Programs

Step Up is a collaboration and is not involved in running direct programs. However, there have been a few occasions where Step Up has agreed to begin programs.

25 Families

In August of 2007 Step Up concluded the 25 Families program, which was started in early 2006.

The 25 Families program (conceptualized by Savannah City Manager Michael Brown) was open to families living in poverty who were willing to share their circumstances in return for the assistance of volunteer “Family Partners” and Step Up over a period of a year. The objective was to help the families move toward self sufficiency, to learn from their experiences and to ensure that their experiences inform the work of Step Up’s action teams. To read the final report about the program, “The 25 Families Program: Allowing the Experience of Poverty to Inform Policy,” (25 families Final Evaluation.pdf) and the “Lessons learned and questions for the Action Teams,” click on these links.

Construction Apprentice Program

The Construction Apprentice Program (conceptualized by the Chatham County Manager and members of the County Commission) is a free 16-week training program for men and women who have an interest in learning construction skills that lead to jobs in the industry. This program exists through a partnership with Chatham County, the Home Builders Association of Savannah, Savannah Technical College and Step Up.

Savannah Work Supports

Step Up received a $140,000 grant in 2007 from the Ford Foundation to work with local employers to increase the number of low-wage employees who enroll in publicly funded work supports.
The grant, awarded by Families and Work Institute, is part of a national Supporting Work Project. Savannah’s program will leverage existing business relationships in healthcare, hospitality, warehousing, and city and county governments. Work supports such as food stamps, PeachCare, and Earned Income Tax Credits will be offered as benefits at job sites. The term of the grant runs through July 31, 2008. To read more about the Work Supports Program, see Ford Foundation Employer Brochure Savannah.pdf.

To view other programs that Step Up’s collaborative partners are involved in, please visit the specific action team you’re interested in.