When I founded Steps Ahead, I was driven by a simple belief: every family deserves to feel safe and supported in times of crisis.

Growing up in San Diego, I saw how underserved communities often lacked access to even the most basic health resources. From family stories to personal experience, I saw the emotional and material toll on children who lacked support, especially those in refugee communities or recovering from domestic trauma.

That realization sparked our mission to provide emergency health kits, create interactive “Help Maps” that guide families to local shelters, and run youth-led workshops that teach preparedness skills.

In our first year, we donated toys and books to shelters housing refugee and trafficked youth and distributed hundreds of health kits to refugee families. After running our first project where we delivered over 60 toys, distributed 200+ books, and used a Target grant to provide 80+ hygiene kits and school supply bundles, the impact was clear: these small steps forward were changing lives.

Messages from children and shelter staff poured in, sharing how the donations made their home life more bearable, dignified, and hopeful. Seeing a child smile as they opened a kit with simple items like bandages, soap, and a flashlight reminded me that kindness does not need to be complicated to make a difference.

Since 2024, approximately 6,200 people have been supported by Steps Ahead, and we’ve had an active presence across nine states in the US, as well as Denmark, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, France, and Japan.

Our team is built by students for students. Together, with more than 240 volunteers, we prove that young people are not waiting for the future, we are shaping it now. By supporting Steps Ahead, whether through volunteering, donating, or sharing our story, you join us in ensuring no family feels unprepared in the face of hardship.

Readers can support Steps Ahead by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness. We welcome volunteers to join our youth-led chapters and help with workshops for underserved communities. Donations go toward creating and distributing emergency health kits and maintaining our interactive “Help Map,” which connects families to local shelters and resources. Sharing our work online helps extend our reach to more communities in need.

Learn more, get involved, or donate here: www.stepsaheadorganization.org.