “As I built my business and raised my family in this community, I felt called to give back in a meaningful way.”
Nick had supported Stepping Stone for years, helping organize events like Par-Tee Fore a Purpose, Stepping Stone’s annual golf tournament. However, it wasn’t until a fateful moment at church that he felt it was time to step up in a leadership role.
“I got a message on LinkedIn from Tom Stinson, who was then the Board Chair, inviting me to join the board. A few days later, I went to a church I don’t usually attend, sat in a seat I wouldn’t normally sit in, and Tom happened to be sitting right next to me. I tend to follow those kinds of signs,” Nick laughed.
Since then, Nick has become a champion for Stepping Stone’s mission, bringing his financial acumen, leadership, and deep understanding of personal development to help the organization grow.
A Mentor’s Heart
Beyond his role as Board Chair, Nick has personally mentored individuals experiencing homelessness, offering guidance, support, and access to resources.
Years ago, he met a 19-year-old experiencing homelessness, living in his car in a Menards parking lot. Recognizing the young man’s struggle, Nick helped him find temporary shelter, employment, and eventually, stable housing.
However, the cycle of homelessness is complex, and Nick learned firsthand the challenges of long-term stability.
“He worked hard, got a car, got an apartment, but then something would happen—he’d lose his job, lose transportation, and end up back where he started,” Nick shared. “That experience showed me how much mindset matters in breaking the cycle of homelessness. It’s not just about providing housing—it’s about helping people develop the tools to sustain it.”
Bringing Mindset and Financial Growth to Stepping Stone
As Board Chair, Nick is passionate about bringing personal development and financial sustainability to Stepping Stone. He firmly believes that success—whether personal or professional—is 80% mindset and 20% technical skills.
“Our organization provides shelter, meals, and resources, but until we help people shift their mindset, we’re only treating symptoms, not solving the root problem,” he explained.
Nick is advocating for investing in mindset and personal growth programming at Stepping Stone—programs that teach residents the tools for resilience, financial stability, and long-term success.
Additionally, he is pushing for stronger financial strategies to ensure Stepping Stone’s long-term sustainability, ensuring resources are maximized to provide more services, more support, and a greater impact.
Why Join the Board?
As Board Chair, Nick is actively seeking passionate individuals to join Stepping Stone’s board.
“It’s fun, rewarding, and a great way to meet people from different backgrounds,” Nick said. “But most importantly, it’s about making a difference. Find your way to say yes to investing in others.”
Stepping Stone is looking for leaders who believe in housing solutions, personal development, and community-driven impact. If that sounds like you, we’d love to connect.
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