Step Up Savannah is excited to announce the receipt of $10,000 from Wells Fargo to support its Asset Building and Financial Security Programs.

These funds will be used to promote economic inclusion and financial security programming for residents of Chatham County. “We are grateful for the opportunity to use these dollars to further invest in our community. Savannah has an asset poverty rate of 35.5%, indicating one in three residents have insufficient net worth to meet their most basic needs. Our goal is to increase the number of positive economic mobility outcomes through our direct servicing programs.” said Executive Director, Alicia M. Johnson.

The cycle of poverty often repeats over generations, leaving families feeling trapped under the weight of financial burdens. Step Up Savannah recognizes the impacts that generational wealth gaps can have on the economic mobility of local individuals and families and is on a mission to help members of our community establish financial know-how and independence. Step Up Savannah focuses on a few key areas to create actual change and position lower-income individuals for financial success: direct service programs, advocacy and education, and community resource collaboration.

“Step Up Savannah wants to express our utmost gratitude and appreciation for all of our partners like Wells Fargo, who make our service to the community possible,” said Alicia M. Johnson, executive director of Step of Savannah. “It is because of our partners that we can assist individuals on their path to economic mobility and move the needle in the right direction for the community, one person at a time.”

Since 2009, Step Up has helped thousands of unemployed and under-employed Chatham County residents on the path to financial stability. By providing opportunities for economic mobility among low-wealth families and individuals, the nonprofit seeks to end the cycle of persistent poverty for residents. Step Up Savannah has six direct service programs: AmeriCorps VISTA, Chatham Apprentice Program, Level Up, Neighborhood Leadership Academy, Public Benefits, and the Working Families Network. Since 2006, Step Up Savannah has served over 200,000 individuals.