Shelly’s Story at STEP, Inc

Shelly Gravely was having a rough 2008 and going through a divorce. She had left a full-time job to move back home and work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at RJ Reynolds Hospital in Stuart. But three months after moving back home, most of the hospital had closed, leaving Shelly unemployed. On top of everything else, her youngest child, Treyvon, was experiencing health problems. This would have been enough to make most people give up, but Shelly is not like most people.

Shelly enrolled in Patrick Henry Community College to further her education and become a Registered Nurse (RN). She also worked several part-time jobs to make ends meet, but she needed help with Treyvon. She enrolled him in the STEP Head Start program and was excited about the education he would receive that would prepare him for kindergarten. She was amazed at the other benefits her family received during this time of great transition. “Being a single mother with two children while trying to get my life on track was hard, said Shelly. I received so much encouragement from everyone at STEP Head Start, especially Mrs. Wells and Ms. Brenda.”

They taught the Patrick Springs classroom where Treyvon received services he may not have received elsewhere. “Head Start was able to provide speech therapy with Treyvon and that was very helpful,” said Shelly. “Mrs. Wells was always so supportive of us parents and she always encouraged us which was wonderful.”

Shelly was also very active in Treyvon’s education by participating in parent meetings which are an integral part of every Head Start classroom. The other parents recognized her leadership abilities and from 2008-2010, they elected Shelly to serve on the Policy Council, the parent body that provides oversight and governance for the Head Start program. In her final year, Shelly served as President. Her Policy Council colleagues also appointed her to be their representative on the STEP Board of Directors. “I love what STEP is all about,” says Shelly. “STEP has great staff who truly care about people. The more help Treyvon and I received and the more I learned, the more impressed I became with all STEP does.”

Last year, STEP received the largest Early Head Start grant under ARRA for new programs in Virginia. The $1.3 million grant enabled STEP to serve 80 additional families, pregnant women, and children ages 6 weeks to 3 years of age. When Shelly learned there would be a position for a Health Advocate, she jumped at the chance. “I was excited to see a position with Early Head Start that could use my education,” said Shelly. She was hired and has done an amazing job in her new role. What’s more, Shelly works closely with her son’s former teacher, who was promoted to Early Head Start Manager.

“The longer I’m here, the more I learn about STEP! There are so many programs to help people and I’m so glad to help families the way I received help. And everyone at STEP still encourages me to continue with my education and move forward for me and my family. The atmosphere here is just wonderful.” Shelly is a big reason the atmosphere at STEP is so positive, and she is giving our children and families the same invaluable encouragement she received.