Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Spring! 

I hope all is well with you. We have so much activity happening at Step Forward Academy and I wanted to report a few updates and share a couple of amazing stories — all of which have happened in the past month!

  • I previously reported that one of our SFA Mentees landed a new position as a Pharmacy Technician. Today, that individual is now making $37/hour! Even more incredible—she just purchased a home! Now, her and her two boys are living the dream of home ownership in Orange County!

  • Another SFA Mentee, who is a single mom of an adolescent child, recently got a job working at a new company. Before going through Step Forward Academy, the most she had ever made was $18/hour. In her new job she is starting at $24/hour. That’s a 33% increase! Her son is also showing signs of success in school as a result of increased support and financial stability.

  • We believe one of the most important audiences we can reach through our program is Young Adults. Starting in May, we will run a 4-week pilot program with a cohort of High School Seniors. These students will work through some of the basics of financial literacy, helping them navigate how to live before you get money, how to keep money, how to grow money, and how to invest in yourself.

  • Another key demographic we are committed to reaching is Veterans. We are currently actively building a core team of veterans who will volunteer to develop an effective program to support veterans as they transition into civilian careers.

  • On March 24th, 2022, 15 Nonprofits are coming together to raise $200,000 to develop a stronger workforce in Orange County. Every year, this day of giving is sponsored by the Orange County Community Foundation and we are thrilled that Step Forward Academy was invited to participate in “The Future is Working Giving Day.”

None of this would be possible without all of your prayers and support.

We are excited for all that 2022 has in store for us as we create transformation one mentorship at a time!

Blessings,

Ryan Wong

Executive Director

Step Forward Academy