Who we are
Standing Together As Pillars (STAPP), a faith-based Community Organization with a Kingdom-structured foundation. Our organization is committed to offering spiritual, emotional, educational, physical, and social development opportunities for youth and young adults aged 10-21.
STAPP works with multiple Faiths and Churches to bring together communities, organizations, businesses, and government agencies to help youth and young adults who are experiencing challenges that can leave them physically, emotionally, and spiritually broken. Through our various programs and services, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where youth and young adults can develop a relationship with God and develop their skills, pursue their passions and build meaningful relationships with family, friends, peers and mentors.
Our mission is to focus on youth and young adults who are dealing with mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, bullying, health issues, depression, alcohol, drugs, gangs, peer pressure, social media, academic problems, victims of crimes, and violent crimes.
To achieve our mission, STAPP offers youth and young adult workshops and a yearly conference, with certified professional trainers in areas such as health and wellness, biblical studies, self-esteem, mentoring, education, job career and finance management. A youth and young adult talent showcase extravaganza, gospel concert and a family and friends community cookout on the last day of the Conference.
STAPP’s strong values include Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Additionally, we prioritize other important values such as Trust, Respect, Integrity, Truth, Strength, Justice, Life, Mercy, Hope, and Wisdom. Our primary objective is to develop young people into strong, respected, and educated individuals with high moral values. This is achieved through providing our youth and young adults with tools such as hope, a vision, a voice, direction, guidance, and leadership skills.
Our goal is to provide personal development tools to youth and young adults to help them handle life’s challenges and break the cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement. By equipping them with hope, a vision, a voice, direction, guidance, and leadership skills, STAPP aims to empower them to succeed and thrive in their lives.
Our founder
Bernadette Stinson is a Faith-Driven Leader with over 30 years of service to the U.S. Government, including six years with the United States Coast Guard. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from the University of Massachusetts Boston. In December 1982, Bernadette accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior—a life-transforming decision that has guided every step of her personal, professional, and ministry journey.
For decades, Bernadette has served faithfully in various church leadership roles, including Choir Director, Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Chair of the Women’s Ministry. She has also founded several God-inspired ministries: S.O.W. (Sisters of the World), SKIRT (Sistas Keeping It Real Together), and M.O.P. (Men of Pillars)—each dedicated to mentoring and empowering youth through a Christ-centered approach.
At the age of 63, led by a divine vision, Bernadette launched Standing Together As Pillars (STAPP)—a faith-based community organization with a Kingdom-structured foundation. STAPP is committed to nurturing the spiritual, emotional, educational, physical, and social development of youth and young adults, ages 10–21. Through dynamic workshops, impactful conferences, and strategic community partnerships, STAPP offers mentorship, resources, and life-changing opportunities—all centered on God’s love, grace, and purpose.
In addition to her deep focus on youth and young adults, Bernadette carries a God-given passion for all people. Her heart is to serve, uplift, and inspire individuals from all walks of life, meeting them with compassion, encouragement, and faith-based support. However, her calling remains especially centered on the next generation, equipping them to rise in strength and purpose.
Bernadette is also the author of Journey Vision Prayers and its companion workbook, written to help youth and young adults grow in their prayer lives and deepen their relationship with God.
Her greatest joy comes from witnessing young people grow in faith, confidence, and purpose. With every initiative, Bernadette remains devoted to serving the Kingdom of God and uplifting the next generation to become strong, empowered, Christ-centered leaders, while continuing to extend God’s love to all those she encounters.
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