S.T.E.P. Foundation making positive, long-term impact on the lives of local children, youth
Last year, Montgomery experienced a wave of violence that claimed the lives of 50 people. The S.T.E.P. Foundation is taking a proactive approach to curb violence both long-term and short-term in our city by working within places like public schools and public housing communities to address “negative risk factors” that can potentially lead to violence.
“We would not be able to impact the lives we come in contact with without partners like you,” Sederick writes.
Since 2000, S.T.E.P. Violence Prevention Educators have taught violence prevention curriculum to thousands of public school children across six different school communities.
“Our educators serve as ‘first responders’ to situations involving conflicts between students,” Sederick explains. “As a result, S.T.E.P. educators have prevented numerous fights and other acts of aggression between students.”
One principal recently stated, “The S.T.E.P. program should be in every school!”
The organization aims to make a long-term difference. One way they accomplish this is by working to prevent juvenile delinquency while producing high school and college graduates. Two former program participants are currently in college at the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The foundation also assisted these students with securing scholarships to help with tuition.
“S.T.E.P. has a long-standing reputation for reaching youth others just can’t seem to reach. It’s also notable that the foundation has made significant strides in seeing complete turnaround in the attitudes, actions and behaviors of its recipients,” Sederick notes. The foundation has even been able to connect with former S.T.E.P. participants who are now adults, via Facebook.
“It’s wonderful to know that many at-risk youth we served in elementary and middle school are now productive adult citizens of Montgomery. They are beginning to share their testimonies of how the organization impacted their lives as children,” he said.
But it’s also the testimonies from teachers, parents, school officials and others that are validating the important ministry of S.T.E.P. to the River Region.
“Please pray that we continue to see life-changing results in the lives of those we serve daily,” Sederick says.
To learn more about the impact this local mission organization is making, and view photos, visit www.montgomerystep.org