In addition to our Gospel-focused mentoring program, the STEP After-School Tutoring program is...
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STEP NLR – Family Outreach Center
Step In, Step Up, Step Out!
With a vibrant team of volunteers, STEP Ministries mentors, tutors, and encourages under-resourced youth in the Little Rock and North Little Rock communities.
Changing, healing, and empowering
Changing the Heart of the City through the Hope of the Gospel
The mid-’80s was a deeply troubling time for Little Rock and North Little Rock. Crime erupted throughout these communities as escalating gang violence dominated the news.
The murder rate—particularly among young men—skyrocketed while fear kept a paralyzing grip on the soul of the cities.
Making a Difference
real legacy
Since its inception in 1986, STEP Ministries has invested in thousands of under-resourced youth through mentoring and tutoring. Now there is a third generation of children in the STEP program.
real healing
The crime rate has decreased dramatically in the neighborhood surrounding the STEP Outreach Center since STEP’s inception.
real success
While North Little Rock High School has an overall graduation rate of 77 percent, 93 percent of young people involved in STEP graduate from high school.
real commitment
Our partner churches have been focusing and mobilizing their congregations to serve the children and families through the in-school Encourager program and neighborhood mentoring center model consistently for decades.
God is making an undeniable difference in this community through STEP Ministries!
God is still writing our story…
Here’s how you can be a part of it!
Mentoring
Mentors meet weekly at the STEP Outreach Center and provide a one-on-one, loving and consistent presence for under-resourced youth and serve as a positive spiritual influence through Bible study and activities facilitated by staff.
Encouraging
Encouragers represent church-school partnerships. They meet weekly and read and provide social and emotional support one-on-one with a student in the school during the school year.
Tutoring
Tutors meet once of twice a week at the STEP NLR Outreach Center and provide a one-on-one, loving and consistent presence for academically-struggling youth, helping students with reading and math facilitated by staff.
you can change the heart of the city
Please Donate Now
Your generous donation will support God’s work through STEP Ministries as we provide love and resources to children who need them.
one-on-one relationships
Meet Our Mentors
Anthony Valley
STEP Mentor since 2014
Anthony has connected deeply with his mentee and his mentee’s family as they have navigated life’s ups and downs together.
Melissa Smith
STEP Mentor since 2019
Melissa loves mentoring because of how rewarding it is to serve and love one another.
Heath Land
STEP Mentor since 2017
Heath believes mentoring is an important part of following Christ’s example to make disciples.
Jeff Rooker
STEP Mentor since 2008
Jeff has a vision for instilling Christ into the next generation, and mentoring through STEP is the perfect way to do it through one-on-one discipleship.
See what we do
STEP In Action
Throughout the school year and during the summer, STEP staff and volunteers are busy mentoring, tutoring, and encouraging young people in our local communities.
what’s new at step
News, Stories, and Updates
The Only Church He Knows
In February 2024, we had to move the STEP LR mentoring club session to the church's sanctuary for...
Our Church Partners
Events at this venue