Mentoring
What Do Mentors Do?
Purpose
The purpose of the STEP Mentoring Program is for followers of Jesus to develop a long-term, one-on-one, discipleship relationship with a child from The Homes at Pine Crossing (formerly Eastgate) public housing complex in North Little Rock. Through this relationship, we hope to introduce children to the love of Jesus and make disciples who make disciples.
Mentors provide a consistent and loving presence
By committing to spend 1.5 hours one night a week at the STEP gym, our mentors are a bright light in the lives of young people who need a constant, reliable presence. Through this program, mentors simply give their time. It’s a simple concept, but it’s extremely important to these kids. Our mentors “just pray and show up” to love a child.
Mentors are a positive spiritual influence
Our mentors regularly spend time in the Word with the young people as facilitated through the evening program. This invaluable time spent studying the Bible can help mentees grow in their faith, and it’s rewarding for the mentors, too.
Mentors help mentees develop life skills and transition into adulthood.
Growing up can be hard, and young people need reliable adults in their lives to provide guidance and wisdom. Along with program speakers and life skill activities, our mentors share their own knowledge and experiences to help mentees enter adulthood as successfully as possible.
Mentors provide memorable outings
Every fourth week in the mentoring program, mentors and mentees can enjoy an earned “Faithfulness outing,” which is a low-cost activity they can participate in together. This is a time to deepen the relationship away from the STEP facilities with a fun activity. Faithfulness outings can include touring local museums, colleges, libraries, the State Capitol, and more!


School-Year Mentoring Program
During the school year, mentors commit to meeting with their mentees for 1 1/2 hours once a week to build a discipleship relationship with the help of a structured program provided by the staff. Mentors and mentees meet at the STEP Family Outreach Center to study the Bible, learn life skills, play games, and be discipled in following Jesus.
Depending on the age of your mentee, you will meet with them on:
- Friendship Club (Elementary-aged children) | Mondays 5:30-7:00 pm
- Discipleship Club (Middle school youth) | Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 pm
- Ambassador Club (High school youth) | Wednesdays 5:00-6:30 pm
Summer Mentoring Program
For a short-term mentoring experience, mentors can commit to meeting with their mentees for two hours an evening for three days for one week. As a mentor, you will spend valuable time with your mentee in Bible study, taking field trips, doing arts and crafts, and just having fun.
July 2023




Meet Some Mentors!
STEP Ministries is blessed with amazing mentors. Get to know some of the mentors by reading their stories and learning and why they chose to volunteer with STEP.
Nikita Jackson, Women’s Mentoring Coordinator
Email: nikita@stepministries.org
Mobile: 501.837.8833
Rob Smith, Men’s Mentoring Coordinator
Email: rob@stepministries.org
Mobile: 501.425.7837