Share the Pie was back for the second year, and it was a huge success! We sold over 1,000 pies, making $32,994 to help people find employment and access to quality healthcare services. Thanks to our 4 corporate sponsors, 60 bakers, 52 volunteers, and 497 pie buyers for your generosity in making this event a success!
To return to newsletter, click here.
Church On Morgan’s missional community group chose StepUp as a place they want to invest their time. This group volunteered to do our Harvest Fest back in October for our children’s program, and it turned out amazing. The group made green slime, painted pumpkins, read Halloween books, and decorated cookies with the kids. We really appreciate them for doing such a great job with this event, and we know the children had a blast.
To return to newsletter, click here.
Giving Tuesday is a National Day of Giving that takes place every year after Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday season of giving. StepUp chose to get involved this year, and Martin Marietta agreed to give us $25,000 if we were able to get 100 gifts in just 7 days. We surpassed our goal, receiving 123 gifts. Thanks to each and every person who made the opportunity for stability a reality.
To return to newsletter, click here.
StepUp Ministry has partnered with Wake Technical Community College/HRD Program to create a Career Assistance Lab. StepUp Alum are able to attend Wake Tech sponsored classes during weekly alumni meetings. This partnership began in July 2016. Alum are able to receive Continuing Education credits for successful completion of the courses.
StepUp Alumni Program is also blessed to have a new partnership with Edenton Street United Methodist Church’s Missional Community. In October, the ESMC Missional Community group began providing provide Alumni meals on the third Thursday of each month. In addition, volunteers will provide activities for the children and in 2017 the group will provide information sessions and seminars with Alumni adults.
To return to newsletter, click here.
Dana Caldwell is a member of our Employment Program. We sat down to discuss her reasons for joining StepUp Ministry, her new job, and what she has planned next.
LB: Dana, thank you for meeting with me today. Can you share what brought you to StepUp Ministry?
DC: I didn’t have any faith in finding a career because of my past (criminal background). I lost the faith, I lost hope, I lost everything. I really did. You know, I went to school. I had gotten so much education. But I was still getting turned away from everywhere. I would get the job but when the background check would come back that would be the end of that. Hospitals, good nursing homes would hire me and then let me go. But then one day I talked to the lady at Wake County Human Services and she sent me to StepUp.
LB: We are so thankful you came!! So that Monday of Jobs Week, do you remember what your word was to describe how you were feeling?
DC: I was scared and nervous. I just didn’t have any hope.
LB: I remember meeting you, and I wouldn’t have known any of that if you hadn’t shared it with us.
DC: And that’s what broke me down and opened me up, when I had to share. I had never shared it with anyone. Asking for help was one of the biggest things I ever had to do because I am used to having to do it on my own, and it was never a problem until now. I felt like I was fighting the kids because of the divorce, fighting the jobs for a chance, fighting myself the most not to give up. StepUp Ministry was my last straw. I didn’t know where else to turn or what else to do because so many doors had been closed in my face.
LB: So now you have the job at Capital Area Transit through your partnership with StepUp Ministry. It’s funny, I remember when you first graduated you applied for their bus driver position but didn’t get it because you didn’t have your CDL’s.
DC: Yes. Then I got a call from the Assistant Human Resources Manager and she said that I could apply for the Utility Maintenance position. I saw you at Wake County Human Services when I was there filling out the application for a different job and you got on me to complete the CAT application right away.
LB: Then to have received the email saying they decided to hire someone else. I know that must have been tough.
DC: It really was. But the next day I called them to follow up and see what I could have done better in the interview so that I would do better the next time I applied for a job. And they told me they had made a mistake, I was their top candidate and they offered me the job!!!
LB: That is so amazing!!
DC: Yes!! So now I am working on getting my CDL permit and learning everything I can. Then in 6 months I will be applying for the bus driver position.
LB: You just keep moving forward. What was your biggest takeaway from this?
DC: Before coming to StepUp Ministry, I would go into so much details about my background in the interview, or I wouldn’t say anything at all. When I came through the Jobs Week, I really learned a lot about what to do in the interview in just one week. That and the support you guys kept giving me helped me to not give up on myself.
LB: Dana, there was never a doubt in anyone’s mind that you were going to accomplish every goal you had set for yourself. Thank you so much for letting us walk with you and for sharing your story today.
To return to the newsletter, click here.
Please look at these awesome volunteer opportunities and sign up today!
Tuesdays or Wednesdays (starting in January) 5:45-8:15 pm
Work with children age 5-16 on homework, special projects, class time, and other activities included in the Life Skills program. Minimum age for this role is 21.
Tuesdays or Wednesdays 6-8 pm
Serve side by side with young adults (16-21) or adults to provide support, accountability and encouragement.
Tuesdays or Wednesdays 6-8 pm
Teach on topics including Goal Setting, Financial Education, Relationships & Boundaries, Personal and Career Development.
Are you interested in volunteering with the children, young adults or adults in Life Skills? Contact Suzanne Templeton stempleton@stepupministry.org or 919-781-0156, ext. 111 for more details!
To return to the newsletter, click here.
Friday, October 14th the StepUp Children’s team hosted a Triple P parenting discussion group followed by a parents’ night out. Triple P covers issues from toddler tantrums to a teenager’s defiance, from bedtime drama to outright disobedience. After attending the discussion group and getting some helpful tips on positive parenting skills the parents were able to leave and go enjoy a kid free evening.
We had a great turn out of NCSU student volunteers come to interact with the StepUp kids. We played games, watched movies, and ate tons of pizza. It was great to see so many college students eager to come and help, especially on a Friday night, which also happened to be the Opening Day for the NC State fair!
To return to the newsletter, click here.
Most people are eager for December to approach because of the Christmas Holiday, hot chocolate by the fireplace, gifts under the tree and other traditions, but for eight Life Skills participants and seven children, December means the end of a 48-week journey.
On Thursday, December 8 at 6pm, we will gather to celebrate the participants at a formal graduation and reception at Christ Episcopal Church. Throughout the 48 weeks, participants engage in a journey of personal and career development, relationship restoration and financial literacy and management. The StepUp Ministry Staff gets to experience and celebrate the awesome transformations of participants and for many a new lease on life.
Please join us on December 8 for a moment of celebration and to see what this program means for the hundreds of people that come through the Life Skills program each year.
To return to the newsletter, click here.
In the early days of StepUp, Selena Einwechter was a faithful volunteer, teaching financial literacy in the Life Skills program. She has just released a new book, titled Courage is Abundant in the Abstract, after 25 years of pursuing her dream of innkeeping. Everyone dreams, but sometimes it is difficult to know how to take those dreams from abstract to reality. Selena seeks to tell others her story of taking a leap of faith, struggles and all, to encourage others to pursue their dreams, no matter the cost. We are thankful for Selena’s dedication to StepUp and can’t wait to see how her book is used to realize dreams.
To return to newsletter, click here.
The space we have been using for G.G.'s Closet is no longer available, but we want to be able to continue offering this service to our participants. Since G.G.’s Closet opened, all the men who have attended StepUp’s Employment Week have been outfitted with interview suits, shirts, ties and shoes, helping build their confidence and prepare them for a successful interview.
As we search for a new space, we will be temporarily suspending donations, but please continue to keep us in mind for future donations. Most importantly, if you know of a space that we could use, please let us know! We are looking for a 2,400 sq. ft. space anywhere in Raleigh.
To return to the newsletter, click here.
Currently, more than 65 volunteers make a difference in the lives of our Life Skills participants every week. Volunteers serve as mentors, called co-partners, for adults and children, instructors, office support, meal servers and so much more! We need to fill over 40 additional volunteer openings within the adult and children programs by November 1st. Please join us to serve as a co-partner, children’s program volunteer or provide motivation to eager job seekers in our Employment Week. Please contact Suzanne Templeton, volunteer coordinator at stempleton@stepupministry.org to volunteer today!
To return to newsletter, click here.
StepUp Ministry Advocate and former StepUp Board Chair Ashley Huffstetler Campbell is impacting lives in the Triangle. Today, she helps open the doors of the Campbell Law Clinic. Eight Campbell law students, overseen by the clinic’s director, will work in the clinic, which will take referrals from area nonprofit agencies – Raleigh Rescue Mission, Urban Ministries of Wake County and StepUp Ministry.
“What I think is so great about this concept is they are already working with folks who are trying to move out of poverty and improve their own lives and the lives of their children,” Campbell said. “A lot of times they encounter legal issues that are barriers to making that progress. I see us as playing a really important role in helping remove a barrier to success.”
Thank you Ashley and the Campbell Law Clinic for your dedication.
To return to newsletter, click here.
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!
To return to newsletter, click here.
ENER-G exists to help our participants feel empowered, have an opportunity to network, seek employment, get access to resources, and ultimately, to grow. Jobs Team hosts ENER-G on the Wednesday after Jobs Week graduation. The next ENER-G will be held on Wednesday, October 5th, at Hayes Barton Baptist Church between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Shontice Toliver, Employment Recruiter, has invited Securitas Security Services to host on-site interviews for our Employment Program graduates. On that day, Securitas will perform interviews at ENER-G, break for lunch between 11 AM and 1 PM, and resume interviews in the afternoon. Securitas has dedicated the entire day just for our participants! We are excited for the people who will gain employment on October 5th!
To return to newsletter, click here.
Tami is an amazing woman. She came to StepUp after relocating from the west coast with her young son, TJ. She needed a change. A friend recommended that she try StepUp to help with her job search. After the first day, Tami did not think StepUp was for her. But, she kept coming back.
Within days of completing StepUp’s Employment Training Week and with the support of her Case Manager, Tami earned a job as an Executive Assistant. She has been there since April of 2011. Soon, Tami will graduate Summa Cum Laude, with her degree in Business. As for her next steps…she is taking things one day at a time. She loves her current job.
When asked about what she likes to do in her free time, Tami said,
“I work full-time, go to school full-time, and am a single parent of an 8 year-old rambunctious boy. My free time is filled with homework and my son’s activities. For myself, I get church on Saturday nights and StepUp Alumni group on Thursdays.”
This fall, StepUp Ministry has to raise $100,000 to support great people, like Tami. Please consider a gift. Click here to give.
To return to newsletter, click here.
StepUp Alumni, co-partner, and small business owner, Brandon Lowery, wants to share his latest project. After successfully launching BLLC Landscaping and Royal Touch Mobile Detail, Brandon is ready to give back by sharing what he’s learned about starting a small business.
On Friday, September 23rd, from 9:00-3:00 he’s hosting an Entrepreneurship Fair at The Frontier, 800 Park Offices, RTP. He’s planning a day to inspire entrepreneurs in the quest for information on starting a business or growing an existing business. He’ll have 3-4 speakers, networking opportunities, and resources to share.
If you are interested in attending, please rsvp to uwcthc@gmail.com by September 10th. A big StepUp shout out to Brandon, and we hope you’ll consider supporting or attending his event!
To return to newsletter, Click Here.
Week after week, the Employment team encounters many special individuals. These individuals come from all different walks of life, with different stories and backgrounds. The one thing that these individuals have in common is the recognition for change in their lives, and they decide to take that first step for change with StepUp and the Employment Team. Even though participants start the Employment Week with the sole purpose of finding a job, individuals always leave saying they received so much more. Testimonies of that "much more" from last weeks graduating class ranged from the building of confidence individuals never knew they had, all the way to the rebuilding of lost faith. Hearing the personal experiences of change each person received throughout last week’s class reminded me of how special StepUp is, not only to the community but to me as well. StepUp is an organization that cares about its community and puts God first in serving that community. There are not many organizations like it!
“The Best Way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” -Barack Obama
To return to newsletter, Click Here.
Every three months at StepUp, the culmination of a yearlong journey for participants in the Adult Life Skills Program occurs and is capped off with a formal evening Graduation Program. Emotions run the gamut with the graduates. It is on display over the course of the night as they are entertained with music, enthralled by two graduating class speakers, and are given a motivational charge to proceed forth with for life “after Life Skills”.
During the 48 weeks of the program, participants are encouraged to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone, so they can grow in the spiritual, emotional, financial, and relational arenas. They are assisted in actualizing their goals and dreams by a team that consists of the StepUp Life Skills Case Manager and Co-Partners who consistently encourage, motivate, and insist upon accountability.
On September 8th, the next class of graduates will formally complete their Adult Life Skills journey with a 6:00pm program at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. We celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals over the course of the last year. We look forward to seeing how they continue to Step UP in the community and beyond, thereafter.
To return to newsletter, Click Here.
GuideStar, the nation’s premier nonprofit database according to Time Magazine, has upgraded StepUp Ministry to the Gold level. In order to be upgraded to gold level, we had to provide the impact and effectiveness StepUp is having in accomplishing our mission and serving our community. This is an honor that we have received because of our commitment to transparency and accountability in our information and data. This label can be seen on platforms like AmazonSmile, Network for Good, VolunteerMatch, and dozens of other online giving portals. This has inspired us to continue to serve with honesty and strive to impact our community in a positive way. Check out our profile here: http://www.guidestar.org/profile/56-1655255
To return to newsletter, Click Here.
Eurickas Bradley, also known as RJ, has such a sweet spirit, always in such a great mood. He is one of the coolest four year olds I know! When you discuss football or basketball with him, his face lights up. He loves to throw the football back and forth or even play basketball in the gym. Eurickas said his favorite basketball player is LeBron James. I am happy to know such an awesome kid!
To return to newsletter, Click Here.