What is STEP UP?
STEP UP (Services to Empower People to Unleash Potential) is a transitional living program in Western Oklahoma. We are focused on providing up to 24 months of stable housing and supportive services to youth age 18-24 through our steps program. The program provides a gradually declining rent subsidy and wraparound case management services. As youth work toward economic independence, they progressively begin to pay more of their rent until they are self-sufficient. This model meets youth where they are at and maximizes opportunities for success. Youth establish concrete goals, work individually with program staff, and participate in all required Life Skills groups. Each participant develops an Independent Living Plan which includes resources and goals. We celebrate achievements together as they progress through the program. STEP UP provides homeless youth a place they can call home.
Do you only provide housing?
STEP UP provides a reliable place to live, coupled with counseling and case management that connects youth to needed services such as employment and life-skills. STEP UP participants move into a semi-furnished apartment—outfitted with furniture and housewares generously donated to STEP UP. Food is provided through the Weatherford Food & Resource Center; youth are encouraged to prepare their own healthy, balanced meals and supplement the basic food order from the Food & Resource Center with their own purchased groceries. If youth need assistance with how to cook nutritiously or grocery shop, this can be worked into his/her Independent Living Plan. In order to help youth adjust to the financial responsibilities of independent living, youth will receive full assistance with rent and utility costs for the first 12 weeks of the program. The goal of STEP UP is to assist young people who are homeless/at risk of becoming homeless in creating and maintaining a healthy living style which ultimately prepares them for independent living. Six months prior to program graduation, youth are required to create a plan with their Case Manager for completion of the program. This includes a housing plan, move-out preparations, and an exit interview.
What does STEP UP provide youth?
The program provides: safe and stable housing; independent living skills training on topics such as financial literacy, household maintenance and health education; employment and educational support; social and emotional support through various counseling services, therapeutic recreation, and individualized case management; and information and referral to other agencies and community services. STEP UP provides the resources to succeed in multiple traditional and non-traditional educational environments, from high school to post-secondary education. We believe education is critically important, so we work to ensure that our youth are fully equipped with the skillset to excel in post-secondary education at a career tech, community college, or four-year college/university.
What is the age range and area you serve?
Our mission is to provide transitional housing and support services, including education, counseling, and employment for youth 18-24 years old experiencing homelessness. We serve the Oklahoma Human Services Region 1 Area. Region 1 is located in the Western and Northwestern part of the state and includes Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Major, Noble, Pawnee, Payne, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward counties.
How do youth qualify?
Applicants must be age 18-24; currently homeless or at risk to homelessness; an Oklahoma resident; willing to make a change; and willing to complete program expectations.
Does STEP UP offer assisted living or nursing home care?
No. Youth must be in good health and be socially and functionally independent.
What are board members responsible for doing?
Board members are responsible for making decisions and setting strategic goals for STEP UP. These decisions ensure that our organization’s charitable purpose is adhered to and that charitable assets are properly allocated.
How is STEP UP funded?
STEP UP depends on financial donations to fund our work, as well as grants. These funds help youth build a place they can call home. We also accept in kind items such as furniture, appliances, and other household items.
Is there a minimum donation?
Contributions large and small make a difference! We believe there is something every individual can give, whether that be a financial contribution, in kind donation, or volunteering. Contributions allow us to help more youth and get us closer to our goal of ending homelessness in Western Oklahoma. The following is an example of how you can sponsor a young adult in our program: 1 night = $18, 1 week = $125, 1 month = $500, 3 months = $1,500, and 6 months = $3,000.
Are my donations tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is a charitable gift supporting our work and is tax deductible. Our tax identification number is 83-0521329
How do youth apply for services?
The first step is to complete an application and meet with a staff member.
STEP UP (Services to Empower People to Unleash Potential) is a transitional living program in Western Oklahoma. We are focused on providing up to 24 months of stable housing and supportive services to youth age 18-24 through our steps program. The program provides a gradually declining rent subsidy and wraparound case management services. As youth work toward economic independence, they progressively begin to pay more of their rent until they are self-sufficient. This model meets youth where they are at and maximizes opportunities for success. Youth establish concrete goals, work individually with program staff, and participate in all required Life Skills groups. Each participant develops an Independent Living Plan which includes resources and goals. We celebrate achievements together as they progress through the program. STEP UP provides homeless youth a place they can call home.
Do you only provide housing?
STEP UP provides a reliable place to live, coupled with counseling and case management that connects youth to needed services such as employment and life-skills. STEP UP participants move into a semi-furnished apartment—outfitted with furniture and housewares generously donated to STEP UP. Food is provided through the Weatherford Food & Resource Center; youth are encouraged to prepare their own healthy, balanced meals and supplement the basic food order from the Food & Resource Center with their own purchased groceries. If youth need assistance with how to cook nutritiously or grocery shop, this can be worked into his/her Independent Living Plan. In order to help youth adjust to the financial responsibilities of independent living, youth will receive full assistance with rent and utility costs for the first 12 weeks of the program. The goal of STEP UP is to assist young people who are homeless/at risk of becoming homeless in creating and maintaining a healthy living style which ultimately prepares them for independent living. Six months prior to program graduation, youth are required to create a plan with their Case Manager for completion of the program. This includes a housing plan, move-out preparations, and an exit interview.
What does STEP UP provide youth?
The program provides: safe and stable housing; independent living skills training on topics such as financial literacy, household maintenance and health education; employment and educational support; social and emotional support through various counseling services, therapeutic recreation, and individualized case management; and information and referral to other agencies and community services. STEP UP provides the resources to succeed in multiple traditional and non-traditional educational environments, from high school to post-secondary education. We believe education is critically important, so we work to ensure that our youth are fully equipped with the skillset to excel in post-secondary education at a career tech, community college, or four-year college/university.
What is the age range and area you serve?
Our mission is to provide transitional housing and support services, including education, counseling, and employment for youth 18-24 years old experiencing homelessness. We serve the Oklahoma Human Services Region 1 Area. Region 1 is located in the Western and Northwestern part of the state and includes Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Major, Noble, Pawnee, Payne, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward counties.
How do youth qualify?
Applicants must be age 18-24; currently homeless or at risk to homelessness; an Oklahoma resident; willing to make a change; and willing to complete program expectations.
Does STEP UP offer assisted living or nursing home care?
No. Youth must be in good health and be socially and functionally independent.
What are board members responsible for doing?
Board members are responsible for making decisions and setting strategic goals for STEP UP. These decisions ensure that our organization’s charitable purpose is adhered to and that charitable assets are properly allocated.
How is STEP UP funded?
STEP UP depends on financial donations to fund our work, as well as grants. These funds help youth build a place they can call home. We also accept in kind items such as furniture, appliances, and other household items.
Is there a minimum donation?
Contributions large and small make a difference! We believe there is something every individual can give, whether that be a financial contribution, in kind donation, or volunteering. Contributions allow us to help more youth and get us closer to our goal of ending homelessness in Western Oklahoma. The following is an example of how you can sponsor a young adult in our program: 1 night = $18, 1 week = $125, 1 month = $500, 3 months = $1,500, and 6 months = $3,000.
Are my donations tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is a charitable gift supporting our work and is tax deductible. Our tax identification number is 83-0521329
How do youth apply for services?
The first step is to complete an application and meet with a staff member.
| step_up_tlp_application.pdf |