Step uP Chattanooga

Mission: To see lives changed through reconciliation and to break the cycle of poverty.

Step uP Chattanooga, a non-profit founded in December 2014, provides individuals with classes, resources, and education within our community. By teaching the underemployed Biblical principles in work and finances, we help men and women discover their God-given purpose in work and life.

Our vision is to influence significant community change by:

• Engaging churches and local organizations to network with Step uP and our clients
• Connecting with community resources, job training, recovery programs, and those which provide the life-changing impact that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ

Step uP Chattanooga offers three classes:

1. Work is Good: Curriculum uses biblical principles, proven job-skills training techniques, and engaging adult learning methods to ensure the participants understand and will internalize the information.
2. Faith & Finances: Designed specifically for low-income adults, we help address the challenges people in our city face while helping them rediscover their God-given dignity while exploring money management skills along with biblical stewardship principles.
3. Ally Training: Allies interact directly in the classroom, or as an outside resource assisting with resumés, budgeting, employment and training opportunities, etc., while building and fostering a rapport with participants, and opening doors within the community.

Overall, our classes offer more opportunities to be life-changing because of our Allies, church connections, and community resource professionals. Allies, trained in and outside of the classroom to walk alongside and to assist in a mutually learning atmosphere and a group mentorship approach, provide the relationships which make the difference in the classroom. Classes are highly discussion-oriented, engaging, and encouraging our participants to grow towards Christ and each other.

We collaborate with regional organizations, educational, training, and employment resources with the intent to appraise each graduate of possible career opportunities while also teaching the basics of financial literacy. Upon graduation, we invite graduates to continue relationships with the allies for on going support.