Our Journey

SIPP® Step Into Purpose for Progress® was founded in 2012 under our parent LLC with a simple but powerful belief — that every person deserves the support, encouragement, and resources to rise above life's disruptions and step into their purpose.

For over a decade, SIPP® showed up for Hampton Roads. Through community empowerment events, awareness initiatives, and the beloved Stiletto Stomp "IT" Out®, we built deep roots across military, shipyard, and civilian communities — connecting thousands of individuals and families to hope, resources, and one another.

As our community's needs grew, so did our calling. In 2025, we made the deliberate and mission-driven decision to establish SIPPCARES757™ as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — moving beyond empowerment events into structured, sustained community service. Today, SIPPCARES757™ delivers direct outreach, critical resource support, workforce readiness, and stabilization programs to individuals and families facing life's hardest moments.

Our nonprofit status is not a fresh start — it is the next step in a journey that began over thirteen years ago. Every event we hosted, every life we touched, every community connection we built laid the foundation for the deeper work we do today.

We are SIPP®. We have always been here. Now we can do even more.

***SIPPCARES757™ is a verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Confirm our status at apps.irs.gov/app/eos***

The SIPP® Ecosystem of Progress ‍

SIPP® operates through a powerful, structured approach:

Prevention → Stabilization → Advancement → Community Health

  • SIPPCARES757™ focuses on prevention and stabilization through empowerment events, community outreach, critical resources, and critical support

  • SIPPBLAC™ Foundation focuses on advancement through scholarships and career growth initiatives

Together, they create a full pathway from hardship to purpose and progress.

WHAT WE DO…..

Driven by hope and built on purpose, SIPP is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution.

SIPP Step Into Purpose for Progress® operates through a four-stage ecosystem designed to meet individuals where they are and walk beside them toward lasting stability, purpose, and progress.

Each stage builds upon the next, creating a continuous pathway from prevention to stabilization to advancement while strengthening the overall health of our community.

Our work ensures that individuals are not only supported during times of crisis, but are also empowered to grow, thrive, and ultimately uplift others.

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prevention

We reach people before crisis reaches them.

Through community access events across Hampton Roads — serving military, shipyard, and civilian families — we provide resources, awareness, and connection that help address life’s disruptions before they take hold. Prevention is the first step toward protecting purpose.

What Sets Us Apart…

stabilization

We help quiet the crisis so clarity can return.

Through SIPPCARES757™, we walk beside individuals and families facing life’s “ITs” — illness, financial hardship, displacement, and unexpected trauma — helping stabilize immediate needs so they can breathe, regain their footing, and see forward again.

advancement

We help turn stability into forward movement.

Through SIPPBLAC™, we support individuals as they step fully into their purpose by providing scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities that transform survival into lasting progress and community impact.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

We strengthen the community by strengthening its people.

As individuals and families regain stability and step into their purpose, the impact extends beyond one life. Households grow stronger, hope is restored, and a healthier Hampton Roads community takes shape — where military, shipyard, and civilian families thrive together and uplift one another.

MEET THE TEAM

  • PROUDLY SERVING

    LISA HERRING-BOARD CHAIR

    CEO/FOUNDER

    With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
    Setting the tone for everything SIPP®.

  • BERNICE ANDERSON-VICE CHAIR

    SECRETARY

    CODE NAME :ROAD RUNNER…known for running and ensuring EVERYTHING is always completed and beyond….

  • ARCHIE LEWIS-DIRECTOR

    TREASURE/FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Focused, Approachable and driven to SERVE…

  • CHRISTY KUHNLE-BOARD DIRECTOR

    HOSPITALITY LEAD

    Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, ensures every interaction is a positive one.

  • JENNIFER ROBINSON-BOARD DIRECTOR

    SOCIAL MEDIA GURU-Designing with passion and purpose….CODE NAME-QUIET FIRE

  • JANNET BUTLER-BOARD DIRECTOR

    COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

    SERVING as the Community liaison, ensuring SIPP always has community leaders involved…

  • JAMAR PRICE-BOARD DIRECTOR

    GENERATION CONNECTOR/MEDIA

    Bringing the heart and voice of the next generation to the community…

  • VERLA CAMPBELL-BOARD DIRECTOR

    ASSISTANT TO CEO

    READY TO ASSIST AND VOLUNTEER IN ANY CAPACITY..

  • TONY CLAIBORNE-HONORARY BOARD MEMBER

    AKA POSITIVE T…Ensuring SIPP Always has representation in the community, while bringing positivity to all we do…..

  • SHARESSE CLAIBORNE-HONORARY BOARD MEMBER

    AKA..Everready..Always ready to jump in at the drop of a dime…while bringing a word of encouragement.

  • VENITA BARBOUR-HONORARY BOARD MEMBER

    COMMUNITY CONNECTOR