From Privately Struggling to Community Supported: Susan U.

Susan U. on graduation day.

“I’m a more positive person now than when I first started. I’m proud of my growth and so excited about my future now.”

Life before StepUp was hard for Susan U. After 12 years working as a hospital lab manager, her life changed abruptly when she became involved with the justice system. After being released from prison in 2023, Susan found herself in a new city with no friends or relatives to lean on and struggled to find resources to help her move forward.

After spending some time in and out of the shelter system, Susan heard about StepUp from a former StepUp participant at Southlight Healthcare, one of our remarkable community partners. Susan followed her new friend’s advice and signed up for our Empower 48 Life Skills Program, and immediately, the StepUp staff and volunteers offered the support and encouragement she was craving.

When she started Life Skills, Susan didn’t own a car, and it took her over two hours on the bus each way to reach StepUp on a Tuesday night. While some might be discouraged by this demanding process, Susan was committed to reaching StepUp every week because she treasured the support and love she received from her new community. Today, Susan is a proud owner of her own car, which she purchased while she was in the program!

“Coming into the program, I had low self-esteem, but now I see myself in a new, more empowering light.”

At a time when Susan knew no one and had no support or community, she found everything she was looking for at StepUp. We got her back on her feet, provided resources, and helped her start a new life. And along the way, she found more than just friends — she found her people. People she intends to stay connected to for a long time.

“I don’t have to stick to myself anymore. I opened up and received help in bearing the load.”