Step-Up, Inc. takes pride in being an inclusive referral-based nonprofit primarily focused on one’s wellness journey by linking people to care.
Their goal is to be a bridge for individuals that have been affected by disparities and to provide support for clients who face health barriers.
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“I am honored to be the first Black president and CEO of this organization. As the president of Step-Up, Inc., we are blessed to be one of two reentry programs that were recipients of a Christel DeHaan endowment,” said Michael Martin Drain, the first Black president & CEO.
“Our direct work with the CDC, state and city has made Step-Up a leader which prioritizes health and equity for marginalized communities.”
Step-Up, Inc.
Along with testing for diseases, the organization offers case management and refers clients to services for treatment. They also offer numerous services, including funding for utilities and housing, harm reduction tools, transportation assistance, hygiene products, clothing, food and therapy.
Before attaining his new role, Drain was on the board of the organization.
He said he has always been passionate about this type of work and helping his community.
“Currently, HIV accounts for 55.10% of individuals living with the disease in the state of Indiana. Most of those individuals are people of color. So, I think it’s really important when you have an affected population that you have people in leadership roles be able to connect with the community,” said Drain.
“I think in many ways there’s a huge significance in me just being in this role and being able to really talk to our brothers and sisters about the epidemic that we face here within the state.”
One of the organization’s goals for next year is to ramp up and restart their reentry program, especially for juveniles.
Drain said his leadership approach comes from the notion of understanding people you are working with. He said you have to work within your group to be able to push the best out of them.
Employees like Hannah Kistler say they are excited to work under Drain’s leadership.
Step-Up, Inc. mission
Kistler, the director of client services for Step-Up, Inc., has been with the organization for more than a decade. She said she continues to work with the organization because people care about the work that it does.
“People are really on board with the mission. I had just been on the phone with one of my colleagues and a client of ours had their utilities shut off. We were able to get them turned back on. So, even when our offices are closed, there’s still that impact to help people,” said Kistler.
She remembers a time when she was working with the founders of the organization. Seeing the evolution of the organization’s services and expansion has kept her proud of its mission.
“There’s a lot of trauma, and discrimination, and stigma that people face. It’s hard to see that, and it’s hard to see when people are working really hard to get ahead but life is still so tough,” said Kistler.
“You build a relationship with people and you kind of walk through life with them. We have an awesome team, and I think that helps clients really be comfortable and know they have support.”
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at (317) 762-7853 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
