LifeSTEPS Receives $125,000 Grant from U.S. Bank Foundation to Support Social Services for Vulnerable Families and Individuals

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SACRAMENTO, CA (March 20, 2025) – LifeSTEPS, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education and supportive services, has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation. This funding will enhance LifeSTEPS’ integrated social services programs, which provide critical support to low-income families and individuals across 422 affordable and supportive housing communities in 35 California counties.

LifeSTEPS’ programs include on-site case management, intensive case management, academic and trade scholarships, emergency financial assistance and financial literacy education—all designed to foster long-term stability and self-sufficiency for vulnerable communities.

 “Creating equitable opportunities for our community requires resources, and we appreciate the support from the U.S. Bank Foundation, which helps us continue to build and expand the innovative programs we’re proud to offer,” said Beth Southorn, Executive Director of LifeSTEPS.

Through this grant, LifeSTEPS will continue to expand its mission of empowering individuals and families to overcome barriers to success, offering tailored support services that promote economic stability, education and overall well-being.

“Supporting the development of small businesses and a dynamic workforce is an investment in today and our future. We’re proud to work with organizations like LifeSTEPS to help gain greater financial literacy and build thriving communities,” said Ashley Bocek, Community Affairs Manager at U.S. Bank.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting community impact through its Community Possible platform, which includes philanthropy, community investments and employee volunteerism.

For more information about LifeSTEPS and its programs, visit www.lifestepsusa.org.

About LifeSTEPS

LifeSTEPS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing effective educational and supportive services that maximize individual strengths and build resilient communities. Through coordinated social services, LifeSTEPS serves low-income families, senior and individuals living in affordable and supportive housing communities across California.

Media Contact:
Axel Diaz
Director of Fund Development

 

Beth Southorn and Bruce Kuban Honored at Housing CA Conference

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On March 6, 2025, Beth Southorn, Executive Director of LifeSTEPS and Bruce Kuban, Interim CalAIM Director at LifeSTEPS, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to homelessness solutions at California Housing’s 2025 Annual Conference in Sacramento. The two joined a panel of experts including Leepi Shimkhada, Deputy Director of Housing for Health at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Rebecca Louie, President and CEO of Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation and Jeffrey Najarian, Wellness Services Manager at Wakeland Housing and Development. Together, they led an insightful discussion titled Housing First: Navigating Controversy and Politics in the Pursuit of Effective Homelessness Solutions.

The Housing First model prioritizes providing permanent, stable housing before addressing other challenges such as mental health, employment or substance use. This approach has been widely adopted and has demonstrated significant success in reducing homelessness and improving long-term outcomes. However, despite its proven effectiveness, Housing First remains a topic of debate, often entangled in political and ideological conflicts.

The panel explored the challenges and misconceptions surrounding Housing First, the political dynamics influencing its implementation and the evidence-based successes that underscore its critical role in addressing homelessness. Discussions emphasized the need for collaboration among policymakers, housing advocates and service providers to navigate these complexities and advance sustainable solutions.

Beth and Bruce received Badges of Recognition for their contributions as speakers at the conference and their dedication to improving the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Their work at LifeSTEPS has been instrumental in advocating for integrated housing solutions that combine stable housing with essential supportive services—an approach proven to foster long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency.

Pam Moore Named Chief Operating Officer of LifeSTEPS

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Sacramento, CA – LifeSTEPS is pleased to announce the promotion of Pam Moore to Chief Operating Officer, effective January 2, 2025. In this role, Pam will continue to provide strategic leadership, driving innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life for at-risk and underserved populations through direct services and community partnerships.

Pam previously served as LifeSTEPS’ Director of Program Development and Quality Control.

Since joining LifeSTEPS in 2010, Pam has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s business model across California. Her expertise in program development and implementation has transformed the agency’s database infrastructure and reporting processes, elevating performance and impact.

“Pam truly knows how to make an impact,” said Beth Southorn, executive director at LifeSTEPS. “Her ability to develop and implement diverse programs has revolutionized our operations. But beyond her expertise in nonprofit leadership, it’s her deep connection with our dedicated team, her ability to recognize individual strengths and her talent for effectively communicating the value we bring to our partners that make her an exceptional leader.”

In addition to her work at LifeSTEPS, Pam has spent two decades consulting with The Community College Foundation, helping young adults with disabilities gain meaningful work experience, develop essential job skills, and pursue their educational goals. She also served as an Assistant Director for Ride to Walk, where she championed the physical and mental health benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for children with disabilities.

Pam resides in Rocklin, CA, where she enjoys life on three acres with her husband and son. A lover of nature, she finds joy in photographing wildlife around her pond and spending time with family and friends. She is also an avid reader.

For more information about LifeSTEPS and its leadership team, visit www.lifestepsusa.org.

 

Media Contact: 
Allison Marino
LifeSTEPS

 

Building a Brighter Future: How LifeSTEPS and the FSS Program Helped BreAnna Achieve Homeownership

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Building a Brighter Future: How LifeSTEPS and the FSS Program Helped BreAnna Achieve Homeownership

When BreAnna left the Army and transitioned to civilian life, she faced an uphill battle. Without a strong support system, she struggled to find stability and eventually sought temporary shelter at the Julian Street Inn in San Jose. But this difficult chapter in her life set the stage for an incredible transformation.

While staying at the shelter, BreAnna learned about LifeSTEPS and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, which help individuals and families in affordable housing build financial independence. In 2018, she secured a HUD-VASH voucher and moved into a Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) community served by LifeSTEPS. There, she connected with Denelle Fedor, a LifeSTEPS case manager, who encouraged her to enroll in SCCHA’s FSS program and guided her on a path toward long-term stability.

With Denelle’s support, BreAnna took charge of her future. She earned a dispatcher certification, secured a job with U-Haul, and within a year, received a promotion. U-Haul also provided her with in-company housing, allowing her to save money and take meaningful steps toward her lifelong dream—homeownership.

Even after she moved, Denelle remained a steady source of encouragement. Through the FSS program, she continued to coach BreAnna toward financial independence. “I believe that initiatives like the FSS program, with support from compassionate individuals like Denelle and the staff at LifeSTEPS, empower those who may otherwise feel forgotten or overlooked,” BreAnna shared. “Denelle served as my coach and case manager. If I didn’t have her during this time, I probably would have been lost and wouldn’t be where I am today.”

By 2023, BreAnna set her sights on owning a home—and on February 30th, she officially closed on her first home in Sacramento, becoming the first in her immediate family to achieve this milestone. The day held even greater significance, as it was also her father’s birthday. “That makes this process even more beautiful,” she said.

Now settled in her new home, BreAnna is focused on giving back. Inspired by her own experiences, she hopes to support other veterans facing similar challenges and is currently pursuing a role with the VA to help fellow veterans on their path to stability. “I want to help others grow, just like Denelle helped me,” she shares.

BreAnna’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of support programs like LifeSTEPS and FSS. Through determination and the right resources, she turned obstacles into opportunities—and now, she’s committed to helping others do the same.

About the FSS Program:

The FSS program promotes the development of local strategies to coordinate public and private resources that help housing choice voucher program participants, public housing tenants, and tenants in the Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) program obtain employment that will enable participating families to achieve economic independence and reduce dependence on welfare assistance and rental subsidies. The program consists of goal development, case management and escrow credit to eligible head of household participants. The program is voluntary, and participants are required to meet their goals in a five-year term.