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
allison@lifestepsusa.org

 

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.

LifeSTEPS Awarded $15,000 Grant from The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to Support After-School and Summer Reading Programs

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Sacramento, California – [October 30th, 2024] – LifeSTEPS is proud to announce that it has been awarded a generous $15,000 grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) to support after-school program, including the eight-week Summer Reading Program. This funding will directly benefit at-risk youth in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, helping to prevent the “summer slide,” establishing reading corners, and providing backpacks filled with school supplies in LifeSTEPS programs across the region.

LifeSTEPS is one of 228 grant recipients awarded by SMBMI this year, with over $12.6 million awarded in total. This grant will sustain and enhance educational opportunities for underserved communities, positively impacting low-income youth’s academic achievement and overall well-being. In 2023, LifeSTEPS’ Summer Reading Program achieved remarkable results, with 98% of participants either maintaining or increasing their reading levels. This achievement underscores the program’s effectiveness and its critical role in helping young students stay on track academically during the summer months.

This funding comes at a time when nonprofit organizations in the Inland Empire face significant challenges, receiving far less support than other regions in California. Data shows that the Inland Empire receives only $26 per capita in nonprofit funding, compared to the statewide average of $262. LifeSTEPS is extremely grateful for the partnership with SMBMI, which will help sustain these vital programs and ensure that youth in underserved communities have access to the educational resources they need.

About LifeSTEPS
LifeSTEPS (Life Skills Training and Educational Programs) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and supportive services to residents of affordable and supportive housing communities throughout California. Our mission is to empower individuals and families through education, resource connections, and supportive services to build stronger communities. Learn more at www.lifestepsusa.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Axel Diaz
Fund Development Manager
axel@lifestespusa.org