Before Pat Sutphin was elected president of Steps to HOPEs board of directors on July 1, 2002, plans for a new shelter and office building had been moved to the back burner due to a slow economy. Shortly after Sutphin took office, however, those plans were moved forward and a major capital campaign was launched.&bsp; Fifteen months after breaking ground in July 2004, Steps to HOPE celebrated the grand opening of its new facility, due in large part to Sutphins energy, enthusiasm and unwavering determination.

Steps to HOPEs lobby was recently dedicated to Sutphin in honor of her seven years of service as board president. A plaque honoring Sutphin, presented to her at Steps to HOPEs 25th Anniversary Gala in October, hangs in the lobby and greets all visitors to the Columbus facility.

While Sutphin stepped down as president this year, she continues in her role as an active member of the board in support of Steps to HOPEs mission to create a community free from the violence of domestic and sexual abuse through education, advocacy and victim assistance.