A Helping Hand
A gregarious man with a warm smile and endearing countenance, Steve Curless has spent most of his life serving others. Born on a farm in Hannibal, Missouri, (as Steve boasts, home of famed writer Mark Twain); he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during his senior year of high school. Steve traveled the world for twenty-three years as an artilleryman until his retirement from active duty in 1997.
While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Steve stumbled upon an avocation that would lead to his future passion and second career. Introduced to the entertainment business, specifically being a disc jockey, Steve instantly felt at ease with the craft. When first embarking in the field, turntables were the principle means of delivering music. Steve recollects spinning albums on turntables to get the timing correct so the music flowed for
the audience. As time and technology progressed, albums transitioned to cassettes and from there to CD’s. Presently, Steve downloads music onto the computer accessing tunes with the touch of a button. “There is much more to being a DJ than just playing music. You have to interact with your audience, which may mean dancing or socializing with guests. An outgoing personality is definitely important.” Steve established his own DJ business in 1991 while stationed in Jacksonville, North Carolina. However, in 1997 a close friend moved to Beaufort introducing Steve to his future home. And the rest, as they say, is history.
The welcoming atmosphere of the charming coastal town appealed to him. Not long after, he settled in Beaufort permanently, bringing his DJ enterprise, Ramblin Coastal, with him. But it wasn’t long before Steve would heed the invitation to help those in need. In 2003, he learned that
HELP of Beaufort was requesting clothing donations. Intrigued by the charity, he made arrangements to tour the HELP facility. A petite lady, Ellodie Snyder, greeted him and shared information about the organization. Before he left, she asked if he might take out the trash. He readily agreed and found himself returning each week to repeat the humble task. His frequent visits prompted more involvement and before long he was serving on the Board of Directors.
With a passion in his soul for the organization, and all it had to offer, Steve went on to become President in 2006, a role he currently holds. Friend and associate, Mardi Lambert, shared “Steve doesn’t just volunteer and take out the trash (and yes, he still takes out the trash). He delivers furniture, mentors those in financial crisis, and provides guidance for job training and housing assistance. Whatever the need, Steve is there to lend a helping hand, even using his own vehicle and gas for deliveries.”
One of Steve’s favorite success stories is that of a young woman who requested assistance from HELP to obtain her GED. With approval from the Board, HELP went on to assist her in achieving her goal. Sometime later they received a three-page letter from the woman thanking HELP for their support. She went on to share her successes along with photos of her children. “It was a good feeling knowing that she took the time to thank us and to know we had helped improve her life.” Steve went on to say, “People come to us in a state of despair, facing anything from homelessness with their children or having their electricity turned off because they can’t pay the bill. They’re defeated and hopeless when they enter but they leave with a sense of relief and their heads held high.”
Several years ago Steve noted that local non-profit organizations and churches were duplicating services due to a lack of collaboration. In an effort to bring the groups together, Steve formed the Community Services Organization (CSO) in 2009. The following year CSO began utilizing an online data base known as Charity Tracker. Charity Tracker allows non-profits to share information about services provided and alert them to
those with special needs. CSO is comprised of over 40 charitable organizations and churches as well as 100 individual members.
For those interested in learning more, the group meets on the third Wednesday each month at 12:45 at the Baptist Church of Beaufort. Steve’s dream for HELP of Beaufort is to be housed in a mortgage/rent free facility in order to allocate funds for more training programs. “It’s like the theory ‘give a man a fish he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. “It’s about learning to be self-sufficient and giving people
hope.” One of their successful endeavors is the “Dress for Success” day. This program fits individuals with appropriate attire, free of charge, as well as providing guidance for successful job interviews. Another goal for HELP is to expand educational programs for young people in an effort to
eliminate poverty.
Outside of volunteering and DJ events, Steve enjoys military movies, such as Full Metal Jacket. His eyes lit up as he spoke of his three children, a daughter and son living in Missouri, and his youngest son serving in the US Marine Corps in Japan. In addition, he has five grandchildren, all of
whom live out of state and that he “would like to see more often.” As a DJ, Steve plays a myriad of music styles but his favorite is old time country-western, particularly the music of George Straight.
Despite all of his activities, he still finds time to serve as an usher at the Baptist Church of Beaufort. Without question Steve’s legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and altruism. “His optimism is contagious,” says friend Mardi Lambert. Whether bringing joy to special events through his outgoing nature and music, ushering churchgoers on Sunday mornings, helping those in need, or taking out the trash, Steve Curless is an inspirational and charismatic soul.
Story by KIM POOVEY | Photography by JOHN WOLLWERTH
