StepUp Ministry
Stepping Up to Create Stability in Life
For 35 years, StepUp Ministry has worked to transform the lives of people throughout Wake County. With a vision for a safe and thriving community where people have stability, equal opportunities, and purpose, StepUp Ministry has impacted the lives of more than 10,000 individuals with life skills and employment training.
Founded by members of White Memorial Presbyterian Church, today StepUp has offices in Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Wilmington. Colisha Stanford serves as executive director. “Over the years, we have evolved from helping with housing and employment to teaching life skills for families as well as specific programming for children and young adults. StepUp is an amazing place that continues to grow and thrive.”
Mentors partner with StepUp Ministry clients to help them with life skills like budgeting and goal setting. - Life Skills - Partner with a mentor and attend classes on budgeting, goal setting, managing emotions, and conflict resolution.
- Children's Programs - Children from birth to age 16 attend the children's program where they receive training tailored to their age while their parents are in life skills.
- Employment Academy - Curriculum teaches how to search for jobs, impress in an interview, write a winning resume, obtain professional attire, and manage money effectively.
- Real World - A free weekly program that blends life skills training with career and educational support for young adults.
- Alumni - Offers additional educational opportunities and ways to stay connected, and mentor others along their journey.
“We have impacted people by supporting them in finding employment as well as helping them upgrade their job to one that has greater benefits or a greater path forward,” says Kelly Hurter, development director. More than 250 area businesses employ StepUp participants, and more than 3,500 jobs have been secured.
Children from birth to age 16 can attend StepUp’s children’s program while their parents are learning life skills. “The Life Skills program is 48 weeks and focuses on financial literacy and learning how to budget,” Kelly says. “We give folks the space to set their dreams and goals. People come to us in a vulnerable state, maybe on the verge of bankruptcy or homelessness or facing another barrier, and after 48 weeks, they graduate in a better position. The goal is not to create an overnight success – it takes a lot of work from each of our participants to move from vulnerable to stable to thriving.”
Colisha explains the organization’s impact on a variety of individuals. “StepUp is a transformational experience for anyone who walks through our doors. You see the impact for participants who will partner with us for a year in the program, but also for our volunteers who come to learn the StepUp mission and work with people from all walks of life.”
One important part of the StepUp mission is to influence the entire family. “Moving towards stability is the end goal,” Kelly says. “Then if that stability can trickle down to the children and teens, and fill the home with positive feelings, that’s how we they break the cycle and overcome their barriers. That’s what gives people hope.”
StepUp Ministry connected with TowneBank through Jack Clayton, president of business strategy, who has served on the board. “We met Jack some time ago, and he has since introduced us to others at TowneBank, including Brian Reid and Vita Schumacher,” Kelly says. “Towne has been so supportive and is helping sponsor our 35th birthday this year."
Volunteers are always needed at StepUp Ministry to serve as mentors, teach classes on financial literacy, and serve on the board or on various committees. For more information, visit StepUpMinistry.org.