Welcome to the LifeSTEPS Newsletter.  As our agency continues to grow and change we chose a newsletter as a way to keep you, our valued partners, informed.  In each edition, we will provide a snapshot of how residents, property owners and property management benefit from the supportive services provided by LifeSTEPS.  A study published by Mercy Housing (April 2007), provides data that "properties offering resident services realized significant overall per unit savings when compared with properties NOT offering resident services."    
     LifeSTEPS works collaboratively with families and individuals on issues such as education, career development, money management, health, and family dynamics, to equip them with the skills, resources, and support to break the cycle of poverty and maintain stable housing.    Keeping children in stable homes allows for a continuum of education which is critical to their future success.  This success is further augmented at LifeSTEPS' after school programs where children are learning life skills and improving academic performance. By serving entire families, LifeSTEPS is able to save them from the stresses associated with losing their housing while minimizing vacancies and reducing overall property management costs.
     Like our partners, LifeSTEPS is passionate about improving the lives of residents.  Now, more than ever, as the economy wreaks havoc on the lives of many, we desire to be a safety net for residents.  It is our goal to have emergency assistance available for residents and we are approaching potential donors with that in mind.  Due to the economy, many funders are scaling back; yet, LifeSTEPS has recently secured funding from various sources throughout California. We have a team in place that is actively researching and approaching funders on a monthly basis and are excited about future possibilities.
     Through housing and supportive services, together we will continue to help residents create better lives for themselves and their children.  In future newsletters, we will share more about our key partnerships on a rotating basis, as well as provide an additional link between you and your communities.  Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence!
Sincerely,
Beth Southorn, MACP
Co-Executive Director