We all need positive affirmations and motivation in our lives and we want to give young adults in our Real World Program the encouragement to make this a daily practice. 

This month, Real World participants explored self-esteem and self-worth. Each young adult focused on a driving force or motivator that helps them get going get each day. Hearing everyone's heartfelt responses set the tone for the rest of the session and the rest of the summer. 

“Knowing that my 4-month-old daughter is counting on me is all the motivation I need to capitalize on my next 24 hours.” - Jaheim G. 

The young adults in our Real World program kicked off Music Month by expressing themselves through song, poetry, and art! We welcomed back E. Jones from Jamla Records/RocNation to judge the music competition and share his insights on being “dedicated to your craft.” Real World was so inspired by E. Jones and he encouraged each of them to submit any music or poetry for critique. We’re excited for E. Jones to return for our Virtual Career Panel in a few weeks!

We celebrated the graduation of one Life Skills participant and two Real World participants on March 26th with a virtual ceremony. We are so proud of the dedication and commitment to the process and to their purpose that these graduates have shown.

"Spend some time with yourself because your purpose is inside of you. You don't have to look far, you don't have to look to other people. You will find your purpose sitting right there inside of you." - Jamar Davis

Real World participants are making big moves already in 2021!

Alex Lewis has decided to join the Air Force and begin his journey as an Airplane Engineer. He has passed the written requirements and is looking forward to the formal interview and cadet school in the fall.

The Real World Class is exploring the different Entrepreneurship opportunities that are available during COVID. The class is creating a Cosmetology Plan to provide hair care safely to those who cannot travel. We are exploring this as a group and detailing the pros and cons of this adventure.

We're excited for a year of exciting growth and opportunities with these young adults. Stay tuned!

Real World, StepUp's program for young adults ages 16-21, is following strategies to stay motivated and focused on goals during the pandemic. They are also exploring different topics weekly. In the past month, Sharlene Provilus of Write Speak Inspire led sessions about Spoken Word. The participants are excited to explore the culinary arts next, as Chef Carmen will teach the group how to prepare quick, nutritious meals. Cooking demonstrations will allow our college freshmen and young adults to get comfortable in the kitchen.

This past Saturday, a group of young adults from our Real World and Children’s program came together to help clean up the Historic Oberlin Cemetery. We got to spend a few hours giving back to the City of Raleigh by helping preserve a piece of history right down the street from StepUp’s office. After we joined others in cleaning debris and branches from the cemetery, we got to go on a tour and learn about the freed slaves that founded Oberlin Village in the 1860s. It was a wonderful morning out with some of our young adults, and we had a great time giving back to such an important piece of our community. We look forward to our next visit!

This month one of our young adults had the opportunity to go shopping at The Green Chair Project to purchase furniture for her family. Keshondra Montague is an amazing young Women who started our Real World Program last June. When she came to Step Up she had already completed High School at the age of 16 and she had a list of goals for what was next in her life. She is now enrolled at Wake Tech and continues to work full time. One of her goals was to save money and get furniture for her family, and just like many of her other goals she was able to achieve that goal!  

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On December 5, we had one of our favorite events of the year called “Santa’s Workshop”. During this event we transform the Gym at White Memorial into the ultimate shopping experience for our youth. The nursery, the children’s program, and the Real World program have the opportunity to come and shop for their parents and loved ones. This year we had a large selection of new and gently used items for them to choose from thanks to donations from the community. After shopping, they head over to the gift-wrapping stations to put a special touch on their gifts. The Junior League of Raleigh also had holiday craft stations set up for the kids to partake in after shopping. This event brings so much joy to the children of StepUp because it gives them the opportunity to give something special to the ones who care for them all year long. 

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On September 11, the Real World took time to reflect on the events that took place 17 years earlier on September 11, 2001. The group had some deep conversations on what they knew and how they felt about such a hard time in our country. Nathiel Key, who has done workshops with both The Real World and the Children’s program in the past, lead this conversation while teaching the young adults some painting techniques. They had the opportunity to put their own spin on a patriotic picture of New York City when the Twin towers were still standing. Though the topic of the night was heavy it was a fun evening!

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...well, our StepUp kids do at least.

After an exciting summer of fun for our StepUp children, they are getting back into the swing of the school year with acting classes taught by NC Theatre Conservatory. The Children’s and Real World programs invited NC Theatre Conservatory to come and work with our children on acting skills.

We have so many talented young people in our program, so it was not hard for any of our children to come out of their box! We are so excited to have NC Theatre Conservatory come and teach our children and we cannot wait to see what else they have in store for us this month!  

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The Real World program seeks to empower young adults throughout Wake County through professionalism and employment coaching, communication skills, positive decision-making, and encouraging post-secondary education. 

Recently, the Real World invited the Raleigh Police department and two Wake County district court judges to a panel discussion moderated by StepUp Ministry’s very own Elizabeth Butler. Students asked questions regarding proper conduct in the courtroom and how to have safe interactions with police officers. The officers and judges shared testimonies about some of their experiences on the job and what motivated them to choose their careers. 

Students and panelists felt that the conversation was a step in the right direction for police and community relations. 

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The work we do at StepUp is difficult and can be stressful.  In the midst of that difficulty, we have dedicated volunteers, like Mr. George Ramsay, who are a stream of support for both staff and participants. He was involved in the creation of the Real World and has assisted hundreds young adults through his years of service in the Real World. 

He has inspired young adults to follow their dreams, to think about their finances and to make choices that are based on the details and not their current life situations.  He has aided staff in teaching and developing curriculum, and has served as a positive role model for all! 

Mr. George, as you leave your position as a copartner in the Real World, we want to thank you for all the hours of service and dedication you have provided to StepUp Ministry.  Your consistency and calming presence will be missed on a weekly basis.  This will be brand new territory for the Real World, but we are sure with the lessons you have taught, we will be successful.  Thank you for all your hard work!

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