Remarkable Women: Dr. Trivia Massaline helps families one step at a time
She is the director and founder of One Step at a Time.
The non-profit, based out of Marianna, provides prevention and intervention support services to individuals or their families directly affected by homelessness or incarceration.
'I thank God for her,' said Kim Morgan-Bell.
Morgan-Bell first met Trivia at Jackson Correctional, while attending bible study that Trivia was conducting at the facility.
Morgan-Bell is now out of jail and part of the non-profit's Jumpstart 180 program.
The program spans over 12 months providing tools to help families maintain independence and stability following incarceration or homelessness.
Morgan-Bell and others in the program will be given resources for financial empowerment, job readiness, and more.
'I don't want them to go back,' said Trivia Massaline. I'm trying to do anything to keep them from going back to jail, from going back to being homeless.'
Massaline worked as a correctional officer for nearly 10 years and a social worker for six and a half years.
'It was nothing but a divine setup with the social work job, the corrections job,' said Massaline. 'He gave me the skills to prepare me for what I'm doing right now.'
Massaline said God gave her a vision for her non-profit while working at Marianna FCI.
'One Step at a Time wouldn't have been established if God didn't give me the vision, so it's nothing Trivia Massaline did,' she said. 'It's what he's done.'
She founded the organization in 2021 and launched it in 2022 after quitting her job at the prison.
'God spared my life several times, so now he's gave me the rocks,' said Massaline. 'I spared you, go save them.'
Massaline is a recovering alcoholic who has a heart for helping others turn their lives around.
The non-profit, which serves Jackson, Washington, Calhoun, and Holmes counties, has evolved into a resource center.
She also partners with the Department of Children and Families and other community organizations so she can assist individuals with food stamps, Medicaid, employment and more.
'Anything that the families may need – housing, recovery, health issues, I have brochures on that rack,' said Massaline. 'I don't provide these services but I can get you a brochure.'
However, there is so much she does provide.
There's a food pantry with food and dishes, housewares, and clothing available to those who need it.
There are computers to create job resumes, to apply for employment, or conduct other important business.
She also hosts a community event every month at One Step at a Time, featuring a free activity, food, and resources for anyone who wants to attend.
The next one is scheduled for March 29.
While she is no longer works as a correctional officer, she is often in and out of Panhandle prisons and jails.
She attends quarterly re-entry seminars, leads a monthly AA group, and conducts bible study twice a week at Jackson Correctional.
Her jail partner, Lynda Henderson, joins her in conducting bible study.
'She is very genuine, and you can trust her word,' said Henderson.
'She's got a lot going on,' said David Pipping, Chaplain at Jackson Correctional. 'She's very energetic, for sure, and there's always a smile, so that's good.'
She also works a full-time job in Panama City which means she commutes from Jackson to Bay county at least four times a week.
Massaline uses that drive time and her lunch breaks to mentor families. She also schedules appointments with them on Fridays and Saturdays in Marianna.
She is also a wife and mother of 10 children.
Those who know Trivia said her smile is contagious and her genuine personality shines through everything she does.
'Her kindness, her demeanor, everything is attractive,' said Pattie Murphy with Employ U. 'Her willingness to help no matter what, makes a difference.'
Employ U is a nonprofit employment service creating inclusive workforces for people with disabilities and other underserved populations through education, empowerment, and advocacy.
The agency is right next door to One Step at a Time and the two have partnered together.
Employ U provides Massaline with volunteers to help with administrative work which is helpful when Massaline is away in Panama City.
Massaline is extremely humble and doesn't like to be in the spotlight or take credit. She said the community partnerships and God make this operation work.
'I like to be in the background, everybody know that,' said Massaline. 'I'm gonna come a little forward, just a little step at a time, but God get the glory.'
She can give God the glory, but there's no doubt she's making an impact.
'God always sent her right on time,' said Kim Morgan-Bell. 'I just thank her, and now I'm here for support because she's always been here for me.'
Massaline doesn't get paid for the work she does through the non-profit and funds most of it herself.
She relies on volunteers to help and is extremely grateful for any donations from the community.
Emerald Coast Hospice has graciously granted her money for the past two years.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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