Take A Step Forward

06/11/2026

A father's past does not determine a child's future. What matters most is meaningful involvement.

Research shows that it is not just father presence but consistent emotional and practical involvement that predicts better academic, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for children. In cases of incarceration, maintaining even limited contact can help reduce some of the negative impacts associated with separation.

For fathers returning from incarceration, rebuilding that connection can be one of the most life-changing and powerful steps for both parent and child. 💛

05/22/2026

This Memorial Day Weekend, we honor those who served, sacrificed, and fought for the people they love while honoring the value of family, sacrifice, and rebuilding. ❤️

But we also want to recognize the families quietly carrying battles of their own — Fathers rebuilding after incarceration, children waiting for stability, and communities working toward healing because we believe second chances matter.
We believe fathers deserve the opportunity to return home and become pillars in their families again.

While many spend this weekend celebrating freedom, we’re reminded that true freedom also looks like:
• stable housing
• mental health support
• recovery resources
• employment opportunities
• and a community that refuses to give up on people

05/20/2026

Real change happens when people are given support, not just a second sentence.

Programs focused on:
• stable housing
• employment
• addiction recovery
• mental health support
• education
• and family connection

have been shown to lower reoffending rates and help families and communities heal.

That’s why we’re working hard to launch our halfway house right here in Minneapolis, MN📍 — a safe place where formerly incarcerated fathers can come to heal, grow, rebuild, and reconnect without judgment.

Follow our journey and be part of the impact. 🤝

05/13/2026

We hope everyone had a blessed Mother's Day Weekend 💛 Here's to the strong, loving, and resilient mothers who continue to show up for their families through every challenge life brings.

We must continue to honor the women who lead with unconditional love, sacrifice, patience, and strength — especially the mothers and mother figures supporting families through healing, growth, and restoration.

At Take A Step Forward, we recognize that rebuilding families and strengthening parent-child relationships takes a village. Your love, guidance, and support help create the foundation for brighter futures and stronger communities.

We see you mama bear and thank you for all that you do. Mother's Day and every day, we celebrate you. 💙 ❤️

05/08/2026

We believe every father deserves the opportunity to rebuild his life, reconnect with his children, and feel supported by his community after incarceration. For many fathers, the transition back into everyday life can be overwhelming without the proper guidance, resources, or support system in place.

That’s why we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare for the launch of our halfway house — a safe and supportive space where fathers can heal, regain stability, and create a stronger future for themselves and their families. Through mentorship, counseling, employment assistance, and community advocacy, we hope to provide the tools and encouragement needed for lasting change.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to opening our doors and supporting fathers on their journey forward.
Current needs include:
- Mattresses
- Bedding (blankets, sheets, comforters, pillows)
- Dressers, nightstands, and hampers
- Toiletries and hygiene products

You can click on our website to fill out the donation form there or shoot us a DM if you wish to donate any items. We would to connect with you and thank you for your support. Together, we can help restore hope, strengthen families, and build a more compassionate community for fathers and their children. Join our mission, get involved, and help us make a lasting impact today.

05/05/2026

Get To Know The Team ✨

This dynamic pair has been the anchor behind what we do here at Take A Step Forward. Behind closed doors, Founder, Chaunse Courtney and Program Assistant, Wendy Vang are working diligently to create a lasting supportive environment for previously incarcerated fathers as they persevere through challenges to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their children.

- Ms. Courtney graduated from The College of St. Scholastica in 2018 with a Bachelor's in social work. She has dedicated 8 years of hard work to serving those in the Emergency Department at Hennepin Health before transitioning to the Inpatient Psychiatry Department, where she provided one-on-one patient care, crisis intervention, and case management. Chaunse brings deep expertise when it comes to what she does here at TASF. Her heart has always been with the communities that are underserved and too often go unheard.

- Ms. Vang is nearing her academic career at Metropolitan State University where she studies Marketing. Prior to joining the team she devoted her work to patient care in pharmacy and education. She's community-driven and has always carried a high regard for helping others and those in need.

Together, they're laying the groundwork for something big: A Halfway House right here in Minneapolis 📍 Designed to give fathers the foundation they need to move forward.

Want to be part of it? 💛
→ Visit our website to learn more
→ Make a donation
→ Know of a resource or connection that could help? Drop it in the comments or slide into our DMs!

Every share, dollar, and conversation moves us closer to transforming the lives of fathers, children, and our community. Thank you for being here with us. 🙏

04/28/2026

At Take A Step Forward, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive space where fathers can rebuild their lives after incarceration with dignity, hope, and purpose. Far too often, fathers face overwhelming barriers without the guidance, advocacy, or community support they need—leading many back into cycles they are working hard to overcome. We are here to change that.

We believe every father deserves the opportunity to restore his life, strengthen his bond with his children, and reconnect with what matters most. Your donation can help transform the lives of families and make a difference in our community. Visit our website to donate today!

All proceeds will go directly toward launching our halfway house and providing essential support services, including housing assistance, family reintegration, counseling, and employment resources—helping fathers move forward one step at a time.

🌐 https://take-a-step-forward.org/

Your support has the power to make a lasting impact on families, providing fathers with the courage and opportunity to take meaningful steps toward building a lasting and transformative bond with their children.

04/24/2026

A N N O U N C E M E N T!

We’re excited to share that big things are on the horizon for Take A Step Forward. We are currently in the final stages of securing our nonprofit status as we work to support and rebuild the lives of fathers and their children through advocacy and community engagement. We’re proud to be one step closer to creating a safe, supportive space for formerly incarcerated fathers to thrive in and reconnect with their families.

Your support makes this possible. Early contributions will directly support program development and help us open our doors sooner. Consider making a donation and visit our website to learn how you can get involved. Stay connected with us for updates as we move our mission forward—one step at a time.

🌐 https://take-a-step-forward.org/

04/21/2026

At Take A Step Forward, we are committed to fostering a strong community in the Twin Cities and are dedicated to our mission. As the weather warms up in Minnesota, we look forward to another productive year of community outreach, event participation, and engagement with our valued supporters.

Our organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives and relationships of previously incarcerated fathers and their children by providing meaningful opportunities and solutions, promoting community awareness, and advocating for perseverance in the face of unresolved issues.

Stay updated on our latest news and developments by following us on our socials and website.

👉 https://take-a-step-forward.org/

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04/15/2026

Millions of children grow up without their fathers, not by choice but by circumstance. For previously incarcerated fathers, rebuilding life isn’t just hard… it’s overwhelming. Finding housing, work, and reconnecting with their children can feel impossible... That’s why Take A Step Forward exists.

We help fathers rebuild their lives and reconnect with what matters most. Through housing support, counseling, job resources, and community programs we create second chances—for fathers and their children. Our mission is simple—restore connection, rebuild families, and give voices to those often unheard.

Every dollar goes toward a real program that changes lives. When a father gets a second chance… a child gets their hero back. Be the reason a family heals. Take a step forward… today.

👉 Donate now at:
take-a-step-forward.org