Steps Together Celebrates 10 Years Of Helping Somerset County Families

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — For 10 years, Hillsborough-based 501(c)(3) organization Steps Together has been inspiring the community to pay it forward and support Somerset County families facing a medical crisis.

In the time since founders Courtney and Mike Newman launched the nonprofit, they have helped to distribute more than $1 million to families in Somerset County. Now they are continuing their mission of helping others and encouraging those in need to reach out.

"We were well supported through COVID but have seen a significant drop in applications since the pandemic. While we’d love to live in a world where no one needed help, we know that’s not the case," said Courtney Newman.

Newman believes that some people may feel guilty or ashamed to ask for help or others may not know how.

She is encouraging others that if they know someone who lives or works in Somerset County who could use the assistance of Steps Together, to apply on their behalf with their permission.

Sometimes Newman says it is a matter of privacy.

"None of the families we help ever expected to need the assistance of Steps Together. That's why so many of the families we help remain confidential," said Newman.

Sometimes others worry they are taking from those who need the help more.

"Steps Together has a Board and community behind the organization to make sure there is support for all who need it. Helping one family does not take from another," said Newman.

Newman wants anyone in the area to know that Steps Together is here to help.

"All I ask is that you take the help when you need it and when you are in a good place - pay it forward. Like everyone else, it will come full circle," said Newman.

Help can come in various forms. Steps Together will help families who need it for up to 24 months.

But the support doesn't stop there, Steps Together will stick around to support those who need help for the long term by sharing fundraiser GoFundMe pages or setting up Meal Trains.

"Oftentimes, the impact of a medical crisis is much longer than that so it’s hard to step back from providing financial support. For that reason, after the 24-month period, we keep any family who wishes on our website with links and information to support them directly as opposed to sending the money through Steps Together," said Newman.

"There is an initial response to a crisis but then it goes away. Everyone returns to life and forgets. Our hope is to keep the families feeling supportive as long as they are having difficulty," said Newman.

For those interested in applying for help or to nominate someone in need, learn more about Step Together's short application process visit steps-together.org/apply-for-help.

For those looking to help Steps Together or to learn more information about the organization visit steps-together.org.

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