THE NEXT STEP
The Power of Housing, Hope, and Healing “Step Up helped me immensely. Step Up gave me an address. They gave me hope ” - James, Step Up Member
TOD LIPKA
PRESIDENT & CEO
From the beginning, Step Up has been a thought leader in mental health and homelessness. Founded over 40 years ago by a mother seeking mental health services for her son, Step Up began as a community center in downtown Santa Monica. Over time, the staff realized many of its members were also experiencing homelessness, so we expanded our services to include connections to housing. Caseworkers were also responsive to the unique needs of young adult members, who wanted a separate space where they could be themselves among their peers. In 1998, Daniel’s Place was created. This drop-in center offers unique programs targeting the special needs of these young adults, also known as Transitional Age Youth between the ages of 18-28. Young adults in Los Angeles are experiencing homelessness and serious mental health conditions at unprecedented rates. As of 2023, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported that over 3,900 young adults are living on the streets. Each year, Daniel’s Place provides support to more than 400 young adults, providing them with mental health services and connecting them to housing.
At Step Up, we believe that understanding the complex and unique needs of our members is key and we respond with unique solutions. Research shows that we’re on the right track: 95% of our members remain housed, proving that Step Up’s Housing First approach, coupled with comprehensive case management services, is the long-term solution to ending homelessness. We owe it all to you, our committed donors and partners, for contributing to transformational programs like Daniel’s Place. Thank you for choosing to come together with us to adapt solutions to end homelessness while continuing to provide compassionate support for mental health needs.
Tod Lipka, President & CEO
We all need more positivity, and we need to help give people a sense of belonging. I’m so grateful that Step Up gave me the housing and support I needed to get back on my feet.” “ “
JAMES’S STORY OF COMING HOME
“ I never imagined I would experience homelessness, but I wasn’t about to give up. There’s still so much more for me to do. ”
James has always been a hands-on, hardworking man. He spent years in the flooring industry and dedicated decades to developing and sharing his experiences in the trades. “I loved working in flooring,” said James. “You earn self-respect, gain self-worth, and are of service to others. It’s something you can carry with you for the rest of your life.”
Despite his business’s success, in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, everything changed. “Who knew a virus would wipe through the world?” said James. “I never expected business to decline, but I couldn’t see into the future.” Like so many other independent workers, James lost his business during the pandemic, and without a steady income, he faced increasing housing insecurity. Before long, he was forced to leave his home of over 40 years.
“When it all hits at once, you just keep asking yourself, ‘What am I going to do?’ I just needed shelter. I just needed to get out of the elements. But finding a new place to live seemed impossible. No one will hire you without an address,” said James.
For nearly three years the question of how to find safe and stable housing loomed over James’ head. He took refuge wherever he could find it – in emergency shelters, in his
car, and even once in a skate park – but these were all temporary solutions. He also began to experience a number of medical issues. The physical demands of a lifetime of skilled labor had caught up to James. He was limited by two blown-out knees, and in need of a bilateral hip replacement. With severely restricted mobility and limited access to healthcare, James’ health suffered greatly while experiencing homelessness. “No one knew where I was, and it was extremely difficult to communicate with my family or my doctors. In my condition, I felt like a sitting duck on the streets,” said James. “I was vulnerable, and it was dangerous. I needed a safe home if I was ever going to really get back on my feet.”
In December of 2022, James finally caught the break he needed when Step Up opened a new permanent supportive housing development in his community. Just after the start of the new year and three years after first experiencing homelessness, James officially became a Step Up member and one of the new development’s first residents.
“I felt settled the first time I walked in,” said James. “I remember thinking, ‘This is what true help is.’ Step Up gave me a home and an address. They gave me hope.”
Approaching his 60th birthday, James looks forward to his golden years and his future at his new home with Step Up.
IN-HOME VISIT SPONSOR
Provides one in-home visit from a psychiatrist or nurse for medical support.
HOUSE-WARMING SPONSOR
Provides one Welcome Home Kit full of household supplies for a new member.
OUTREACH SPONSOR
Provides one week of outreach by a master’s level clinician or social worker.
HOUSING FIRST SPONSOR
Provides housing security deposit and household supplies.
WELCOME HOME SPONSOR
Covers all initial housing costs for a member including first and last month’s rent and household supplies.
LEARN MORE about Step Up’s Program for Transitional Age Youth at stepup.org/services
GUESS Foundation’s Manager, Caroline M, and Social Responsibility Coordinator, Jessa S, with a Daniel’s Place member during a craft project and branded totebag giveaway.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: DANIEL’S PLACE
Celebrating a very important birthday with a fundraiser!
Step Up’s drop-in center for young adults (also known as Transitional Age Youth between the ages of 18 - 28,) has transformed thousands of lives of TAY experiencing serious mental health issues and homelessness since opening in 1998.
Five days a week, Daniel’s Place provides a safe, comfortable social environment to assist youth in their path to wellness and recovery. This includes securing housing and providing supportive services to help them begin their transition into independence. Specifically, Daniel’s Place provides: individual therapy, psychiatric care, nursing and case management services, supportive, clinical, recreational, and skill-building groups, personal coaching for learning, linkage to education and employment, linkage to housing, assistance with transportation, and a clothing closet and food pantry.
Daniel’s Place helps over 400 young adults every year build a better life and move toward recovery.
Daniel’s Place is named after Daniel Greenberg, a scholar, athlete, actor, humanitarian, outreach worker at Step Up, and past member of its Board of Directors. This summer would have been Daniel’s 65th birthday AND it marks the first anniversary of the move to its new location in Mar Vista!
In honor of Daniel’s birthday, and thanks to the generosity of the Greenberg family’s matching funds, Step Up was able to raise nearly $70,000 from our summer Daniel’s Place Birthday Fundraising Campaign!
In addition to the generous contributions from individual donors like you, Daniel’s Place has received tremendous support from the following community partners -
California Community Foundation
Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
George Hoag Family Foundation
GUESS Foundation
Providence Saint Johns Health Center
Speedo
The Maurice Marciano Family Foundation
Caroline Marciano GUESS Foundation