About Us

As Executive Director, BJ is responsible for overall day-to-day leadership for Steps to HOPE's administrative and shelter staff as well as for Second Chance Thrift Store. She is responsible for grant writing and reports directly to the Board of Directors.

As Counselor at Steps to HOPE, Anne meets with shelter and non-shelter clients to help them navigate their way through difficult times. She is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment.

Jessica is responsible for volunteer coordination at Steps to HOPE and at Second Chance Thrift Store. She serves as office manager and provides client services as needed at Steps to HOPE.

In addition to her accounting and payroll responsibilities, Connie is responsible for the preparation of grant reports and financial analysis of income and expense.

Over Programs and Education,Cindy is responsible for working within our local communities to promote Steps to HOPE and our mission to end domestic violence and sexual assault. She keeps and reports domestic violence and sexual assault statistics and works with other agencies involved with perpetrators. Cindy also oversees the Batterer Intervention Program (BIP), a 26-week course that educates abusers (men's and women's classes offered) about healthy family relationships. She coordinates the Adopt-A-Family program at Steps to HOPE and keeps records for the Adolescent Skill-building and Karate (ASK) Program. She works closely with Marketing and Development to hold outreach events and together they are responsible for the bulletin board program currently enjoyed by Polk County High School, Polk County Middle School, and Landrum Middle School.

Paula is responsible for advertising and event planning for Steps to HOPE. She handles press, website maintenance, works with our marketing and planning committee, and coordinates our annual golf tournament and other fundraising events. She works very closely with Programs and Education to bring awareness to the community about Steps to HOPE and our mission to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

Sandra works directly with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and with authorities and other involved agencies. She helps victims file appropriate paperwork, secure housing and other needs, and accompanies clients to court when their cases are being heard or when orders are issued.