Phylicia Barr

StepUp Ministry is a non-profit with locations in Raleigh, Greensboro and Durham. Our programming focuses directly on individuals who are unemployed. The majority of our participants face barriers, such as criminal backgrounds, to finding employment, successfully reentering society and supporting themselves and/or their families. StepUp provides a chance for people to start over. The first step in our process is employment. Our 32-hour, weeklong Employment Training Workshop teaches the skills needed to find and sustain employment: networking, resume writing, how to dress appropriately, time management, conflict resolution, communication skills, strategic thinking, and interview preparation. The second step in our process is the year-long Life Skills class. Adult participants learn skills such as budgeting, goal-setting, credit restoration, managing emotions and relational development. The goal is stability in all aspects of life over the long term. Focusing on the the entire family, StepUp also officers a Children’s Program which is designed to equip the children (ages 0-16) of our adults particpants to make positive life choices. The program combats life challenges by creating a support network of parents, teachers, volunteer mentors and trained staff to serve as positive role models. In order to continue positive support for our Life Skills graduates, we offer an Alumni Program four times a month. Topics include: communication skills, personality profiles, career development, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and life coaching Stability is achieved over a lifetime of hard work and determination. When our participants complete the StepUp process, they have not yet reached stability, but rather, have acquired the skills needed to continue to work towards stable living for generations to come. StepUp remains a point of support for all individuals and families who participate. www.stepupministry.org