The History of Stepping Out Inc.

In 1992 under the leadership of the Lord, Patrice Puglise founded Stepping Out Inc. and today serves as director. Since then, she has put all her efforts and talents into spreading the Gospel message through music and speaking engagements.

Patrice, a professional singer throughout her early adult life, has performed with various national artists, traveled with the U.S.O. and owned a popular New Orleans Night Club. After giving her life to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1984, she now speaks and sings at women’s groups, retreats and churches across the country. All monetary offerings and contributions generated from her speaking and singing engagements go to promoting Stepping Out Inc. and the programs it provides.

“A Queen’s Banquet” was conceived through prayer in 1995 by Patrice and was first held in Morristown, Tennessee in September of 1996. The purpose of the program is to reach out into the local community by working with participating churches, community and civic groups, to hurting, abused and neglected women. Some of the issues these women face are low self-esteem, a longing for fellowship, spiritual dryness, or just a need to know that someone cares. The goal of “A Queen’s Banquet” is to introduce women to the saving grace of Jesus Christ by acts of love and kindness as we have been commissioned to do through the written Word of God

The A.P.T. Company created in 1998, is a series of ten workshops held weekly or bi-weekly, ending with an overnight gathering at which time all ten sessions is reviewed. These workshops teach people how to operate more efficiently in their daily lives. Participants learn to interact with others, examine and diffuse their anger, set and obtain goals, express themselves more clearly, and achieve an attitude of pride in themselves, which helps to lift their self-esteem. Statistics show that 64% of the individuals who complete two sessions of the ten workshops will obtain their GED or further their education, move into the work force, some for the very first time, or their dysfunctional family finds balance and steadiness.

The Community Outreach Center first opened in November of 2000. Here people come to the office on a daily basis to receive free clothing and accessories, counseling, teaching materials and encouragement. Various workshops and Bible Studies are held on a monthly and weekly and bi-weekly basis, and include: life skills, anger management, parenting skills, socialization, team work, good sportsmanship, goal setting and positive self-esteem to name a few. Many of the workshops are opened for both men and women. Outside activities such as boating trips, bowling, camping, skating and eating out are also provided. Home visitation is provided for those who require special attention and court advocacy is available along with crisis intervention.

Youth Programs "COY" began in the summer of 2003. It was found that many of the people we serve have young teenagers on the verge of delinquency. Our youth programs are mentoring programs for youth who are lacking positive influence in the home. These programs help young people find hope for a positive future, develop good character traits and establish lasting friendships with others while participating in activities that bind them together as a team. The leaders of these teams advise, teach life skills and build positive, trusting relationships, by exemplifying strong character and faithfulness for team members to follow.

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