Member Spotlight- Steps to End Poverty in McPherson County
Steps to End Poverty of McPherson County (STEPMC) continues to make a lasting impact across McPherson, Moundridge, and Inman by helping individuals and families build a path beyond poverty through education, mentorship, and community support. Located at 1200 E. Kansas Avenue in McPherson, STEPMC’s mission is “to build relationships that transform lives and move the community beyond poverty.” Director Angela Brunk said the organization’s success is measured not only in numbers but in transformed lives. “We are doing some amazing things here at STEPMC,” Brunk said. “To date, we have helped 118 adults and 83 children out of poverty, meaning 200% above the federal poverty guideline.” She added that the impact reaches beyond the families themselves. “Every time we help somebody out of poverty, we save our community $28,200 per person per year.”
One of STEPMC’s cornerstone programs is the 24-week Getting Ahead class. Once participants graduate from the Getting Ahead program they can become Team Leaders. They are paired with community Team Partners for ongoing support and are equipped with tools such as goal setting, work skills, education, and social capital.
Administrative Assistant Stephanie Roan highlighted the significance of the program’s upcoming Getting Ahead Graduation on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in McPherson. “This is a milestone for graduates because a lot of them haven’t completed much in their lives,” Roan said. “It’s a really big step in the right direction for their lives, and it is really nice for them to have people here to support them.” STEPMC’s reach continues to expand through its Inman program, which launched last year and has already seen encouraging results. Coach Alyssa Pollman said the first class began with 13 participants, graduating nine, with seven continuing into Phase Two. “That’s where all the magic happens,” Pollman said. “We work on goals, and we really dig deep and focus on what we need and the barriers to overcome to get to those goals. Students also have the middle-class partners that they match with, and they just really help to be accountable and make connections.”
STEPMC is also developing innovative partnerships and outreach efforts to meet people wherever they are. The organization operates its “Getting Ahead While Getting Out” jail program, designed to help incarcerated individuals create a plan for success after release. “It helps inmates make a plan and to be on a different path when they get out of jail,” Roan explained. This fall, STEPMC will partner with McPherson College to offer a pilot class for students participating in the college’s Student Debt Project. “There’s a group of students who just need a little bit more help,” Brunk said. “We’re really excited about this partnership and what it means for the future of STEPMC and Mac College.”
Community support remains vital to STEPMC’s mission through fundraisers and volunteer opportunities, including a pulled pork fundraiser August 31st at West Zion Church in Moundridge. Pollman encouraged community members to attend, saying, “It’s a free will donation, and it’s lots of fun and amazing food.” To learn more about Steps to End Poverty of McPherson County visit their website or give them a call at 620-241-9011. Through programs, partnerships, and dedicated volunteers, STEPMC continues working to break the cycle of poverty one family at a time while strengthening the entire McPherson County community. Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by STEPMC can be seen here.
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