Raleigh-based StepUp Ministry is an interfaith community that prepares people who are ready and willing to make positive changes in their lives in order to gain stability. Founded in 1988 by White Memorial Presbyterian Church, StepUp Ministry is a non-profit organization that annually helps 600 individuals in Wake County transform their lives through employment and life skills training.

Motivation | History

Staff | Board| Jobs

OUR BELIEFS

Because unemployment and lack of resources keep the entire community from thriving. And every family deserves a chance to be stable.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20.1% of the people in Raleigh are living below the poverty level. In some neighborhoods in Wake County, 23% of residents are unemployed. Many of these men and women are actively seeking employment and stability, but face barriers such as criminal backgrounds, racial inequality, histories of drug abuse, domestic violence, and/or homelessness.

Unemployment creates vulnerable situations for hundreds of families, which prohibits people from living their best lives.

Bobby Harrington
Impact Luncheon 2017

1988

StepUp Ministry was founded in 1988 by members of White Memorial Presbyterian Church and became an incorporated, self-sustaining 501c(3) in 1989.

The early mission of StepUp was to provide transitional housing to working families who were homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless. StepUp’s early program model was adapted from a similar program in Dallas, Texas and was focused on financial literacy. Program participants met weekly with mentors (co-partners) to share dinner (provided by volunteers) and review the participant’s income, expenses and savings.

Over 250 families have gone through this program and 80% have moved into independent housing upon concluding their time at StepUp.

Since its inception, StepUp has sought the support of the wider faith community. As a faith-based ministry StepUp is currently supported by a number of congregations across Raleigh.

2004

On February 8, 2004, StepUp entered a new era.

On that day, a major grant was received through the White Memorial Community Fund to enable StepUp to undertake a new, comprehensive program model. Building on the strengths of almost two decades of experience, StepUp now offers participants a year-long, phased, incentive-driven program leading to safe, affordable housing and a stable, life-sustaining job.

The comprehensive program model continues to serve working families while expanding to meet the needs of single adults (particularly ex-offenders). A core curriculum has been created to address financial literacy and responsibility, physical and mental health, spiritual nurture, and healthy relationships. A management system (the Balanced Scorecard) has been implemented to tie our strategies to objectives and measures that generate monthly reports and long-term measurable outcomes. StepUp now works with over 600 individuals annually.

An Evening to Celebrate Former Executive Director Linda Nunnallee on her Retirement

On September 21, 2022, we gathered to celebrate Executive Director Linda Nunnallee on her retirement from StepUp Ministry after 12 years of leadership. We hosted over 100 friends, colleagues and family members for a night filled with celebration!

At the event, Linda as awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award by the Governor of North Carolina. This prestigious awards is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina. Congratulations Linda!

To further honor Linda, a fund has been created at StepUp Ministry in Linda’s name. The Linda Nunnallee Future of StepUp Ministry Fund will support leadership transition, organizational development and strategic planning as well as programmatic support for the employment program. We are thrilled to announce that with your support the Fund has reached a balance of just over $50,000 to support the Future of StepUp Ministry. Thank you!