Founder/CEO
Termaine J. Hicks
Life has a way of making lemons into lemonade. The challenges I have faced throughout my life has exposed me to similar situations our youth are facing today. Most people can’t identify with their pain; I can. As a survivor of gun violence and watching peers be bullied, I’ve made it my life mission to bring awareness to how important it is for individuals to S.T.E.P.U.P.!
Through the creation of visual reenactments, we begin to help children of all ages engage in developing conflict resolution skills. Empowered youth can begin identifying with the characters, become actively engaged, in activities and create strategies to proactively problem solve, whether its’ bullying, violence, or challenges with peers.
I attained certification in Child Abuse History from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. I volunteer at the Juvenile Justice Center and I am a national speaker against violence and bullying.
Executive Director;
Melissa Brooks is a community organizer leadership development, with more than ten years of experience in the field of Education working with culturally diverse families as a Family Advocate, I assisted with job placement, childcare, and housing within the community.
As a parent, it is vital becoming part of the solution rather than the problem. Through my work with S.T.E.P.U.P. I am committed to making an effective change to help curb gun violence and bullying among youth and adults.
Helping youth gain skills today to be the leaders of tomorrow.