Birth of a Success: LaRonda M.

“Life before StepUp was daunting. It was to a point where I couldn’t continue to push forward.”

When LaRonda M. first started with StepUp, she thought it might be a waste of time. Having been part of many programs, she was skeptical of starting a new one because she was sick of all the false starts and false hope. But, after hearing about StepUp from our partner InterAct, she worked to complete her first phase of StepUp and changed her mindset tremendously.

“StepUp helped me see that I can commit to things and that I love myself a lot. Through their support, I have grown to be more confident and more comfortable within myself.”

The challenges LaRonda faced during the program were immense. She navigated the stress of relocating her family, only to move into a space plagued by flooding and structural issues. Amid these physical struggles, she juggled holding a job, parenting her children, and coping with her partner’s incarceration.

“I had challenges that tried to hold me back but I still completed the program. Never give up and move forward even when things are hard. Life and time will continue despite how we are feeling. It is ok to invest in yourself.”

Despite many hurdles, LaRonda graduated from StepUp. She is now a doula after obtaining her doula certification while balancing work, StepUp classes, and motherhood. To those considering StepUp, LaRonda offers heartfelt advice: be open to learning new things and meeting new people. And, most of all, making positive changes.

“StepUp Ministry changed my life by showing me that there are people who really care and want to support you. I do love that I have a place where I can grow and help my community.”