We wanted to kick off the year talking about our hopes for 2021 so we asked a few of our staff to share their visions for the upcoming months at StepUp Ministry.

Ashton Herbert, Children's Program Coordinator: 2020 was a year that most people want to forget for multiple reasons not needing explanation. However, during one of the toughest years in recent history, we learned a lot about the resilience of families and most surprisingly for me; the resilience of kids. I have been blown away during the past 9-10 months of the pandemic, when a lot of families could have easily dropped out of the program, they stayed on with us, and adjusted right along with the staff of StepUp. My hope for 2021 is that we can take that resilience and apply it to other aspects of our lives. I learned a lot about strength and flexibility watching these kids adjust and make the best of it; all while their world shut down and changed drastically. Wishing everyone health and a lot strength for 2021.

Maxine Terry, Alumni Program Coordinator:  By end of 2021, I want to have five Alumni enrolled in certification programs to ensure they are on track to earn wages worthy of their work experience and demonstrating their ability to support their family.  I'm committed to working closely with Alumni as they maintain a commitment to 2021 being their best year yet.

Toney Jefferys, Employment Recruiter: My hope for 2021 is that we continue to build on partnerships with employers that see the value that StepUp participants and Alumni have to offer. We are excited for more opportunities for participants in apprenticeships, career choices and greater individual support for job seekers.

This year, I am incredibly grateful to our surrounding community for the overwhelming support of our StepUp children and young adults. I want to thank each individual, school, group, church, organization, and agency that donated to our wonderful children. It was such a pleasure to meet many of our new donors for the first time and such a joy to get to see our repeat donors.  When I contacted the parents to let them know that StepUp would be providing Christmas gifts and items for their children, many of them were overwhelmed with emotion and so excited for their children to be supported by the community. Many parents told me that they were not going to be able to do anything for their children for Christmas this year. Covid 19 may have affected our ability to be with each other in person this year, but it did NOT affect the generosity, the compassion,  and the giving hearts of our outstanding community members! On behalf of the families we serve, we want to thank our Christmas donors from the bottom of our hearts! We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Colisha C. Stanford, Director of Children and Young Adult Programs