about

Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time

STEPS provides practical resources to help people take simple, life-changing steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling future. Our proven, research-backed education equips individuals, parents and organizations to prevent behavioral health problems from becoming crises, enhance emotional and spiritual well-being and create lasting change.

why steps?

Life-Saving and Life-Changing

Half of all families will struggle with behavioral health issues, yet 90% of those affected never get help. STEPS provides the practical tools to change that.

Proactive and Preventative Approach

Instead of waiting until challenges become crises, STEPS focuses on early intervention and life skills training to prevent struggles before they start.

Proven Strategies That Work

Our approach is rooted in recovery, faith, psychology, neuroscience, wellness, and personal development—techniques tested for decades and used by millions.

Holistic Path to Growth

We address the mental, emotional, social, spiritual and personal aspects of well-being, ensuring that each person has the resources they need to thrive in life.

No matter where you are on your journey, STEPS meets you where you are, offering grace, understanding and a clear path forward.

How can STEPS help you?

meet STEVE WARD

Founder and Executive Director

I’m Steve Ward, and I understand the pain that comes with addiction. My wife and I struggled with alcoholism, and our son faced challenges with drugs and alcohol at a young age. I’ve been where you or someone you love may be, and I know how difficult and overwhelming it can feel. But I also know change is possible. Through years of experience and research, I’ve learned negative cycles aren’t just treatable—they’re preventable.

A wellness-based lifestyle can build resilience, bring contentment and help anyone move forward. Most importantly, God is good, and with his help, we can overcome life’s challenges. After studying what experts and millions of others found to be effective, we’ve developed simple, practical steps that can help transform lives. By taking the next right step each day, you can find hope, healing and a better path forward.

The People Behind STEPS

STEPS is guided by a dedicated team with a common mission—to help individuals, parents and organizations take practical steps to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Together, these leaders, advisors, staff and partners form the foundation of STEPS, ensuring that we provide life-changing resources for those who need them most.

Board of Advisors

Our advisors are experienced business executives with a passion for serving the community and understanding of nonprofits. Their insights help shape our programs and resources to be as effective and impactful as possible.

Richard E. Simmons III – Executive Director at The Center

Jenny Waltman – CEO & Chairman at Grace Klein Community

Harry Pearson – CEO at OneAscent Financial

John Lovoy – CEO at Infomedia and Uptick Marketing

John Thomas – Senior Vice President at Colliers International

Dan Steever – Dan Steever LLC, former CEO/President (several)

Jim Bob McAllister – CEO and Co-Founder at KEYSYS

Jim Weaver – CEO at The Onin Group

Troy Duell – CEO at Centurion Labs

Don Ankenbrandt – Director, Generous Life Alabama

Tom Mayfield  (Emeritus)– President at M3 Resources USA LLC 

Tommy Brigham (Emeritus) – Chairman of the Board at ARC Realty Co.

Libby Lassiter (Emeritus) – Principal at Tessa Commercial Real Estate, LLC

Board of Directors

Our directors provide strategic oversight and ensure that STEPS focuses effectively and efficiently on its mission. These high-character individuals bring experience in leadership, business, nonprofit management and community service to help the organization achieve its goals serving others.

Tom Majors – Vice President, National Accounts at Merge Healthcare

Richard Mobley – Founder and Principal at The Seven Four Group

Allison Jones – District Court Judge at Walker County, Alabama 

Jeff Howard – Founder and CEO at JLH Exponential, LLC

Mark Henley – President at Green Light Ventures, LLC

Earnest Ceasar – Agency Owner, Allstate

Bill Hart – Leadership & Sales Training

David Craig – Founder and CEO at Eminence Consulting

Rob Baugher – Owner and CEO at Baugher, Inc./Remodel It

Laurie Stroud Franklin – Owner/Publisher, Christian Family Publications

Staff

The STEPS team is made up of passionate individuals committed to equipping others to live life better. From content to development, each member plays a vital role in delivering resources that make a difference.

Gunnar Sadowey – Content & Digital Delivery Manager

Courtney Allen – Video Editor & Content Manager

Beth Seibert – Finance & Outreach Manager

Bronwyn Futter – Website & Content Delivery Manager

Jacob Brister – Content & Delivery for Teenagers Manager 

Partners

We strategically collaborate with organizations that complement our mission and share our vision for helping hurting people improve their lives.

Vertical Solutions Media – Content & Digital Mkt. 

Flagship Equip – Development & Grant Management  

Iron Stream Media  – Book Publishing & Marketing

Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs  – Accounting & Taxes 

Stay up to date on what steps is doing

See our recent newsletters and annual reports and
summaries of our strategy and plans for the future

donate

Sponsor Life-Changing STEPS Programs

Every donation helps us reach more people with life-saving, life-changing resources. To make the most impact possible, become a STEPS Sponsor and help support one of these critical initiatives:

- - The Prevention Movement – Provide prevention education to save lives in all Alabama counties
  - Proactive Parenting – Equip parents with proven, faith-based skills for healthy and happy kids
  - Real Life Skills for Teens – Teach life skills that help at-risk youth thrive and find their purpose
  - Steps to Spiritual Growth – Reach out with grace, wisdom and truth to hundreds of thousands

Create a legacy of inspiring generational change. Together, we can make a difference.

Join us in bringing hope and transformation to those who need it most.