It was an easy task for Sister Barbara Freemyer to move from the high school classroom to working with people who need a welcoming place to gather for quality education and therapy and to be treated with respect.

She is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), CAC III (Certified Addiction Counselor), and an approved provider in domestic violence/abuse for Colorado. Her passion led her to co-create a 501(c)3, multi-funded, Project STEP (Social Transitional Empowerment Program) with other sisters and associates, while reflecting on the five critical concerns of the Community.

The initial planning grant was awarded through the former Omaha McAuley Ministry Fund.“In the last seven years,” she said, “I have had the energy and the honor to walk with those who are struggling with addiction and, recently, with those who have been court-ordered to attend offender treatment related to domestic violence/abuse. The knowledge that I have gained about myself, others, and the global world has allowed me to have an empathic connection with those at STEP. We then work toward building healthy attitudes and beliefs that empower the person to live their life as she/he expresses in a holistic manner.”