LifeSTEPS Director of Social Services, Milly Quesada from the South Bay, did the necessary outreach to ensure that many children in need would receive a really cool Christmas present. Through her efforts LifeSTEPS was awarded 26 bikes, valued at more than $3600, from Turning Wheels for Kids. Each bike was equipped with a helmet and lock to ensure safety and security for our youth.

Youth living in affordable housing communities in the Bay Area where LifeSTEPS services are available were selected to receive these brand new bikes. TWFK is committed to providing bikes at the holiday and throughout the year through a number of partnerships focused on preventing childhood obesity and supporting low-income families.

These young ladies at HACSC Clarendon Street Apartments were delighted to receive their new bikes. Both come from families with limited means to provide Christmas presents. Each of their parents had inquired early in the season about accessing programs for families in need so their children would have gifts. When the opportunity from TWFK presented itself, their LifeSTEPS Social Worker immediately thought of these two worthy candidates.

You can imagine the joy these gifts brought; not just to the recipients but their mothers as well. These special gifts made this a Christmas to remember for many families throughout the Bay Region.

These Clarendon Street residents are active community members. The moms attend education classes where they are learning parenting skills, money management and healthy lifestyle choices. As well they serve as volunteers. The youth attend events and are quick to help with set up and cleanup. They also have benefited from the LifeSTEPS After School Program where they are learning social skills, making new friends, and receiving homework assistance. LifeSTEPS programs are designed to equip residents for success and to live their best possible life.

Thank you to Turning Wheels for Kids for helping LifeSTEPS bring holiday joy to families throughout the Bay Area!

On the evening of December 10^th 2013, the Sacramento Kings and Kaiser Permanente graced the good people of Phoenix Park with groceries need for the Holidays. Over 100 people stood in line that day waiting for turkeys, green beans, sweet rolls, and so much more. Even though the truck carrying the food broke down on the way to the event, the folks at Phoenix Park held strong in line, knowing that food would make all the difference this year.

However, they did not have to wait alone! Kings player Marcus Thornton, #23, along with a few Sacramento King’s Dancers walked down the line greeting residents, taking pictures, and spreading holiday cheer amongst the crowd. While waiting for the truck, residents were also kept entertained by the steppers of the After School Program at Phoenix Park Empowerment Center and even the Sacramento King’s Dancers put on a short show!

After waiting in the cold, residents were not disappointed. Every family in line was gifted a large and full box of wonderful holiday food. LifeSTEPS and Phoenix Park residents could not be more grateful for the support they were given this year during the King’s 12 Days of Giving program. Thank you all again for your support of our communities!