Step Up Savannah is excited to host its 2022 Annual Meeting on October 25, 2022, at the Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus. 

Title Sponsored by Wells Fargo, this year’s annual meeting theme is “Step Up Together,” encouraging people from all sectors to work together to power a more economically inclusive community. Step Up Savannah’s annual meeting will feature keynote speaker Gary Cunningham, President, and CEO of Prosperity Now, a national convener for racial and economic equity. “Although rich in human, natural, and creative resources, 22% of Savannah residents live in income poverty and nearly 44% of Households of Color live in asset poverty with a net worth of zero. Our annual meeting aims to educate our community and inspire organizations, business partners, elected officials and community members to come together and work to ensure everyone in our community can thrive.” said Executive Director, Alicia M. Johnson. 

Step Up Savannah strives to create a community where all people can participate in the economy. Over the last year, Step Up Savannah has provided workforce development to over 247 individuals, 371 wrap around services, held financial education workshops for 491 people, reinvested over $883,174 back into the community, and served 7,383 people through the Public Benefits Program. Additionally, Step Up Savannah has expanded advocacy efforts through the Bridges Beyond Benefits Network, Step Up and Vote, and Call to Action initiatives.

“Step Up Savannah wants to express our utmost gratitude and appreciation for all of our corporate partners like Wells Fargo, who’s generosity allows us to be able to welcome the community to our annual meeting free of charge,” said Alicia M. Johnson, executive director of Step of Savannah. “It is because of our partners that we can continue to move towards economic equity in our community, moving the needle one person at a time.” 

Since its inception Step Up Savannah has served over 200,000 individuals and families. Step Up has continued its support to 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.