sharing lunch with the residents of Stepping Stone.
i visited the Stepping Stone transitional living program in State College, PA today, and it was a surreal experience. when the crew and i arrived, we were greeted by a huge “Welcome Tellman!” banner on the front porch. once inside, i met some of the residents and a few alumni. we all sat down for lunch, including a few of the staff, and i explained the ethos behind RunTellmanRun and my goal to raise $100,000,000 for places just like Stepping Stone. it was pretty obvious that the kitchen could use a serious upgrade, and Kate (the program director) said the kitchen next door at the sister shelter was ready for improvement too. it was an easy decision, but i decided that the next $10,000 raised by RunTellmanRun would be set aside to renovate the kitchens at Stepping Stone and Youth Haven.
what’s great about Stepping Stone is that it’s not just a place to crash. the staff there teaches “life skills” that prepare residents for the real world. for instance, they are required to finish high school and hold a job. a percentage of their income goes to rent, and another portion must go into savings. they learn how to manage a bank account, how to cook meals for themselves, participate in mock job interviews and learn what it’s like to search for an apartment.
one of the young fellas i met today, Caleb, was a true success story to come out of Stepping Stone. he was a resident for about a year and now he’s living in his own apartment in Altoona, PA and holding a steady job. he’s looking at colleges and hopes to be a Christian youth counselor someday. that kid is awesome.
i was so happy to visit. what a great group of kids, and a super friendly and supportive staff. soon after we got back to the hotel this evening, i received this email from program director Kate:
Dear crew,
What can I say!?!? I am in awe!
You took the time out of your schedule to share such a positive message with our youth. You are a brave soul and I wish you all the best on your journey.
What you folks are doing to raise awareness for youth homelessness is amazing and I wish you all my best. You are truly wonderful people, and I am thrilled to have been able to share in Tellman’s journey.
Thank you!
Kate Dotts Sager
we won’t be able to reach our goal of $10,000 to rebuild the kitchens for these shelters without your help. please donate what you can, and please spread the word about RunTellmanRun to your friends and family.
SHABAMBO!
-Tellman
the residents and staff of Stepping Stone in State College, PA, + the RTR crew.
television and newspaper reporters at Stepping Stone, helping to spread the word about RunTellmanRun. thanks, guys.
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I was only a day short of being at this dinner. What a shame! Thank you so much for taking up this cause. I’m sure that the residents will be VERY appreciative of the kitchen upgrade idea. They were talking about this just the other day.
Go Tellman!
Thank you so much for stopping by Stepping Stone TLP yesterday. We wish you all the best on your amazing journey!
Hi Tellman – read about you and your mission in an article in the Centre Daily Times. Thanks for visiting State College, PA and for devoting your next $10,000 raised for Stepping Stone and Youth Haven. I live in State College and didn’t know about those programs. Thanks for helping us clueless locals learn more about how to help people in our own community!
RTR crew and Tellman!!!! Thank you so much for spending time at Stepping Stone yesterday. All the kiddos and staff really enjoyed the afternoon. I think you are all amazing and am happy to have shared in a small piece of this tremendous journey. I am excited to continue tracking the run! Best!!! ~Kate
How Cool Is That! It Gives A Whole New Meaning To What You Are Doing,Now Doesn’t It You Guys…Tellman….”I Can See You Smiling On The Inside Tellman”!…..You Are Making A Difference!..”.You Rock!!!.”..Run Tellman Run For The Homeless Kids!!…Powerpink