StepUp Today!
We StepUp to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential!
For over 35 years, StepUp Ministry has believed everyone deserves the chance to achieve their full potential. As a result of StepUp's programming and support, we have seen thousands of lives transformed and the trajectory of generations of StepUp families shift.
We StepUp is our annual volunteer-led fundraising campaign. Funds raised help provide essential services such as job training, mentorship, and personal development workshops. This year's goal is to raise $250,000 by October 23rd to benefit our programs.
Your support creates ripples of change that extend for years to come. Join our movement and donate today!
StepUp and Help Make an Impact!
“StepUp is a really great program that helps you learn new things and gives you what you need—not just what you want. We learn things that help us in everyday life.”
As a high school student struggling with a lack of confidence and direction, JaRiyyha first learned about Real World from her cousin. At first, she wasn't at all interested in joining — or really anything at that time — but she decided to try it out. It was that leap of faith that changed everything.
“There are ALWAYS people at StepUp Ministry to support you. As soon as you walk through the doors, you will find love, support, community, and resources."
“I was tired of living the way I was living and being who I was—I wanted more for myself.”
Life before StepUp was challenging for Susan U. After 12 years as a hospital lab manager, her world shifted when she became involved with the justice system. Released in 2023 to a new city with no support network, she struggled to find resources and spent time in and out of shelters. A former StepUp participant she met at Southlight Healthcare encouraged her to join our Empower 48 Program — and from the moment she arrived, StepUp staff and volunteers offered the support and encouragement she’d been longing for.
When SaQuon joined our Employment Academy, his past was holding him back from the future he wanted.
He came into the StepUp community with a pending charge…
Sa’Niya W. is a middle schooler who has found a safe and supportive place in StepUp Ministry's Youth and Young Adult Program. Sa'Niya and her family are soon-to-be graduates of StepUp’s Empower 48 Program, a 48-week program designed for individuals and families seeking to build a stable future through accountability, mentorship, and personal development…
When Marcus P. was a rising junior in high school, he was invited to check out StepUp’s Real World Program by his friend. Eager to acquire business skills and intrigued by the positive things he had heard about the teen program, Marcus decided to give Real World a try.
When LaRonda M. first started StepUp, she thought it might be a waste of time. Having been part of many programs, she was skeptical of starting a new one because she was sick of all the false starts and false hope. But, after hearing about StepUp from our partner InterAct, she worked to complete her first phase of StepUp and changed her mindset tremendously.
With five small children and working long, tiring hours, Ashley H. did not have the work-life balance she craved. She felt the burden of everything and everyone depending on her and faced major challenges after losing her employment and having to move due to safety reasons. Then she heard about StepUp.
VIDEO: Bobby Harrington shares the story of how he got back in the game with StepUp Ministry.
“Thanks to StepUp, I am a more polished professional now. After eight months of searching and failing on my own, I was offered two great job opportunities within a week, starting with StepUp. Now, I’m happily employed and able to support my family.”
Five-year-old Makenzie H. is very confident in the reasons why she loves StepUp Ministry’s Children’s Program. “I like playing with toys, playing with my friends, and playing outside. I like to have fun and love to learn about EVERYTHING! It is super fun!! We get to have dinner, learn about all types of things, meet new people, and make new friends!”
Collin discovered StepUp Ministry after quitting a job he found unfulfilling and draining. “My last job did not see value in me…
As a child, Jordan was enrolled in StepUp Ministry’s Children’s Program when his mother became part of our Life Skills Program…
Nickia B. is currently employed at Duke University School of Medicine, but her story did not begin there – she first learned about StepUp Ministry from her probation officer…
Shannon B. had a strong, loving upbringing where she and her 7 siblings were supported well by her mom and dad.
However, tragedy struck when she was 15 years old: her dad died…