At Step Up for Better Living, our commitment is simple: meet people where they are and move forward together.
As Executive Director, I’m proud to share our strategic vision and a thoughtful
restructuring of our services and mission to better serve you.
We show up, keep our word, and protect your dignity. Accountability guides our decisions and partnerships.CompassionTrustWe listen first. Every program centers real people, real barriers, and real possibilities.InnovationWe test, learn, and adapt. From digital access to integrated care pathways, we use new tools and smarter processes to deliver results.SolutionsWe don’t stop at identifying needs—we co-create practical,
measurable solutions with our community and partners.What’s changing—and why it mattersGet Started Today! We’re consolidating programs into clear pathways so community members can navigate support without repeating their story or losing momentum. A streamlined service model.Integrated intake and care navigation.One front door, coordinated follow-through, and warm handoffs across services and partner agencies.Data-informed improvement.We will track outcomes that matter—access, satisfaction,
timeliness, and long-term impact—and use those insights to continually improve.Community voice at the center.Advisory councils and regular feedback loops will shape priorities, design, and delivery.This is more than an update—it’s a promise. With trust and compassion as our foundation,
innovation as our engine, and a solution-driven mindset as our compass, we will deliver services
that are easier to access, easier to navigate, and more effective for everyone.
Thank you for stepping up with us. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate,
and solution-driven future for our community.We envision a thriving community where trust empowers connection, compassion drives care,
and innovation sparks lasting solutions. Together, we step up to build a future where every
person has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive.Our Vision Our Mission Our mission is to strengthen community well-being by delivering trusted, compassionate, and
innovative services. Guided by a solution-driven model, we create accessible pathways of
support that meet people where they are and help them move forward with dignity, resilience,
and hope.We proudly welcome interns at every stage of their academic journey—associate, bachelor’s,
and master’s levels—offering hands-on learning in social work, human services,
communications, and marketing.
Through mentorship, collaboration, and meaningful projects, we create a supportive environment
that empowers future leaders to grow with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
By opening our doors widely, we provide a bridge between learning and practice—where students can connect knowledge with impact and step into their professions ready to succeed.Internship Program VisionAt Step Up for Better Living, we believe in nurturing the next generation of professionals with
care, guidance, and opportunity. Our internship program is an educational and safe space where
students from all walks of life can gain the real-world experience and practical skills they need to
thrive in their chosen fields.
Her leadership is marked by the ability to bring people together—staff, interns, partners, and
community members—to co-create solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term
goals. With lived experience as her foundation, Jessica champions models of service that are
accessible, innovative, and effective, ensuring that every individual is met with dignity and
respect.
She is especially passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders
through internships and mentorship, fostering environments where future professionals can gain
the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Known for her warmth, collaborative spirit, and relentless drive, Jessica embodies the belief that progress happens when people step up together.About Jessica CordovaJessica Cordova serves as the Executive Director , where she leads with a vision rooted in trust, compassion, innovation, and solution-driven action.
Born and raised in the Bronx, and proud to be a first-generation professional, Jessica’s journey
has been one of resilience, determination, and heart. Becoming a mother at a young age, she
learned early the importance of perseverance and hustle—qualities that fueled her climb up the
ladder in her career in operations and leadership. Over the years, she built a strong track record
of guiding teams, streamlining processes, and driving organizational growth—all while staying
deeply connected to the people her work serves.
Open Step Up’s doors to the South Bronx community by partnering with charter schools, DOE schools, and local daycares to provide mental health resources, HRA support, and
accessible family services.Expanding Community ReachDeliver Quality Counseling & Case ManagementProvide counseling and case management services that support families, individuals, andchildren with cognitive and mental health needs, promoting sustainability and preserving family unity.Develop Professional Pathways Across All Levels of EducationCreate a safe learning space for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to gain internship experience and hands-on skills in human services, social work, marketing, and communications — preparing them for careers, higher education, and leadership opportunities.Foster Community Engagement & ProgrammingExpand educational, social, and cultural programming for all stages of life — from early childhood through seniors — while creating intergenerational programs that strengthen community ties and shared learning across generations.
