StepUp Ministry

Through her journaling program, Shenette first came to StepUp not as a participant, but as a volunteer. What she didn't expect was the impact StepUp would have on her own family.

As a divorced mother balancing work, family, and countless responsibilities, Shenette was doing everything she could to support her son, James. Like so many parents, she carried a quiet pressure to provide every opportunity, meet every need, and be everything at once.

StepUp filled a gap she hadn’t even realized was there.

Through James’ experience in StepUp’s Real World program, Shenette saw the power of consistent mentorship, community, and care beyond what she could provide on her own. StepUp offered James a “third space” beyond home and school, but for Shenette, it offered something just as meaningful: the reassurance that she did not have to carry every burden alone.

Shenette’s experience with StepUp became a reminder that support is not only for the person enrolled in the program. Sometimes, it reaches the whole family. Will you help more families experience the life-changing impact of StepUp?

💙 Make your gift here: https://www.stepupministry.org/donate

Full Circle - Participant to Volunteer: Vicki B.

Vicki first heard about StepUp in 2004, when vendors came to share information at Fountain Correctional Center. One of them was StepUp, and she was immediately drawn to the mission. "I knew it could help me rebuild my life and transition back into the community."

Through our Employment Academy program, Vicki learned how to interview for a job and how to present herself with confidence. "After getting out of prison, I was given the opportunity to interview for a job, and I used the tools that I learned at StepUp to land that job. I have always credited my getting that job to my training with the Employment Program. Getting that job was the biggest surprise of my life because, as a person with a criminal record and this would be my first job after prison, I never thought that I would be a candidate for that kind of employment."

Having received so much from StepUp, Vicki now pays it forward as a StepUp volunteer. "A volunteer is not only there to help a person complete the program but a volunteer offers their expertise and that can be a benefit for the participant. We share life experiences and help them to find their purpose. It is not only about completing the classes, but making sure that they can be successful in life after they graduate from the program. Friendships are developed, and connections are made."

Thank you for all you bring to StepUp, Vicki! We appreciate you!