While the state government offers aid to low-income families, it can be challenging for those who want to transition off it. Redmond resident Katie Walsh, president of A Step Up wants to change that.

The Kirkland-based nonprofit organization is designed to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency.

“We want to help those who want to help themselves. This is not a handout, but a step up,” says Walsh.

Walsh is a single mother who used to depend on government-subsidized child care services. After taking a pay raise at work, she was no longer eligible for such assistance. However, her pay raise wasn’t enough to make up for the lost child care money. She went from having to pay $200 a month on childcare to $800 a month.

“After talking to friends in similar situations, I realized that many people were purposefully not taking pay raises because they needed state benefits to stay afloat,” says Walsh.

A Step Up is designed to help parents who earn too much to be eligible for state-run child care subsidy programs, yet are still struggling to make enough money to support their family.

Walsh’s organization aims to help the “working poor” through offering child care assistance and income budget counseling. It will also offer enrollment in Financial Peace University, a 13-week class on how to become and remain debt-free.

While A Step Up has a clear direction and set of values, it lacks one vital component: money.

Since the organization has yet to get off the ground, it has no track record. Without any history of success, it is difficult to persuade grant donors to offer money.

Wayne Ottum, president of Ottum Enterprises and Katie’s business mentor, believes that Walsh can overcome this hurdle by creating a board of directors with strong community connections.

“She needs to find people who already have credibility within the community who can go out and raise funds,” says Ottum. “Without history, you need quality people in your corner.”

Miki Hillyer, vice president of A Step Up, plans to use the connections she’s gained through previous advocacy positions to fund raise. She believes her military background gives her the persistence and organizational skills to jumpstart the organization.

Walsh and Hillyer met at a single mothers’ support group.

“My politics have changed a lot since becoming a single mom. What I like about Katie’s program is that it’s about getting off state programs, which should be the ultimate goal anyways,” says Hillyer.

Both Ottum and Hillyer agree that Walsh’s persistence sets her apart from other entrepreneurs.

“I’ve seen a lot of would-be business owners run through my office, but Katie stuck out for her passion to move her ideas forward,” says Ottum.

Both also agree that Walsh’s approach to helping low-income families is the “right way.”

While many private and public nonprofits support those in extreme poverty, A Step Up aims to help what Walsh calls the “working poor.”

“These are folks that have their degree or are going to school but they’re working on getting something more so they can support their families,” says Walsh.

According to Dr. Diana Pearce, senior lecturer at the University of Washington School of Social Work, self-sufficiency can only be achieved if child care costs are less than 25 percent of one’s income. A Step Up aims to help families achieve that ratio so that they can ultimately make the leap to full economic independence.

To donate money or services to A Step Up, visit the website at astepup-nonprofit.org, or contact Katie Walsh at info@astepup-nonprofit.org.

AARON GORDON is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communications News Laboratory.