Brianna D. first experienced StepUp Ministry through the Children’s Program. At that time, her mom was a StepUp participant, so Brianna would engage with other children whose parents were also in life skills classes. Years later, she is still connected to StepUp…

Dana W. describes her journey through life as “moving fast but going nowhere.” Instead of staying on an aimless hamster’s wheel, she decided to pursue a new path at StepUp Ministry…

Facial A. was faced with a devastating loss in 2016 when her husband passed away. But instead of seeking the support she needed, Facial turned to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. This led to negative consequences, a very low point in her life where she realized she needed to make changes in her life…

This is William B. He is 50 years old and has lived in Raleigh most of his life. During William’s teenage years, he started to experiment with substances and alcohol as a way to fit in. Soon after that, school was no longer his priority and his grades started failing…

Pamela is a StepUp graduate, current Board member, Next Steps Academy participant, co-partner volunteer, and an active member of Alumni Toastmasters. Her journey reflects the heart of StepUp: growth, leadership, service, and the power of staying connected.

James is a high school senior and recent Real World participant, with big plans for his future. He was introduced to the StepUp community through his mother, Shenette, who volunteered with our Youth and Young Adults Program.

Together, their story is a beautiful reminder that StepUp’s work is whole-family work: creating pathways of support, growth, and possibility across generations…even when those families might least expect it.

“I found StepUp—not because I was desperate, but because I wanted more.”

As she worked through our Empower 48 Life Skills Program, Sianna L. finally felt seen and understood. She made friends who supported her, found mentors who challenged her, and received resources to support her daughter. Today, StepUp Ambassador Sianna is one semester away from earning her college degree, she owns a successful jewelry design business, and her daughter is thriving.

“StepUp didn’t just teach me skills—it gave me the vision and courage to build a completely new life.”

When Timothy joined our Empower 48 Life Skills Program, he was ready to make a change—but he never imagined just how far his dreams would take him. Fast forward to today—StepUp Ambassador Timothy is the proud owner of a thriving dog grooming business right here in Durham. Every day, he puts the tools he gained at StepUp into practice: casting vision, setting clear goals, and living with purpose. He’s not just grooming dogs—he’s building the life he once only dared to dream.