Two People Who Chose to Open Their Doors
Helen and Jamarr Woodruff founded Enduring Steps out of a shared belief that family — and the support it provides — shouldn’t end at an arbitrary age.
Helen Woodruff
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Who I Am
As the Co-Founder and Director of Enduring Steps, my life's mission is rooted in restoring dignity, independence, and long-term stability to vulnerable youth and families. Serving as a Domestic Violence Outreach Coordinator, certified DV Counselor, and Shelter Manager, I have dedicated my career to frontline advocacy, trauma-informed care, and community empowerment.
My journey as an advocate began back home, where I co-founded a grassroots community initiative with my pastor and his wife to empower women through vocational skill training. By teaching practical trades, we helped women achieve financial self-sufficiency, earn societal respect, and build safer, violence-free homes.
Why I Care
My commitment to Enduring Steps is born from both years on the frontlines of trauma care and a deeply personal family journey. In my professional work supporting survivors of abuse and human trafficking, I repeatedly encountered a heartbreaking reality: so many young adults coming through my office seeking refuge had grown up in the foster care system. Once youth outgrow the system, they are often abruptly cut loose, facing adulthood without a safety net, guidance, or a place to call home. While most young adults can always turn to their parents or family when life gets tough, former foster youth are expected to navigate the world completely alone.
This truth hits close to my heart. My husband, Jamarr Woodruff, and I know firsthand what it means to open our doors and answer the call of family. Over the years, we have served as both legal guardians and foster parents, stepping in to raise an extended family of 10 children following sudden, painful losses.
Having walked the path of caregiving through grief, hardship, and triumph, Jamarr and I know that family is not defined by circumstances or an arbitrary age limit. No matter how old you become, everyone needs a place to fall back on.
Our Mission & Impact
At Enduring Steps, our mission is simple yet vital: to empower foster youth to build brighter, more independent futures. We provide the permanent anchor, mentorship, life skills, and educational support foster youth need to overcome systemic barriers, achieve independence, and step into roles as resilient leaders.
Jamarr Woodruff
Co-Founder
Jamarr Woodruff, a native of Atlanta, GA, is an educator and leader dedicated to uplifting young people through arts-based learning. Currently a teacher, he brings more than seven years of classroom experience and holds a Master's in Education from Grand Canyon University and a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Alabama State University (Cum Laude). He is also an alum of Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre and the Clown Conservatory at the San Francisco Circus Center.
Jamarr has held multiple leadership roles in youth development and arts education, including Community Engagement Director at the San Francisco Circus Center, Artistic Director at Prescott Circus Theatre, Circus Camp Director at Future Stars Camp, Program Director at Camp Winnarainbow, and Specialties Department Coordinator at Emirates National Schools. He is a Certified Theatre of Being Instructor, a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, and holds a Professional Teaching License.
Earlier in his career, Jamarr toured with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as a clown, an experience that continues to inform his joyful and student-centered teaching approach. Growing up in an underserved community fuels his commitment to creating equitable, empowering learning spaces where all students can thrive.
Meet the Team Carrying the Mission Forward
Our Board Members help steward the work Helen and Jamarr started.