PURPOSE

StepUp Ministry, founded in 1988, is a non-profit that annually empowers over 600 low wage and homeless individuals in Wake County to move their lives to stability – job, family and home.

SERVICES

StepUp is a phased program with three major focuses:

1. Job Training and Placement
2. Life Skills
3. Alumni

These elements allow opportunities for low wage individuals to find employment, gain family and financial stability, and obtain affordable housing.

JOB TRAINING AND PLACEMENT 

All individuals are required to attend a one-week workshop totaling 27 hours.  Participants must be at least 21 years of age.  The week is comprised of a series of workshops including communication skills, conflict resolution, reflective listening, dressing for success, interviewing skills and job retention.  In addition, each participant receives a one-on-one skills assessment with a employment counselor.

Upon completion of the week-long class, employment counselors assist all graduates with potential employment.  StepUp currently works with over 160 employers and matches applicants with the training, experience, and interpersonal criteria requested by an employer.  Since 2005, StepUp has placed over 1500 people with 81% staying in their job for more than one year.

• Vocational Training is available for all individuals who pass the Job Training week and meet specific qualifications. Participants are trained in one of three areas – automotive, fiber-optics and retail management.

LIFE SKILLS

Life Skills represents the heart of StepUp as a learning community and utilizes a phased, incentive driven model complimented by a case management component.  To participate in Life Skills, a person must complete the Job Training week and be employed at least 30 hours a week.  Participants meet weekly on Tuesday nights.  Participants are assigned a volunteer co-partner and a case manager, who remain with them for the full 12 months.

The core curriculum is taught over four, 12 week phases.

Phase I: Spiritual/Personal Development
Phase II: Goal Setting/Financial Literacy
Phase III: Relational Development
Phase IV: Career/Credit Development

• Children of parents participating in Life Skills must attend StepUp.  The children learn the same age-appropriate curriculum as the adults
• Housing assistance is available for all Life Skills participants.They may apply for help finding affordable housing. StepUp provides housing for over 60 people a year.
• Scholarships are available for any participant who has completed six months of Life Skills. They may apply for a scholarship to assist in their vocational and/or educational standing.