Steps to HOPE received a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation to provide a summer internship opportunity for two local high school students this year.

Stephanie Serrano was chosen for one of the temporary eight-week positions. 

Serrano worked in the offices and shelter at Steps to HOPE, where she learned about the inner workings of a nonprofit agency, and about domestic violence and sexual assault in Polk County and neighboring areas. She worked diligently organizing the library, kitchen, office supply and tool cabinets, and the storage area.

Serrano also assisted with client services and answered the crisis hotline; kept the database current; made sure doors stayed locked and kept a watchful eye on the security cameras; and helped with events such as the #IAmSomebody Day Camp, and with trips to the United Way’s Gifts-In-Kind Center.

Serrano said she would like to work with Steps to HOPE again on her senior project at Polk County Early College, and will seek approval for that soon.

The agency would like to extend its thanks the foundation for making the internship possible.

– Submitted by Paula Ravan