Back-to-School Supply Drive a success!
This week, 60,000 educators returned to New York City schools to begin planning and preparing. On Monday, September 21st, children will return, in-person, to the classroom. From building safety to mandatory testing, it’s a moment that raises many questions. But for almost half of all South Bronx children living in poverty, going back to school...Read More
Latest Pop-Up Food Pantry Feeds South Bronx Community
We’re excited to share the success of the latest pop-up food distribution co-sponsored by Step Up. On July 22nd, we helped serve over 5,000 residents of the Boricua Village housing development! A dedicated team of staff and volunteers provided food to the majority residents of this South Bronx development — almost 600 households spread across...Read More
Staff Spotlight: Twila Waters
For as long as she can remember, Twila Waters has been passionate about helping people in need. From her experience in social services and nonprofits in the South Bronx, to her roots in nearby food pantry work… From her dedication to senior living to her work in affordable low-income housing in the Bronx… The desire...Read More
Step Up Staff Spotlight: Louis Rodriguez
Louis Rodriguez knows a thing or two about stepping up. As Executive Director, Step Up for Better Living wouldn’t be where it is today without him. But when COVID-19 arrived in the South Bronx, Louis knew the organization could do more. Louis helped launch The Step Up Emergency Food Fund with one goal in mind:...Read More
Bronx Food Pantry Pop-Ups a Success!
For 1,400 South Bronx families, the nearest local food pantry was closer than ever last month. That’s because of two pop-up food distributions co-sponsored by Step Up for Better Living! The food giveaway events, held on June 24th and 25th, were a great success. Staff and volunteers served residents of seven buildings in the Port...Read More
Racial Injustice Statement from Executive Director Louis Rodriguez
During this painful time, we join our clients and community in grieving the death of George Floyd. We believe all individuals have the right to live with dignity, and be treated with respect. Our mission is to help people in our community feel safe, secure, and well. These values inform the work we do every...Read More
Step Up Stories: Leslie and Trinity
Meet Leslie and her daughter Trinity! The Step Up team met them recently at BronxWorks, where we went to volunteer to help distribute food purchased in part with a grant from our Emergency Food Fund. Leslie and Trinity are our neighbors here in the South Bronx. Trinity loves the swimming classes at BronxWorks. The pandemic...Read More
Step Up Emergency Food Fund Awards $50K Grant to Part of the Solution
Step Up for Better Living has awarded a grant in the amount of $50,000 to Part of the Solution (POTS). POTS will use the funds to help sustain their Emergency Food Programs, which provide nutritional prepared meals and groceries to our neighbors in need during the Covid-19 crisis. This contributes to the stability of their...Read More
Step Up Awarded $45K Capacity Building Grant from NY City Council
Step Up for Better Living (Step Up) is pleased to announce that it has received a $45,000 Capacity Building Grant through a special initiative of the New York City Council that assists organizations serving communities of color. The Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund (CCNSF) aims to build the capacity of New York City nonprofits...Read More
Step Up for Better Living – Nutritional Workshop
I have just finished my second cycle of Nutrition and Health workshops with the adult participants at Step Up For Better Living (Step Up) located in the Bronx. It has been quite a rewarding experience. I have also had the opportunity to work with the youths during the summer months. What I loved most about...Read More