Our mission To provide educational programs for students/youth who are struggling in their academic studies, help build self-esteem & extend a hepling hand for others in our community. To enrich and encourage the lives of our youth and young adults to overcome challenges and prepare for the future. Our goal is to lead/guide individuals to take a step in the right direction for success. Board of Directors:
Taliese Cooper
Grady Buffaloe, Jr
Kerri Dickerson
Tamara Buffaloe
ASTEP was founded in 1995 by Veronica L. Buffaloe-Stubbs, CEO and established as a 501-C3 non-profit organization in 1997. ASTEP is recognized as a community-based organization that provides services/programs with a team of volunteers who focus on student's development, connect to families, and support the commnity. New Program Locations for 2025:
*Long Branch Library, NJ 2025
* El Mesias Methodist Church, Floresville, Texas 2025
Recent Community Events: 2024-2025
*Backpack School Supplies Give Away: Texas & NJ
* Thanksgiving Baskets NJ
* Toys for Tots NJ
* Winter Clothing (Coats, Hats, Scarfs, Gloves, Socks) Give Away: Texas & NJ
Organization's Programs, Activities and Community Support Track Record below:
Community Events/Activities:
College Tour - Mighty Mites Program: Kean University 2023 & Brookdale Community College, 2022
COVID-19 (2020): Community Backpack School Supply Drive, Community Food Drive, Distribution of Chromebooks to support student'svirtual home schooling, Tutoring in the park, Halloween Art in the Park. Past Events/Activities: Annual Holiday Toy Drive, Community & family Day –Softball Games against the Neptune & Asbury Police Force-1999, 1st Annual Recognition Award Luncheon for student and staff – 1999, Staff, Students & Parents Marched in the Long Branch Columbus Day Parade-2003, ASTEP Inc, sponsored/coached a Girls Basketball Team called The Majestic, Long Branch Recreation -2002
Awards/Recognitions:
Fidelity Lodge #42 Community Service Award,2020,
NJ Reporty Theatre Community Progam "Spotlight" 2020
Brookdale Community College Neighborhood Community & Family Friendly Center-
1996-2003
National Awards: Neptune Housing Authority-1998, Asbury Park Authority-1999,
Annual Urban League Dinner-1997
BJ’s Wholesale Club-“Take Pride In Your Community-1998
General Commander’s Coin – Fort Monmouth - General Nabors - 2000
Wilbur Ray Scholarship Annual Dinner- February 2004
Long Branch Public Library–Read A Book Day-Secretary of State Regina Thomas-2002
Bruce Springsteen Concert – 1999- Convention Center, Asbury Park
Bon Jovi – Read a Book event, Red Bank, 1999
Monmouth County Girls Scouts –Woman of Distinction Community Service Award- 2005
LOCATIONS:
*Long Branch Library, NJ 2025
* El Mesias Methodist Church, Floresville, Texas 2025
* First Baptist Church, LB, 2022-2023, After School Tutoring & Summer Program
*Second Baptist Church, LB, 2022- Summer Youth Program
* September-October 2020- Tutoring in the park, Jerry Morgan Park, LB (COVID-19 pandemic)
*LB Public Library - Jan 2019 - March 2020 (COVID-19 Pandemic)
*September 1995 – 1997- Initial location: Christ Temple Church, Neptune
* August 1996 – 2003- Service Provider: Brookdale Community Safe and Drug Free Community Program and the Neighborhood Community Service Center: Location: Asbury Park Middle School.
* May-June, 1997-Summer Program:Neptune Housing Authorities.
* September, 1997 – January, 1998 Macedonia Baptist Church, Neptune - After School Program
* June, 1998- June 1999, Asbury Park Housing Authority, Summer & After School Programs
* July 1999-2002- Service Provider: Brookdale Community Safe and Drug Free Community Program and the Neighborhood Community Service Center-
Location: Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
PROGRAMS After School & Summer:
*Long Branch Library, 2025
* El Mesias Methodist Church, Floresvilee, TX- 2025
*First Baptist Church, LB -2022-2023
*Second Baptisht Church, LB -2022
*Long Branch Library 2019-2020
* Bucky James Community Center -2018-2019
*Long Branch Library 2004 - 2009
* June 2003- July 2003 - Instructor for Senior Computer Training, Long Branch Recreation & Human Resources Department. Location: Wilbur Ray “Bucky” James Community Center
* September 2003-2007 - Tutorial, Sewing, Cooking, Computers, Finance/Budget, Job Readiness training/resources, Book Club, Workshops, Field Trips. Articles:
Link Newspaper
NJ Rep Spotlight
Asbury Park Press- October 1997, March 1997, July 1999, September 2000, July 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. City News Youth Beat- August 1996
Atlanticville
Coaster
Link
Trips:
Long Branch Central Jersey Bank –Students Opened Accounts
Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, NJ
Great Adventures, Jackson, NJ
Baltimore Wax Museum, Science Center, Aquarium
Pumkin Field – Howell, NJ
Horse Farm – Howell, NJ
Local Holiday Lightening- Monmouth County
Jenkinson Aquarium, Point Pleasant, NJ
Long Branch Public Library
Asbury Park Bowling Alley
Local Business – Monmouth County
Camden Aquarium
Donations/Sponsors: City of Long Branch, Investors Bank, Citizens Bank, NJNG, OceanFirst, Constitution Bank, NJ Rep, LB Recreation & Parks Dept., LB Housing Authority, Monmouth Medical Center, Second Baptist Church-LB, Vin Gopal Assoc., Presbyterian Church, Rumson, Colts Neck Reformed Church, Brookdale Commuity College, LB Public Library, Jersey Shore Sigmas, Fidelity Lodge #42, Elks Lodge #742., BJ Wholesales, Costco, Shoprite, StopNShop & Skip's Sports, LB Boards Ed Public Schools, Fine Fare, FulFill Food Bank, Staples, Nothing Bundt Cake, Rook Coffee, NJ Girl Scouts, Christ Temple Church, Bruce Springsteen, Auto Zone, Dunkin Dounts, Parents, Friends, individuals, local businesses and organziations throughout community and Monmouth County. Take a step in the right diredction. "Together We Are Making Difference" "Unity in the Community"!!! Veronica Buffaloe-Stubbs, 732-492-1994; Email: [email protected] Website: www.astepinc.org
