S.T.E.P.S. members turn tables to say ‘thank you’

Residents of a Sierra del Mar men’s program honor a couple who has served them for 12 years.

By Rachael Howard

Volunteers Chuck and Eva Noble received Sierra del Mar’s Doing the Most Good Award at the Centre City (Calif.) Corps during National Salvation Army Week in May. The honor came for preparing and serving the annual Alumni Celebration Dinner to graduates of the men’s program, S.T.E.P.S., for the past 12 years. Program residents “turned the tables” on the Nobles by preparing and serving dinner to them.

The Nobles, their children, grandchildren and friends have made a traditional holiday dinner for the S.T.E.P.S. Alumni Dinner, held every year before Christmas. S.T.E.P.S.—Shelter Transition Employment Program Services—helps homeless men released from prison rebuild their lives.

At the annual dinner, graduates spend time with and share testimonies of hope with current residents and each other.

“I see these men as wanting a second chance,” Eva Noble said. “It’s a great program. And I think, ‘that’s someone’s child.’ Anything I can do to help them move on with their life, or feel special, I enjoy doing!”

Eva Noble is retired from a food service background, and her husband is a retired industrial engineer. Some of their grandchildren have grown up serving at the alumni dinner every December, making it a family tradition.

“Most of the men in our program are away from their families during the holidays, so this genuine act of love by the Nobles creates a truly meaningful, family kind of celebration,” said Edward Rivers, S.T.E.P.S. program director. “The men are deeply grateful to the Nobles, their family and friends.”