The Children’s Program has had an amazing fall working with local artists to create beautiful collaborations. Gab Smith, executive director of CAM Raleigh, worked with our Real World kids at our virtual camp in September. She introduced them to the current exhibits and artists and invited them to create pieces to be displayed in a Public Art Installation by renowned artist Hank Willis Thomas. His “Love Over Rules” exhibit can be seen on the side of Raleigh Union Station on the corner of West Martin Street.

We also worked with local artists Shannon Newby (KidLabRaleigh), and Deanna Hicks (Paper and Stars Studio) to create art kits to send home with our younger kids. Shannon was even gracious enough to donate extra supplies to stock our shelves for next year! We have loved partnering with all of our local artists and getting a chance to create with our StepUp kids!

“No one could have told me over 30 years ago that I could be a leader but now I can boldly declare that I hold a position of leadership over a group of individuals from various ages and backgrounds.”

Shareasa Dunn graduated from Step2/Life Skills in 2015. Five years later, her list of involvements and accomplishments only continues to grow from serving as Alumni Program Secretary and Treasurer in 2016 to speaking at StepUp Sunday at White Memorial Church to becoming Club President of StepUp Speakers’ Circle in 2020. 

“Being with StepUp Ministry has given me so much more than just tools to better my life such as budgeting, stress management, making S.M.A.R.T. goals, resume building, interviewing and public speaking skills, it has given me the strength, determination, and power to always look at each day in my life as the path to a better me.”

Currently, Shareasa is working two jobs, maintaining a 4.0 GPA in pursuit of an Associates Degree to be a Medical Administrative Assistant and still attending the Alumni Program and leading StepUp Speakers’ Circle. 

“I have more growth to make, higher steps to climb and even greater heights to reach because settling on just the minimum is not the way I foresee my future... I'm so happy that I was able to make the step up to better myself because the pace I've been running this race at has propelled me ahead farther than I could think or imagine.”

Starting over isn’t easy and transforming your life in the middle of a pandemic is even harder, but Nathaniel knows the rewards of taking a chance and asking for support when you need it. 

In 2019, Nathaniel moved to Raleigh with plans to make positive choices and seek new opportunities. He found StepUp and completed the Employment Training Workshop in July of 2019 to gain resume and interview advice, access to potential employers and support throughout his job search. His next step was to enroll in the Step2/Life Skills program to continue working towards his goals.

Step2 is a 48-week program that focuses on developing financial literacy and communications skills, creating a network, building savings and providing job support. Each participant is paired with a copartner that serves as a friend and mentor. Nathaniel was meeting weekly and building a community with his copartner, case manager and the rest of the Step2 participants. 

The pandemic hit in the middle of Nathaniel’s journey through Step2. This major life upheaval was hard on everyone, but StepUp shifted all programming, Step2 moved to virtual platforms and Nathaniel stuck with it. 

Throughout the 48 weeks, Nathaniel regained his driver’s license, got a new job, earned a promotion and is currently on his way to a second promotion. 

“I went from [being] a driver to a crew manager to now being in a position to be shop manager so that is the greatest accomplishment that has come through this life skills program.”

Nathaniel had goals in mind, StepUp just helped him get there. He graduated from the program in September along with nine other participants. When asked about the biggest lesson he learned from the life skills program, Nathaniel said, “The biggest thing that I’ve taken from the life skills program is to continue in persistence, to continue to keep going no matter what it looks like, no matter what obstacles come, that you can make it through.”

Today, Nathaniel is making plans for his future career growth and success. He says, “I’m just dreaming bigger now.”

Baking, crafting, dancing, and etiquette lessons were on the agenda for our Children's virtual camp this month along with guest appearances from Dr. Donna Corbett and Chef Carmen. 

The Children's Camp was full of over 40 kids and their families! Camp participants Selena and Faith said, "How did you come up with something so creative and unique? This was absolutely the BEST idea and it went over so well... I am curious to see what else StepUp has to offer me and my family." 

Our Real World virtual camp is scheduled for September 30th and will include spoken word, dance and fitness classes, personal grooming tips, make up tutorials and chances to win T-shirts or gift cards!