Strategies to Elevate People

Tim Cole, Executive Director

STEP is a bridge ministry, existing to connect the poor and marginalized in the inner city (primarily in the Gilpin Court public housing community) with the people and resources of the church. Through practical, relational programming in the areas of employment, education and evangelism, STEP works to break the bonds of physical and spiritual poverty by the revelation of Jesus Christ.  STEP’s programs include:

• Victory Reading, an after-school program helping children Kindergarten through 3rd grade with reading skills development.  Tutors are needed.

• Summer Enrichment, providing educational enrichment activities, hands-on creative activities, and field trips for children ages 1st through 9th grade. Activity leaders and chaperones needed (great opportunity for groups).

• VBS, a diverse gathering of children from Gilpin Court and STEP partner churches where children have fun learning about God.  Volunteers needed for crafts, recreation, drama, and small groups.

• Jobs for Life, a 16-lesson, biblically-based, soft-skills, work readiness and mentoring program provided to adults living in Gilpin Court.  Mentors (Champions), instructors, meal providers, and childcare workers are needed. 

• Elevate Teams, providing extended support and learning for graduates of Jobs for Life. 

• The Christmas Store, offering parents and caretakers of children living in Gilpin Court and other low-income communities an affordable and dignified opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for their children.  Gift donations are needed.

• Back to School, providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children living in Gilpin Court.  Supply donations are needed.

Visit steprichmond.org/volunteer to learn more about partnering with STEP, or call Tim Cole at (804) 648-7552.