StepUp Ministry



Program

The purpose of the StepUP program is to provide second chances for those committed to living independent, responsible, and productive lives. We are motivated to do so out of a faith perspective that challenges us to simultaneously uplift the God-given potential of each individual while recognizing that individuals cannot grow apart from community. StepUP is a community where participants, volunteers, and staff affirm strengths, address shortcomings, and learn skills that lead to self-sufficiency.



Jobs Program

    StepUP Ministry's Job Training and Placement program targets all unemployed and underemployed men and women in Wake, Durham and Johnston County.

StepUP's unique services:

Comprehensive, Week-Long Job Preparation Service.

     All participants must take part in two hours of intensive personal contact that includes background checks, resume development and securing appropriate attire. Each participant also must complete 19 hours of seminars and interactive workshops focused on interview skills, conflict management, appropriate dress, non-verbal skills and job retention.

Personal, "Unique Match" Employment.

     Once a participant graduates from the week-long class, staff seeks employers based on the current participant pool, looking for positions that fit the backgrounds, interests, and job skills of these participants. Staff will only recommend participants to employers when those participants match required skill sets. Furthermore, the staff establishes working relationships with employers who are willing to hire individuals who may have a criminal background and/or previous substance abuse problems. Staff also schedules interviews for participants and helps facilitate the application process.

Follow-up and Retention.

     Following placement, staff works with both participants and employers to increase retention - that is done in three ways:

  1. Participants are required to sign a contract stating that they will stay in their job at least 6 months. StepUP currently has an 83% success rate.
  2. Participants must attend one Job Friends meeting a month. Job Friends meet on Wednesday evenings at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Raleigh and the group focuses on job related issues.
  3. Participants agree to call StepUP once a week for follow up.

     The Jobs program has been successful in helping Wake County residents break the cycle of poverty since 2004. The program has placed nearly 1,000 people in stable jobs. In 2009 alone, 185 individuals were placed in jobs (137 were ex-offenders and 68 were homeless) with a one-year job retention rate of 81%. StepUP works with over 160 Wake County employers.

Participation in StepUP's Comprehensive Program. 

     Those placed in jobs are given the opportunity to attend StepUP's nine-month Life Skills program, which helps build skills and confidence needed to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Classes include budgeting , goal setting, personal development, career improvement and debr reduction.

Miscellaneous

     StepUP's Jobs programs are held at First Baptist Church in downtown Raleigh and White Memorial Presbyterian Church near Cameron Village. StepUP Ministry staff works closely with participants to make sure they have access to transportation and other services that encourage program participation and completion. We provide bus passes during orientation week and staff will personally drive participants to job interviews if necessary.