About Us

Compassion - Empowerment - Integrity - Wisdom

Core Values

With wisdom requested from and given by God, we commit to the core values of compassion, integrity, and empowerment. These values are expressed in our relationships with each other and the community we serve.

Step Up’s Statement of Faith

We believe...

In the divine inspiration and final authority of the Bible as the Word of God;
In the eternal God revealed in Holy Scripture as Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
In the unique Deity of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, whose death and resurrection provide by grace through faith the only means of salvation;
In the transforming presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that God created all human beings in His image. Therefore, we believe that human life is sacred and God has created humankind as it is to be by his will from conception to its natural end, and that we must honor the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all people. Following Christ’s example, we believe that every person should be treated with love, dignity and respect.

Compassion

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

- Colossians 3:12

Empowerment

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

- Philippians 4:13

Integrity

"For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man."

- 2 Corinthians 8:21

Wisdom

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

- James 3:17

History

Step Up was formally organized in May of 2015 after the founding board members learned of the significant number of youth in our community aging out of the foster care system. These youth, like other foster youth throughout Michigan, age out of their foster homes at age 18. Less than 50% of former foster youth maintain strong, supportive relationships with their foster families. When they age out, they are expected to live on their own.

What We Are Working Toward

Muskegon County has 400-450 children in foster care. The Step Up board of directors recognizes the unique needs of foster youth as they age out of the foster care system. There is also a significant number of young adults in this same situation who have not been in the foster care system. We are committed to help all interested young adults become successfully independent.

Step Up’s purpose is to equip and empower young adults with the tools and skills to live self-sufficient, responsible, and productive lives. Our approach provides mentoring, educational guidance, life skills training, and strategic community partnerships within a Christian environment.

Additional residential facilities will be added as opportunities and donor funds allow.