“Because Step Onward stepped up, I was able to acquire purpose, and opportunity. There are the literal things that they provided, meaning they provided the funds for me to go back to college to pursue my business degree and accounting degree, to helping me engage with therapy to go through and work on my emotional healing and experience. Then there are the intangible and irreplaceable things they gave me, which is the ability to wake up every day and look in the mirror and be proud who I see. From being homeless to being a severe drug addict, I have come so far. I have a promising career, I’m successful, driven, compassionate, kind, and I have a home. I have everything I could aspire for and I am still working on it further. I am so humbled and extremely grateful for Step Onward Foundation and Patrice for seeing something in me that I couldn’t see in myself, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this opportunity.”
Sam is finishing her business degree at Texas A&M, works full time, and has bought her own home.
“Step Onward has been a huge help to our families because they immediately seek to help the families that are referred to them. Step Onward is not only a resource, but also a partner to us at Texas Children’s Hospital.”
“Because Step Onward stepped up, I was able to progress academically, gaining lots of opportunities as well as possibilities in life. Back then life was very difficult. I had no place to stay when I came to the United States, and I didn’t what to do. I resided at a shelter called covenant house. I found myself going to school! They had my tuition paid in full, and now I am a graduate from HCC, I am independent, and I am no longer residing at the shelter home. I am truly grateful.”
Kant is now returning to Nigeria to work, save money, help his community, and apply for a green card so that he can work toward returning to the U.S. with the dream of becoming a citizen.
“One of the most pressing issues society needs to address is the incidence of childhood homelessness. Thank you, Step Onward for all you have done.”
Ron is a graduate of Texas A&M University, having graduated with a nursing degree.
“Because Step Onward stepped up, I was able to focus on my dreams, my goals and my aspirations. I think growing up in a homeless shelter taught me to be so eager to get to the next step, and as long as I did, I was ok, but I was not eager for my dreams or excited to achieve my personal goals. Step Onward personally took a lot of stress off of me by providing books for me, providing funding for school, making sure I had a meal plan and housing. Step Onward stepped up in a way that took personal stress off of me so that I could put more energy into my dreams and goals. For example, now, I started an organization that feeds 150 kids a week, provides back to school bashes, and turkeys on thanksgiving. It’s because Step Onward took those stresses, that I am able to do things for the community and for the world. Patrice and Step Onward, thank you! Times continue to get better. I love you guys.”
Brandon graduated from Coe College and is now a teacher and high school football coach.
“Because Step Onward stepped up, I was able to continue my educational pursuits. Step Onward is a great organization that is committed to providing an open door to providing education to me and to many other recipients, and for that I am grateful. Thank you!”
Davin is working and completing his associate degree while applying to four-year colleges.
“I am a board member and a PhD of education on staff at Houston Community college. It has been a pleasure working with the organization and I’ve been a part of Step Onward since the beginning as a supporter. In 2017 I completed a qualitative study that looked at the experiences of students that are in college and are experiencing housing insecurity and what support services are available to them to support them through the completion of their degree. At that time, I partnered with Step Onward as an org that referred students to the study. It was obvious within the study that Step Onward went above and beyond to support these students and give them the support they need to become productive citizens and get beyond housing insecurity. Three years later, all 6 students from Step Onward completed their degrees, and were either working or continuing their educations. It’s a great opportunity to serve on this great board to work to fill the gaps for those students who are deserving and need a little help to step forward and help them step onward.”
