Program Guide

We believe you have the power to achieve your goals and realize your dreams!

This program was designed through much prayer and anticipation. We did not know your name, but you were on our hearts and minds as we developed the Steps we believe will help you thrive in life.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

-Jeremiah 29:11

We believe that God has a purpose and a promise for you. Being where you are is not by chance. There was a long series of events that led you to this moment.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5­6

Step Up Picnic at Pere Marquette
Step Up Men Building Relationships
Step Up Women visit Muskegon County Fairgrounds

Step 1

This time of decision and orientation is crucial. Take a step forward and begin to get your life in order. Acclimate yourself to your new surroundings and start evaluating your goals.

Step 2

You’ve created a road map for what lies ahead. You are ready to prove to yourself that you are worth the effort! Show consistency in working toward, and achieving, your goals and you will be well on your way.

Step 3

You have shown that you have what it takes to consistently reach and maintain your goals. You have all you need to succeed!

Step 4

You are living independently now, and you have built a support network. You know how to thrive as you continue your journey through life.

Step 1 - Let’s Get Started!

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

- Proverbs 16:3

Your first day will be spent moving things into your private room and getting acquainted with the House Manager. As with any household, there is a way things are done that works for those who live here. You belong here and will feel right at home in no time at all! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have.

Your House Manager has a move in checklist that will help to make sure you have everything you need. If you think of anything besides what is listed, please don’t hesitate to ask. She or he will go over the details about how you can do your part to help keep the house running smoothly. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to do something. Anything you would like to learn how to do or would like a refresher on, we are here to help. This is what we are here for!

After you have met your housemates, gone over the Participant Handbook, and familiarized yourself with the way the house runs, you can get comfortable in your new surroundings. Tomorrow is a new day!

Within your first couple days at the house, you will meet the person who will get you started with your new program. Step 1 is all about paperwork and getting everything in order. This will help you have a big picture view about where you are right now and where it is you would like to go. With help, you will develop a clear plan on how to get where you want to be.

This is a time to begin to get everything in order. You will be able to put your style into your personal space. You will also be getting to know the people living in the house with you as well as those who will be meeting with you to help you along the way.

During this time, which we estimate to take about a month, we ask that you take a small step back from your social scene to take in all that is going on around you. While you will be able to maintain your important schedule, you will be expected to be home by an earlier curfew and friends will have to wait a bit to see your new place.

You will meet with your mentors often during this Step. There is a lot to do during this time and we will work with you to get your support network in order (or started) along with your important documents. We will help you make sure you have everything you need as you move forward.

Step 2 - Let’s Get Moving!

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

-Philippians 4:13

Now that you know where you are heading, it is time to start moving in that direction. This Step is all about living and learning and being free to explore new horizons. During this time, you will be finding your strengths, understanding your weaknesses, and learning how to make them work for you.

Your goals carry you through this Step as you check them off one by one. You have all the details out of the way and have a clear path, but how you travel it is up to you. As you learn how you fit into the community around you, you will be meeting people and forming relationships that can last your whole life.

You will be furthering your education and working toward earning your own living during this Step. You will learn how to be a part of a household and how to properly take care of yourself. A lot of work goes into making a life that you are proud of and there will be someone to guide you each step of the way. We know you can do it!

This Step is all about consistency. What you have chosen to do for your life, you will learn to do long enough to make a real difference. You will enjoy a later curfew and having a friend over from time to time. You may also have some nights away on the weekends if you are following the goals you helped choose for yourself. There are rewards for a job well done!

You will be busy making a life and dreaming about your future as well as learning about your faith and what is truly important to you. We will help you find what you are passionate about and how you can use your talents to help others.

The length of time for Step 2 depends on how you balance and maintain your responsibilities. If this is something you need to work on, it may take quite a bit of time for you to get the hang of your new, successful way of life. If you have three straight months of consistently meeting your goals at home and out in the community, you will advance to the next Step.

Step 3 - Let’s Keep Going!

Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.

-2 Corinthians 5:9

You are an achiever and you have proven to yourself that you have what it takes to succeed! In Step 1 you put all the pieces in place. In Step 2 you consistently kept them all together. Now in Step 3, you will be focusing on how to shape all the pieces into the bigger picture of your life.

While you are already a contributing member of your household, in this Step you will be learning how to run your own household. You know how to save money, balance your checkbook, and pay your bills, but in this step you will learn how to manage your money for the future.

Some of the privileges of coming this far in the program are that you will enjoy a later curfew as well as be able to have more than one guest visit at a time. We trust that you will act responsibly on your nights away and expect only that you inform your House Manager when you will not be home.

Consistency is still a very important part of your overall plan and without it, you will be placed back into Step 2, which will require 45 days of schedule adherence to return to Step 3. Your ability to maintain discipline in your schedule and habits will help you be successful throughout your entire life. Keep at it!

There is suggested time limit for being on Step 3 of 18 months or less. For maternity house participants, the timeline will be determined from your baby's birth to 9 months postpartum. During this phase, you will be practicing running a household while being a responsible member of your community. Once you are confident in your abilities and feel it is time, you will be ready to pick up all the pieces and move them to your own place.

Step 4 - Let’s Go Together!

Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

-Psalm 37:4

Congratulations! You have the tools to do anything you set your mind to doing in life. You have completed the Step Up Program and have a support network that will help you set up your new home and make sure you are comfortable with your new home. Step 4 is all about recognizing how far you have come, enjoying the journey you are on, and seeing a bright future ahead.

You will be continuing the relationships you have built along the way, and looking for opportunities to make new connections. You know how to meet people and help others feel comfortable in your presence. You know how to be consistent with people in the community as well as those close to you. While you are establishing your own household, you will have the resources of your Step Up team at your side. If you need help, advice, or just a listening ear, we are here for you! We will be here to help you with securing any household items you need and maintaining your new schedule.

You will officially graduate from the program after you transition from Step 3 to Step 4. We expect that after three months, you will feel confident and comfortable, but it is up to you how long you will maintain a relationship with Step Up after graduation. You may wish to become a volunteer with us and help other young adults by sharing your story. We believe in you!