Supportive Services, a department within Solutions That Empower People, Inc. (STEP), has moved its Martinsville office from the Jefferson Plaza to a new location on Liberty Street.
The new office in Martinsville is located next door to Grace Network on one side and United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site on the other. All three are located in the building which houses Lester Home Center.
STEP’s re-entry services (for citizens returning from incarceration) and homelessness services are offered through this department. While the office is located in Martinsville, STEP offers these services in Franklin, Patrick and Henry counties as well.
“We are excited about this move because it helps us offer holistic services to our clients in partnership with our neighbors,” said STEP Executive Director Marc Crouse. “Our clients who have need of more extensive services than we can offer may be able to find help at Grace Network and United Way, and vice-versa. It is great synergy.”
Grace Network is a faith-based nonprofit with resources for people in crisis, including financial assistance, a food pantry, mentoring, and referrals. United Way’s VITA site helps low-income tax payers file their returns. Crouse also pointed out that the Workforce One Stop is near, across Commonwealth Boulevard.
Through the re-entry program, STEP assists individuals returning from incarceration and their families to make a successful transition back to the community. Services include helping with immediate critical needs such as housing, clothing and food; referrals to community partners (support groups, substance abuse and mental health needs; life skills, healthy family dynamics and conflict resolution counseling; personal finance education and support; transportation assistance; and restoration of rights.
The homelessness services program encompasses the Virginia Housing Solutions Program (VHSP) Homeless Prevention, which provides financial assistance and case management for low-income renters. “Rapid Re-Housing” offers emergency financial assistance to those who are homeless in Franklin, Patrick, Henry, and Pittsylvania counties and the cities of Martinsville and Danville. These services are available as long as funds are available.
As a nonprofit community action agency, STEP’s other services include Early Head Start and Head Start (school readiness for children up to 5 years old); youth services (LIFES Academy and Project Discovery); senior services (Meals on Wheels, transportation); housing and weatherization; and financial services (tax preparation assistance). STEP’s mission is to empower people to overcome barriers to economic, educational and developmental success within the communities it serves. STEP’s main office is located in Rocky Mount and there is a site for Head Start/Early Head Start and Senior Services in Stuart.
