Finish Strong, Step By Step Summer Newsletter, 2020

FINISH STRONG HONORING AN

EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY CHASING DREAMS AND

FIGHTING FORWARD FROM FARMERS

TO FAMILIES

MOMS CONNECT WITH

VIRTUAL SUPPORT FINDING HOPE AND

GIVING BACK COVER PHOTO | Rachel Hamilton, former

Step By Step mom and Assistant Manager at Farm 12, graduates with Restaurant Management degree. See Story on Page 6.

PARTNERS WORKING

TOGETHER FOR GOOD

These past months have been “exhausting and emotional, on a

global scale, but particularly for organizations like ours that are intimately connected to those who are extraordinarily vulnerable. The fight has been arduous. We have celebrated small successes, only to be faced with new challenges.

We have found new sources of funding, only to realize it is not enough. But, we refuse to fail. .

�

Krista Linden

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends, s, Step By Step’s vision for our mothers is that they would see hope for their future, build on their strength ng and give back to their families and community. Hope and giving back go hand-in-hand, and it’s somethi to we desire for all of the mothers we walk alongside. But, for our families who were already working these overcome crisis, a lack of social support, and serious barriers to their physical and mental health, past months have made it incredibly difficult to see hope and even more difficult to give back. just Relationships have always been at the heart of everything we do at Step By Step, and we are seeing that how important those relationships are, especially when times get really hard. We’ve had families they voice a from hear to our program more than 10 years ago, reach out to us. Most need d from graduate Krista from Letter this trust, some need support and resources to survive this difficult time, and a few have recognized that is their time to give back to an organization that has given to them. and Step By Step is one of many organizations on the frontlines working to support the mothers, babies, ons foundati local from families most affected by this pandemic. Because of your generosity, and support rs and organizations including Pierce County Connected, The Perigee Fund, and the Nourishing Neighbo fully. more Fund, we’ve been able to step up and increase our supportive efforts to serve more families We’ve helped provide food and prevent homelessness. We’ve helped mothers adapt and plan, through of our uncertainty. We’ve been able to address many emergent needs, creatively and quickly. While many falling families are experiencing enormous setbacks, we have been able to step in and prevent them from into crisis. None of this would have been possible without these partners and your support. months We know we are not out of the woods yet, and the road towards recovery will be long. These past that are ours like tions have been exhausting and emotional, on a global scale, but particularly for organiza have intimately connected to those who are extraordinarily vulnerable. The fight has been arduous. We funding, of celebrated small successes, only to be faced with new challenges. We have found new sources only to realize it is not enough. But, we refuse to fail.

Farm After long, hard years of work to build our new center and open our social enterprise restaurant to 12, what should be a time of exhilaration and new program growth has turned into an intense struggle for fight a in survive. This place that yearns to do so much good and is brimming with potential has been its livelihood, alongside so many others in our community.

And, I No words exist to express how thankful we are to everyone who has helped us weather this storm. for am indebted to my team – many of whom have volunteered to work night and day, seven days a week, the support to months – to help keep our team employed, our doors open, and to tirelessly find new ways families we serve, who need their Step By Step family more than ever. when I I know that giving back, at this time, is hard. That’s probably why my eyes welled up with tears have read a letter that came with a donation from DeAna, a past Step By Step mom. She said, “I would not lowest my at survived my oldest child if it weren’t for your services. In 2005, I was so poor. You helped me home and needed just a little bit more to get by. During this pandemic, I’ve been fortunate to work from ” and still keep my full income. I’m not usually in a place to donate, so I figured I would while I could. to As we look to the future, we continue to rally and brace for what lies ahead. I want to take a moment The forward. thank you for your continued support. If you are able, we ask you to continue to help us fight road looks rough, but we see hope.

IN MEMORY OF

Germaine Korum On June 3rd, the woman behind the name of our new Germaine Korum Center passed away.

For nearly 8 years, Germaine courageously battled lung cancer, remaining steadfastly optimistic and strong against formidable odds.

AN EXTRAORDINARY

Legacy

Her strength and spirit of hope will endure. Her legacy, which has already spanned generations, will continue to impact future generations, a culminating result of many passionate years dedicated to advocating for women, children, and families in our community.

Germaine devoted her life to being a mother and grandmother and to empowering and enriching the lives of those around her. In 1994, she founded the Korum for Kids Foundation. And, it was Germaine and her family’s initial $500,000 donation that helped Step By Step purchase the property that would make the future Germaine Korum Center possible.

When the vision for this place was still in its infancy, Germaine believed in its potential. It is our hope that this place will honor her legacy and serve women and children, in her name, for generations to come.

Today, the center is primarily home to Step By Step’s main office and our social enterprise business Farm 12, as well as a retail greenhouse, educational classrooms, and a counseling center. The business employs some of the women in the Step By Step program and all proceeds are donated back to support the work of the charity.

They talked about the future of the Germaine Korum Center, and their vision and dreams for the future.

Germaine said, “Keep doing what you are doing.

Help as many women, children, and families as you possibly can to be strong and courageous, just like you have been. I’m proud to be foundational to all the good work that will be done for generations to come.”

The focus for the center is to provide counseling and mentorship, job training, workforce experience, and educational opportunities to help low income and at-risk mothers who are working to provide a better future for themselves and their children.

We are so grateful for Germaine and her family’s faithful dedication to our mission and vision, for her encouragement, and her generosity to help turn our big dreams for this place and for the mothers and children we serve into a living, breathing reality.

Just days before Germaine passed, Krista Linden, our Founder and Executive Director, visited her at home.

Krista brought two beautiful moss flower baskets, grown in our onsite greenhouse, and some freshbaked cinnamon rolls from Farm 12.

For everyone who walks through our doors, we want to be a welcoming place of renewal and hope that grows, encourages, serves, and celebrates – together.

| STORY FROM COVER PHOTO

CHASING DREAMS AND

Fighting Forward Rachel A generous supporter of Farm 12 and Step By Step, Rachel is an inspiration for other moms who are working hard to provide well for their children and achieve their dreams - one step at a time.

Rachel is a Step By Step mom and Assistant Manager with Farm 12 Restaurant & Events. After diligently studying to earn her degree, while being a single mother and working full-time, she recently graduated from Clover Park Technical College with a degree in Restaurant Management. Rachel’s positive attitude and joy is contagious. She knows many customers by name and looks forward to morning “group huddles” with her team, all while being a fantastic mom to her daughters, Beverly Anne and Blossom.

In the future, Rachel plans to attend Johnson & Wales University and is hoping to complete her Bachelor Degree by 2022.

First and foremost I would like to say thank you, from the BOTTOM OF MY HEART! I was told at an early age it takes a village to raise a child.

I would have never thought my village would span from a city in Washington to across this country. Believe me when I say, we are a village. Where would I be without you all? The unwavering support, the endless advice, the late and lengthy phone calls, the tears, the laughs, and those beautiful smiles (from behind the masks).

It was a supportive Linsey, who stayed on my back to continue my education while figuring out motherhood.

It was my lady Krista, who faced me towards the sun and gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. It was Lara, who checked in on my girls and I every step of the way.

It was Penny, who doesn’t know it but she’s seen me at my weakest point and continued breathing love and light into my fragile and vulnerable state of mind.

It was Step By Step’s front office team, who kept me ready and on my toes with all the help. Last, but not least, my fellow Farm 12 team and the guests who kept me laughing and confident to finish the journey. I had no time to think of quitting or giving up because “my village” kept me uplifted, not only as a mother and past client mom at Step

By Step but as a manager and team member at Farm 12.

When I needed one more class to finish up my degree via Zoom at 1:00 PM on Mondays, it was our Farm 12 management team who enveloped me and let me have time and space to finish this class while at work. I am thankful for that. This is not only my accomplishment, this one belongs to the village, and I thank you all for being a part of mine.

For the supporters who believe in the vision at Farm 12 and Step By Step, just know I wouldn’t be here without you.

~ Rachel

PICTURED [From Left to Right]

Shannon Schaefer (Step By Step Case Manager), Altaza and her daughter Aluna, Krista Linden (Founder & Executive Director of Step By Step)

2020 SCHOLARSHIPS MEET THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS:

Altaza Altaza is a beautiful mother with a compassionate heart for service.

I met Shannon Schaefer, my Step By Step case manager, when I was five months pregnant with my daughter Aluna.

I needed support that I wasn’t receiving from family and friends, during such a vulnerable time. I felt alone, and I wasn’t in a healthy and safe place. It was my first pregnancy, and I was in search of guidance and help. There was a lot of uncertainty in my life, and my future seemed daunting.

Shannon has been a great support for me, since the day we met. Her caring and open personality stood out to me instantly. I was immediately honest with her about my situation, and she gave me a plethora of helpful resources and guidance. We even came up with a plan, so I could avoid potential homelessness. Visit by visit, I started feeling more secure. She helped me feel empowered, hopeful, and like a good mother.

I learned a lot about myself: my strength, my potential, and my passion. And, I discovered my desire to be a nurse. I want to provide the same level of care and support for pregnant women that I received. I want to support a diverse population of women through healthy pregnancies and ensure babies are delivered safely. This profession is also important to me as a woman of color, because we need more representation from all ethnic backgrounds in the medical field, especially obstetrics.

I started my first quarter in January, and I plan on finishing my prerequisites at Tacoma Community College before transferring into a University nursing program. I want to work in labor and delivery, and eventually become a midwife.

I am so thankful for Shannon and Step By Step, for supporting my dreams. This organization has encouraged me to make healthy decisions for my children and myself. We have a bright future!

Maria Maria is an extraordinary mom, who has a huge heart for others.

A nurse told me about Step By Step, right after I delivered my baby at the St. Joseph hospital in Tacoma. Being new in the country, I was afraid and unsure. I didn’t know where to start or how to navigate with a newborn in a land that, though welcoming, was magnanimously intimidating.

My amazing Step By Step case manager showed up at my door, hands overflowing with everything my baby needed for a month. Her smile was the most reassuring light for a tired, sleep deprived new mother. She talked to me about the American health system and where to find resources for just about everything.

Before I came to America, I was a doctor in Kenya for several years. I want to pursue American medical licensing, so I can not only provide for my family but also offer services to those who may not be able to afford it. I am thankful to have this scholarship to help me pay for online test preparation, books, and to pay for my exams.

My family and I are truly blessed to have Step By Step in our life. This journey of motherhood has been eased significantly. They have truly been my saving grace. Thank you!

*NOT PICTURED AND NAME CHANGED FOR PRIVACY These scholarships were made possible in partnership with the Puyallup Kiwanis Foundation.

PUYALLUP KIWANIS

FROM FARMERS TO

Families Farm 12 had the privilege of helping to coordinate the delivery of food boxes to local families in need.

Farm 12 and Step By Step partnered with the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program and Pacific Coast Fruit Company to coordinate the distribution and delivery of quality produce and dairy products to hundreds of families in need, in our local communities.

We quickly redistributed boxes to 4 different pick up sites, where families were waiting to receive them, and a team of volunteers provided porch drop deliveries for the rest. Altogether, we delivered boxes to families from Lakewood all the way to Everett.

This effort made it possible for local farms to utilize food that would otherwise go to waste due to restaurant, venue, and travel industry closures, by redistributing it to families in need.

Pacific Coast Fruit Company has coordinated the distribution and delivery of quality produce and dairy products to thousands of food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits throughout the Pacific Northwest. Step By Step was fortunate to be one of those recipients.

We helped to deliver over 1,000 boxes of food to local families.

Farm 12’s Executive Chef Daven connected Step By Step with the Farmers to Families program

Farm 12 is a social enterprise business, featuring a 400-seat banquet event hall, a 2,000 square foot training kitchen, and an onsite bakery and restaurant.

100% of profits go to support Step By Step programs.

To learn more, visit www.farm12.org

Virtual Our moms support each other.

MOMS CONNECT WITH

Support Group “What has been the most challenging part of parenting this week for you?”

A simple check-in question starts the conversation each week, at Step By Step’s Walk With Me Support Circle for moms. This social support group provides a safe place for pregnant and parenting women to share their experiences and the emotions which arise as parents.

Time is set aside during the group to share resources and parenting strategies. Most importantly, group members appreciate a compassionate circle, the chance to meet new friends, and the reminder that they are not alone.

For the group, their time together has been especially rich during this time of physical distancing, due to COVID-19. Group members have welcomed a safe space, where they can talk about their thoughts, fears, anxiety, and challenges. Recent topics have included how stay-home orders have impacted relationships, how to manage stress and find time for self care, and frustration with trying to homeschool older children, while caring for a new baby.

Research has shown that social support is the most important factor in determining physical and emotional health. It has been widely publicized that loneliness has become an epidemic in our nation. Step By Step received a Perinatal Mental Health grant to help fund the program, with the goal of supporting the emotional health and well-being of pregnant women and new parents.

The Walk With Me Support Circle originally began meeting in March of 2019, funded through a partnership with Strengthening Families Washington, Perinatal Support Washington, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

The support group is facilitated by two Step By Step case managers, Becky Hoffman, MA, LMFT, and Christine McClendon, MPH, RD, IBCLC. Becky and Christine attended an excellent two-day Group Peer Support (GPS) training which is an intersectional community-based group approach that is trauma-informed and supports parents of diverse identities and experiences. The GPS model offers a structure to the group process and emphasizes confidentiality, non-judgment, compassion, and an advice-free zone.

Baby Trenton now has even more reasons to smile.

His family has overcome enormous challenges. We were thankful to be able to provide some relief, including rental assistance, food, and vital baby items.

PARTNERS WORKING TOGETHER

For Good

In April, we received a generous financial grant from the Pierce County Connected COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, to help support our efforts to address urgent needs of our families.

These funds have supported virtual case management visits for our moms in Pierce County, helped us supply basic needs such as food, baby essentials and household items, and created a one-time emergency rent and utility assistance fund to help prevent homelessness for struggling families.

Thank you from our Step By Step case management team :

“ “

One of my moms with a 6-month-old baby lost her job and was struggling to find new employment. She applied many places and was hired at Amazon, but a lapse in employment caused her to fall behind on her rent. We provided one-time rental assistance to help her get caught up. She is now training at Amazon and back to working full time.

As a healthcare worker with a high risk pregnancy, one of my moms was advised by her doctor not to work, due to concerns with COVID-19.

When her husband lost his job, due to the pandemic, their situation became volatile. Since they had recently moved to the State, they did not qualify for unemployment, and their savings and borrowed money from family and friends were not enough to pay their rent. This grant allowed us to pay their last $500 to keep their rent current, until her husband could start his new job.

“

I was able to provide extra counseling and case management for a mom who was dealing with a great deal of stress, with a newborn, a 1-year-old, and her partner being in jail.

She was feeling socially isolated and dealing with a lot of trauma from past emotional and physical abuse. Being able to reconnect with someone she trusts and talk through her ongoing emotional struggles was critical and invaluable for her, especially during this difficult time.

“

A mom with two children, including a new baby, became sick with COVID-19 and lost her job at the same time. As a single mom, she was incredibly stressed. She also recently lost her mom, and I was her only steady support person. I was so thankful to be able to use some funds to provide mental health support and assist her with creating a plan to cope with her situation.

Kingston and Ka’maiya have a great mom.

Alanta has worked hard to prepare and provide for her twins. Her Step By Step case manager has been able to stay connected with her and provide support through Virtual Visits.

Thank you from our Step By Step case management team :

Perigee provided funding to help strengthen our work, supporting our efforts to provide Virtual Home Visits, meet emergent basic needs, and expand our virtual social support group to reach more moms.

With Perigee’s support, we were able to have flex funding available for our case managers, to provide mothers with vital needs such as groceries, diapers, formula, toiletries, and other basic needs.

Their partnership continues to help support virtual home visits and telemedicine, for our King County moms. And, we were also able to continue and expand our weekly, social support group in Pierce County, a program that has been critical for mothers experiencing increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

“

One of my moms qualified for unemployment but had not received it yet, and she was running out of groceries.

In this case, all this mom needed was a $50 grocery gift card to get her through a few more days. But, that little bit of immediate support meant the world to her and kept her and her family fed.

“ “

One of my moms with a complicated high-risk pregnancy became homeless due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of this funding, I was able to cover three nights in a motel for her, until we could get her screened and entered into a shelter. Now, she is able to be in a safe place and focus on getting permanent housing and having a healthy pregnancy.

It had been several months since one of my moms graduated our program, but she called me recently seeking help. She and her husband had both lost their jobs. They were behind on rent, needed food, and the stress was overwhelming her. She said she did not want to live any longer, life was too hard, and she could not cope.

She had tried to get an appointment with her mental health counselor, but his next available appointment was three weeks away.

Knowing her history, I was able to provide her intense supportive counseling. I worked with her family to recruit support and develop an action plan.

Step By Step was able to connect her family with multiple food resources, and we found a resource for them to receive short-term rental assistance.

She is doing so much better. She is no longer having suicidal thoughts. Both of their jobs have since been reinstated, and they have hope for their future.

These interventions were possible, because of the Perigee funds I could employ to care for this family. I am incredibly thankful that we have the flexibility to increase our level of care for both moms actively in our program as well as moms who are reaching back out, in need of a trusted ally during this time.

FINDING HOPE AND

Giving Back “I’m not usually in a place to donate, so I figured I would while I could.”

Over the past few months, we’ve experienced incredible generosity from our community. Volunteers eagerly joined our efforts and delivered critical care packages to over 184 families who needed extra support. Volunteers and staff delivered flowers, small gifts, and words of encouragement to 56 mothers on Mother’s Day weekend.

And, many faithful donors have stepped in and contributed food and other baby essentials just when we needed it the most!

“You don’t have to change THE world, but you can change YOUR world.”

We are also so grateful for our donors who continue to encourage and support our work financially. It’s heartwarming to hear our donors’ testimonials when asked,

“We knew we couldn't help every person or group that needs it right now, so we picked just one to focus on - Step

By Step. We want Step By Step and the support businesses they created (Farm 12, the greenhouse) to survive the pandemic and thrive in the future.”

“what inspired your gift?”

I have used your services twice. Once in 2005-2006 when my daughter was born and I was a VERY poor, young single mother. And, again in 2018 when my twins were born and I was a less poor and much older single mother.

I would not have survived having my oldest daughter if it weren’t for your services. All of her first Christmas gifts came from your free “store” at the Christmas party. And, Christine was helpful in getting me things to make raising newborn twins manageable. Things I didn’t even know existed, like a twin nursing pillow.

During this pandemic I’ve been fortunate to work from home and still keep my full income. I thought it would be better to donate some of the stimulus money I received rather than to impulse buy things I don’t need to quell my anxiety. I’m not usually in a place to donate, so I figured I would while I could.

“We give what we can now to meet their most urgent needs first. The first week, their most urgent need was peanut butter. It's pretty simple, and it makes a difference.”

“My wife asked to contribute to your worthy goals, so she threw in 200 bucks a few weeks ago. Not wanting to be outdone, here's our second effort. We are both retired educators and it is absolutely clear that our community, our country, our world's success is dependent upon healthy, educated women.

Time and time again, history has shown that any investment in women’s betterment is a bargain. Anywhere women are empowered makes for a better world for everyone. It is resources not just well spent but well invested. And we are pleased to do our small bit.”

MEET A FEW

New Baby Pictures

Nothing can stop cute. Little bundles of hope are arriving every day.

Arrivals

VOLUNTEER

Champions

OF THE MONTH

April Corey Corey began volunteering at Step By Step after learning about us through a friend who was getting married at Farm 12. Each week, Corey comes to our office and sorts and carefully assembles cute baby outfits from donated clothing and rolls them into little bundles to become part of our Welcome Home bags. These gift bags, full of useful baby items, are delivered by our case managers to our new moms, as a way of celebrating each new life.

Corey says that she loves the inclusive scope of the Step By Step program and that “putting together baby clothes is just plain fun!” We’re so grateful for Corey’s heart and her attention to detail, as she helps us welcome all the new babies!

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Contact Annmarie at annmariemathews@stepbystepfamily.org

May American Heritage Girls Step By Step received a generous donation of diapers and wipes from the American Heritage Girls Troop 0414. These ambitious girls collected 17 cases of wipes and 16 cases of diapers to help restock our shelves, as we work to meet the increased needs of our families. Angela Shin, a mother in the troop, helped connect the girls to our organization and also volunteered to deliver food and supplies to families.

June

Burkhart Dental Supply Just before our social enterprise restaurant Farm 12 was set to re-open its doors for dine-in service, a hard-working group of volunteers from Burkhart Dental Supply arrived to help us do some maintenance and clean up around our site.

Armed with yard tools and strong backs, they tackled overgrown weedy areas and leftover construction piles, and cheerfully labored to beautify our property. We are grateful to Shannon Bruil for bringing his team to sweat and serve!

Choose your fitness challenge.

Finish strong.

LITTLE STEPS, BIG DREAMS | VIRTUAL FITNESS CHALLENGE | SEPTEMBER 2020 We may be apart, but we’re together for good.

Build strong families with us. www.stepbystepfamily.org/finishstrong

www.stepbystepfamily.org @stepbystepnews @farm12news

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