Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Chuck's journey is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity.
Through the support of StepUp, Humberto began paralegal classes, igniting a passion for justice and advocacy.
We envision StepUp Durham as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to greater economic empowerment and resilience. Our commitment is to forge a thriving and inclusive community where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can overcome adversity and embrace the full potential of their individual journey.
We believe lives are transformed through God's love and grace.
We seek and value diversity, inclusiveness, equity, accountability and collaboration.
We are careful stewards of all relationships and resources in our care.
StepUp Durham's story began in fall 2015 with the formation of an exploratory committee, consisting of Durham residents concerned with under- and unemployment in our city. After examining StepUp's core values and programming in Raleigh and Greensboro, the committee determined that opening a local office would benefit Durham families. The committee helped us establish racial equity, community listening, and asset-based community development as core organizational principles and practices. Guided by StepUp Ministry’s mission, we opened StepUp Durham’s doors in September 2015.

Fall Fest

Creative Entrepreneurs | Community | Vendors Market

Serve as Mock Interviewer

Build Resumes with Job Seekers

Give

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Events | Join Community Events Today

Cashmere Bentley

Meg Olhasque

LARHONDA LESLIE

CARY CAIN

PAULINE ROBINSON

CLINT MCSHERRY

KEVIN MORIN-KENSICKI

BILL DEFULVIO

NAKEETA THARPE

Samantha Alexander

Chonna Campbell

Citlalli Alaniz

One week to go! 🍂 You helped make Ready. Set. RISE! possible. Now let’s celebrate together at our first-ever StepUp Durham Fall Fest: A Celebration of Creative Entrepreneurs! Join your fellow StepUp Durham supporters, advocates, and neighbors for good beer, great eats, and games for all ages. 🗓️ Friday, Nov. 13 | 5–8 p.m. 📍 @hiwirebrewing_durm | 800 Taylor Street 🎟️ Free, family-friendly, and open to all! Here’s a sneak peek at what a few of our vendors and exhibitors are bringing to Fall Fest 👀 🎨 Jason C. Hill Art will have playful animal portraits as originals, prints, and stickers. 🧵 Guna Soul will bring upcycled clothing, textiles, and pillows adorned with hand-sewn molas by Guna artisans in Panama. 💡 Pierce & Allen Design House will have custom lampshades, embroidered pillows and cocktail napkins, and hand-drawn designs on gift wrap, bags, and textiles. 🖼️ Cleris India will showcase acrylic paintings on canvas. Come meet the artists and makers in person. See you at Hi-Wire! @gunasoul @clerisindia @pierceandallendesign @jason_chillart

Our Success Coach Kevin spent the day at the Durham County jail, helping people build resumes before they come home. A strong resume and a plan for the job search can make all the difference when someone is ready for a fresh start. That’s the work StepUp Durham does every day, inside and outside our walls. Our Ready. Set. RISE! campaign keeps this work going. Give here: secure.givelively.org/donate/stepup-durham/ready-set-rise

Durham, have you stepped up to the polls? 🗳️✨ Join your neighbors, exercise your right to vote, and make your voice heard! ⏰ Polls close at 7:30 PM. In line at your assigned polling place by 7:30? Stay in line! You’ll be able to vote. Our team is showing up, too! Check out our Stories to see StepUp Durham team members who voted early or cast their ballots today. 💙

🌟A GOLDEN boost for Ready. Set. RISE! Thank you to the Advance Auto Parts Foundation, our newest Gold sponsor, for their generous support of our Fall Campaign! Through their Advancing Our Communities program, the Foundation invests in workforce development to help people gain the skills and support they need to join our community’s workforce. Their gift helps StepUp Durham participants build pathways to sustainable employment. Thank you for helping our mission RISE! 👏

No tricks, just treats! 👻🎃 We’re just TWO WEEKS away from StepUp Durham’s inaugural Fall Fest! Good beer, yummy bites, local artists and entrepreneurs, games and fun for the kiddos. Something for everyone! 🎉 Pop out and join us Friday, November 13, at HI-WIRE Brewing. Public event with vendors and artists starts at 5pm. Free admission! We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🍻 Happy Halloweekend! 👻

Haven’t heard yet? StepUp Durham is hosting our FIRST-EVER Fall Fest! 🎉 Join us for a celebration of creative entrepreneurs and our community, featuring vendors, exhibitors, artists, makers, and creators! 📅 Friday, November 13 📍 Hi-Wire Brewing Durham ⏰ Starting at 5pm 🎟️ Free admission + family friendly! Bring your coworkers, family, friends, and neighbors! Share this post with your crew, save the date, and come have some fun with us! 💙 Help keep the momentum going! Donate to our fall campaign at the link in bio. Sponsorships are still available—contact meg@stepupdurham.org.

Meet Kayla! 👋 New to Durham and looking for a job, she came to StepUp after her mother, a former participant, shared her positive experience. Now we’re here to support Kayla as she takes her next step. 💙 You can help more people like Kayla through our Ready. Set. RISE! fall campaign. Donate at the link in our bio or contact meg@stepupdurham.org about sponsorship opportunities. Then come celebrate with us at Fall Fest! 🎉 📅 Friday, November 13 | 3:30–8 p.m. 📍 Hi-Wire Brewing, 800 Taylor St., Durham Enjoy local creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs, plus beer, food, games, and more! Admission is free, and the whole family is welcome. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Pull up, pop out, and have some fun with us! 🎨🍻

Chuck’s next chapter is here! 💙 After a long job search and completing his BUILD apprenticeship at @recitynetwork, he’s joining Duke University as a van driver! Known for his welcoming presence and infectious smile, Chuck has made a lasting mark on our StepUp community. We’re proud of his perseverance and excited for what’s ahead! Read more about Chuck’s journey through the Stories link in our bio.

Haven’t heard yet? StepUp Durham is hosting our FIRST-EVER Fall Fest! 🎉 Join us for a celebration of creative entrepreneurs and our community, featuring vendors, exhibitors, artists, makers, and creators! 📅 Friday, November 13 📍 Hi-Wire Brewing Durham ⏰ 3:30–8 PM 🎟️ Free admission + family friendly! Bring your coworkers, family, friends, and neighbors! Share this post with your crew, save the date, and come have some fun with us! 💙 Help keep the momentum going! Donate to our fall campaign at the link in bio. Sponsorships are still available—contact meg@stepupdurham.org.

A polished résumé. Stronger interview skills. A whole lot more confidence. 🙌 After completing Jobs Week, part of Step1 at StepUp Durham, Aundrea says the pieces are coming together. Having a certificate that says you can do the job is one thing—knowing how to land it is a whole different ball game. Now, he feels prepared and ready to take on his job search, with StepUp Durham beside him every step of the way. We’re cheering you on, Aundrea! Here’s to the opportunities ahead. 💙

🎉 We're one gift away from our 100th donor! So far, 99 neighbors have given $23,157 toward our $50,000 Ready, Set, RISE! goal. Every gift helps Durham job seekers prepare for work, land jobs, and build steady careers. 💙 Will you be number 100? Make your gift today through the link in our bio! #StepUpDurham #ReadySetRISE #DurhamNC #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityImpact

Thank you to Phil Spiro and Linda Raftery, our second Gold Sponsors of Ready. Set. RISE! Their steadfast support helps sustain the resources, connections, and encouragement that make opportunity possible at StepUp Durham. 🌟 Phil and Linda, thank you for standing with us and investing in our community’s future! We’re halfway to our $50,000 goal! Help keep the momentum growing by becoming a sponsor and helping more Durham residents access employment, opportunity, and second chances. Explore sponsorship opportunities: meg@stepupdurham.org.

🎉 Congratulations to StepUp Durham’s October Step 1 Jobs Week grads! 👏 Scroll through to meet the faces of those who showed up ready to take on the challenge of employment, connect with resources, and build a community in their corner. Taking that first step takes courage, and these grads did it! Now, they’re ready to move forward and take on the job search. We’re cheering you on. Now, let’s get you back to work! 💼🙌 #StepUpDurham #JobsWeek #CareerReadiness #DurhamNC

Calling all creatives! 🎨 Spaces are still available for Fall Fest: A Celebration of Creative Entrepreneurs! All participating vendors and exhibitors will be entered into an end-of-event drawing for a $100 gift card! 📅 Friday, Nov. 13 | 3:30–8 p.m. 📍 Hi-Wire Brewing | 800 Taylor Street, Durham 🎉 FREE & open to the community! We’re halfway to our $50,000 Ready. Set. RISE! goal! Our Fall Campaign will culminate with Fall Fest, bringing our community together to celebrate creativity, entrepreneurship, resilience, and everything our participants are working toward. Thank you to our sponsors for helping create employment opportunities and second chances in Durham! Want to exhibit or become a sponsor? Message us! @hiwirebrewing_durm @recitynetwork Artists | Creatives| entrepreneurs | Durham | Crafts | Painters | Festival | Local Vendors | Exhibitors

We’re proud to recognize Susan and Michael Hershfield as the first Gold Sponsors of StepUp Durham’s 2026 Ready. Set. RISE! Fall Campaign. Susan and Michael have been longtime supporters of StepUp Durham and an important part of the stability that allows us to keep showing up for job seekers and families across our community. Their generosity has strengthened our foundation, supported our growth, and give us the confidence to keep building for the future. Their continued belief in our mission means more than we can say. We’re deeply grateful for their partnership, their encouragement, and the steady support they have provided over time. Thank you, Susan and Michael, for once again standing with StepUp Durham.

Did you know? StepUp Durham began with local residents asking how they could help more Durham neighbors find work and build brighter futures. That community commitment helped open our doors in 2015—and it’s still at the heart of our work 11 years later! 💙 To our participants, staff, volunteers, and supporters: YOU are part of this story. Thank you for showing up, believing in possibilities, and taking the next step with us. Want to help us celebrate? Donate or sponsor our Ready. Set. RISE! Fall Campaign. Let’s keep building a future full of hope and opportunity! Link in bio.

Want to make an impact in the Durham community? Help us give others a second chance. 💙 Meet Humberto, a veteran who came to StepUp Durham to rebuild his life after wrongful incarceration. With support from StepUp, he pursued paralegal classes and secured a role with Legal Aid’s DEAR Program. Today, he helps others move forward through license restoration and expungement services. Your support of Ready. Set. RISE! helps provide the training, resources, and community that make new beginnings possible. Read Humberto’s full story and support our Fall Campaign at the link in bio!

Big heart. Smart giving. 💙 Today is DAF Day! Put your donor-advised fund to work helping Durham job seekers access training, coaching, and support for sustainable employment. Visit stepupdurham.org/give and look for DAF Direct to recommend your gift. Together, we can turn generosity into opportunity. #DAFDay #StepUpDurham

Everyone has a first-job story—and Bill’s comes with a beat. 🎤😂 His early days as a server and busboy at his grandparents’ retirement community ended with him getting fired. Why? You’ll have to listen—but here’s a hint: he’s been spitting rhymes since a young age. Was rapping his true calling? We’ll let you decide! The moral of the story? Your first job doesn’t define your future—but it might give you a great story to tell. What was your first job? 👇

A big moment to start our week off! @cargill is our first Silver Sponsor for our 2026 Fall Campaign! 🎉 Cargill’s work is rooted in nourishing people. Their investment in StepUp Durham carries that commitment into our community, helping participants pursue stable work and stronger futures for their families. Thank you, Cargill, for believing in the people of Durham and what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.

What are these two brewing up? 👀 It’s a Friday First Peek at something fun and festive in the works, and we can’t wait to share more! Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for a fall announcement you’ll want to be part of! 🎉 @hiwirebrewing_durm

Meet Whitney! She’s navigating a career transition and discovered StepUp Durham at her local library. Through our program, Whitney’s tapping into valuable resources and networking opportunities. Her journey highlights how tailored support can spark change and foster growth within our community. Want to make a difference in the lives of others navigating the job market? Our Fall Campaign is in full swing! Ready, Set, RISE with us! Link in bio or visit www.stepupdurham.org/campaign-26.

There are many paths toward stable work. Whatever brings you to StepUp Durham, we’re glad you’re here. 💙 You bring the determination. We’ll bring job training, coaching, resources, and ongoing support to help you take the next step.

Oh look, it’s our favorite supporter. YOU! 👀 Haven’t donated to StepUp Durham’s Fall Campaign yet? There’s still time to help us reach our $50,000 goal. Your gift supports people navigating all kinds of paths back to stable work: 💙 A mom returning to the workforce after years spent raising her kids. 💙 An uncle rebuilding after incarceration. 💙 A dad recovering from a workplace injury. 💙 A sister ready for a career change. 💙 A son transitioning from military service to civilian work. 💙 A parent seeking safety after domestic violence and working toward financial independence. 💙 A neighbor rebuilding confidence after a period of mental health challenges. Each person brings determination. StepUp brings job training, coaching, resources, and ongoing support to help them take the next step. Your support today helps someone move forward tomorrow. Can we count on you? Link in bio to donate or sponsor our fall campaign. Or visit www.stepupdurham.org/campaign-26.

This is what opportunity looks like in action. 💙 At Jobs Week, Durham job seekers build résumés, practice interviews, and strengthen the skills needed to succeed at work. For participants returning after an employment gap or navigating barriers related to justice involvement, our success coaches offer guidance, resources, and support that extends beyond the job search to life skills and lasting stability. This is the work your support makes possible. Ready, Set, RISE with us! Link in bio to donate or become a sponsor of our 2026 Fall Campaign!

Calling all sponsors! 📣 Help Durham RISE. StepUp Durham’s Ready. Set. RISE! Fall Campaign is about what happens when opportunity meets determination. We’re raising $50,000 to provide job training, coaching, and ongoing support that help Durham job seekers build lasting stability and brighter futures. 💙 Gold: $5,000 💙 Silver: $3,000 💙 Bronze: $1,000 Showcase your commitment to our community through website and newsletter recognition, social media spotlights, and additional benefits based on your sponsorship level. Ready to RISE with us? Contact Meg Olhasque at meg@stepupdurham.org to become a sponsor.

🎉 Congratulations to our September Jobs Week graduates! Step1 is officially in the books! Each participant has now been matched with a Success Coach who will walk alongside them as an accountability partner throughout their journey. We can’t wait to continue working with you all through Step2 as you work toward landing a job, finding greater stability, and building a stronger foundation for your future. From mock interviews and resume strengthening to navigating work gaps, professionalism, and so much more, our team goes beyond the modules. We build confidence, provide encouragement, and create the supportive community so many people are looking for as they take their next steps. Here’s to the journey ahead! 👏

Of course, all of our Success Coaches and Program Leaders bring great communication, organization, and amazing vibes to the team. But give it up for Nakeeta and Bill for playing along for this fun trend! 👏✨ #friyay #feelgoodfriday #stepupdurham

When opportunity meets determination, transformation happens. 💙 After facing a long employment gap, Benjamin came to StepUp looking for more than job-search advice—he needed accountability, encouragement and a supportive network. Through the BUILD Apprenticeship, coaching and ENER-G sessions, Benjamin strengthened his confidence while pursuing his vision of building a consulting practice focused on marketing and operations. Today, he is thriving as a StepUp apprentice at Note in the Pocket, supporting community engagement, strengthening its digital presence and creating systems designed to last beyond his apprenticeship. Your support helps make transformations like Benjamin’s possible. Support our Ready, Set, RISE! Fall Campaign by making a donation or becoming a sponsor—and be sure to check whether your employer offers a matching-gift program to double your impact! Link in bio!

A big thank you to HUBZone Technology Initiative (HTI) for donating laptops to Step Up Durham! 💻 Your generosity helps us continue our work in the Durham community and expands access to the technology needed to learn, work, and thrive. We’re grateful for this partnership and for HTI’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. Thank you for helping us create more opportunities for our community! @hubzonetech

Grateful to Rabbi Greyber and Beth El Synagogue, StepUp Durham’s first Ready, Set, RISE! Fall Campaign sponsor! 💙 Thank you for leading the way and for your continued support of our work and the people we serve. Your partnership helps create opportunity and brighter futures across Durham. Ready to RISE with us? Join Beth El as a Fall Campaign sponsor! Reach out to meg@stepupdurham.org to learn more. @betheldurham #ReadySetRISE #StepUpDurham #DurhamNC

We’re incredibly grateful for the community partners who help turn ideas into opportunity—and we’re especially excited to introduce The Doorway Project. 💙 Created through a collaboration between an incredible team from the @dukeuniversity Code+ program and StepUp Durham, The Doorway Project is a simple, accessible digital bridge to jobs, resources, support, and hope for Durham residents navigating reentry, unemployment, housing instability, or other challenging seasons. Designed with real-life barriers in mind—from limited technology experience to older smartphones and limited internet access—it helps make opportunity easier to find, right from your phone. Because sometimes opening the right door can change what comes next. We’re so grateful to Duke Code+ for helping us build it—and we can’t wait to share more.

Nancy came to StepUp Durham looking for support as she balanced motherhood, school, and her career goals. Through resume building, interview preparation, job search support, and connections to community resources, she gained the skills—and confidence—to keep moving forward. Today, Nancy has earned her Associate in Science degree and BioWork Certification and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology at North Carolina Central University. 🎓✨ Nancy’s story shows what’s possible when opportunity, support, and determination come together. Read more about her journey and how you can help others reach their goals. Check out our links or visit https://www.stepupdurham.org/latest-news/nancy-rosales-journey Visit the link in our bio to learn more, donate, or become a sponsor of Ready, Set, Rise! #ReadySetRise #StepUpDurham #JobStability #CommunityImpact

Labor Day was created to honor the workers whose contributions, determination, and advocacy have helped build our communities and shape our country. At StepUp Durham, we believe in the dignity of work—and in ensuring everyone has the opportunity, support, and resources to build a career and a more stable future. Today, we celebrate workers everywhere and the many paths that lead to meaningful employment. Happy Labor Day from StepUp Durham! 💙

Think you need to check every single box before applying for a job? Think again. 💡 Many employers aren’t looking for someone who meets 100% of the qualifications. They’re also looking for people who are willing to learn, grow, and bring transferable skills to the table. Don’t count yourself out before you even apply. Your next opportunity might be closer than you think. 💬 What hiring advice do you wish someone had told you sooner?

Ready. Set. RISE! 🚀 This fall, we’re raising $50,000 to help Durham job seekers move beyond barriers and toward stronger careers, lasting stability, and brighter futures. Every gift helps provide the training, coaching, resources, and support that turn determination into opportunity. ✨ Give. Sponsor. Be part of someone’s next step. Interested in becoming a Ready. Set. RISE! sponsor? Contact Meg at meg@stepupdurham.org to learn more. #ReadySetRISE #StepUpDurham #DurhamNC

We first met Jamie when she attended Jobs Week this summer, looking to build skills to help her land her next opportunity. Now, we’re thrilled to congratulate her on starting a new job with Durham Public Schools this August! 🎉 Jamie described StepUp Durham as “caring”—and we can’t think of a better compliment. Caring for people, their goals, and our community is at the heart of WHY we do this work. We’re so proud of you, Jamie! 💙 #fridayfeels #stepupdurham #durham #readysetrise #grow

Our Summer Enews has landed in inboxes! ☀️📬 Inside, get the first peek at our Fall Campaign, details on a big event coming this November at Hi-Wire Brewing, meet amazing StepUp Durham participant Nancy, and catch up on more of what’s happening in our community. Don’t miss it—check your inbox or go to our link in bio!

Our Back-to-School Block Party was a wonderful reminder of the power of community! Families came together to connect, have fun, access resources, and celebrate our children as they head into a new school year. We were also excited to help students start the year prepared with backpacks and school supplies. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and helped make the day possible. We’re especially grateful to our community partners @ibm, @legalaidnc @bikedurham, and @bridgespointenc and to Keith Bullard with USSW @raiseupthesouth for donating 150 backpacks filled with school supplies for our community. A special shoutout also goes to StepUp Durham participant Jamie Leacock of True Colors by JBird for bringing even more joy to the day with face painting! It truly takes a village, and we’re grateful for ours. Thank you for making this year’s Back-to-School Block Party one to remember! 💙

A big thank you to @ibm for making an impact! 💙 During IBM Impact Day, volunteers created digital STEM flashcards, personalized pencil cases, and filled 50 backpacks with supplies for families attending our Back-to-School Block Party. We’re also grateful for the opportunity to share StepUp Durham’s mission with the IBM team. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and talents to support our families. Stay tuned for photos and a recap from the Block Party!

StepUp Durham was grateful to be part of the recent ReEntry Community Resource Fair at The Village in East Durham, hosted by the @cityofdurhamnc’s Welcome Home reentry program. 💙 It was a great day of connection, community partnerships and expanding access to resources for our neighbors returning home. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!

We know keeping a job is just as important as landing a job. That’s why our support goes beyond resumes and mock interviews. We also help participants address barriers to employment like childcare, financial literacy, transportation, housing and mental health, just to name a few. The difference lies in our holistic approach to employment. We connect people with tools, resources and a supportive community to stay employed and keep moving forward. Fresh starts begin here.

On National Nonprofit Day, this is your sign to support your local nonprofits. 💙 And here’s the thing: support doesn’t look just one way. Volunteer to edit resumes or conduct mock interviews. Help with an event or mailing. Provide a meal for a program. Stock our Essentials Shelf. Like, comment, share, and engage with our posts. Forward our eNews to someone new. Say our name at tables and in rooms where we may not be. And, of course, financial support can take many forms too—from a traditional donation to stock, DAFs, planned giving, retirement assets, or corporate matching. Every action helps strengthen the community of support surrounding our participants. It all matters. It all makes an impact. There are so many ways to give—and there’s a place for you in this work. Visit our website to find the way that works for you. www.stepupdurham.org #nationalnonprofitday #durham #supportlocal #giveback

First jobs—we all had one! 👀 We asked StepUp Durham Executive Director Cashmere and Success Coach & ENER-G Coordinator Kevin to take us back to the beginning and tell us about their very first jobs. Every career starts somewhere—and we had a little fun hearing where theirs began. Now it’s your turn: What was YOUR first job? Tell us in the comments! 👇

A big shoutout to our August Jobs Week participants on completing Step1! 🎉👏 You showed up, put in the work, and took an important step toward job readiness, greater stability, and new opportunities. And you’re not doing it alone. At StepUp Durham, you have a community that cares, believes in you, and is here to support you along the way. We can’t wait to keep the momentum going. Step2 awaits! 💙

Warming up for the week ahead… 💪 Stretching into Monday and getting ready for another week of showing up, creating opportunities, building connections, and taking steps forward. Because at StepUp Durham, we know a little preparation goes a long way. 😉 Let’s get to work! 👏 #StepUpDurham #MondayMotivation #DurhamNC

A heartfelt thank you to @lakewood_social for choosing StepUp Durham as your July Nonprofit Partner of the Month, and to every guest who dined with purpose on Tuesdays throughout July. Together, you helped raise $1,779.69 to support Durham job seekers as they build sustainable careers and brighter futures. We’re so grateful for this incredible partnership and for a community that shows up to make a difference. 💙

Mondays are a reminder to check in with ourselves, too. ⛽💙 We asked Kevin (K2) what advice he shares with participants and fellow staff to keep the positive vibes flowing at the start of the week. “You’re never too busy driving to stop for gas. You have to refuel, you have to regenerate yourself, and remain positive.” A simple reminder that you can’t pour into others and your community if you’re running on empty. How are you refueling this week? 👇

What a great surprise to see our Step2 Coordinator and Volunteer Co-Coordinator, Nakeeta Tharpe, featured by Deborah at @recitynetwork! Our Step2 participants are in great hands. Nakeeta is a caring, encouraging leader who is passionate about helping others reach their full potential. She consistently creates meaningful opportunities for growth, including organizing incredible trainings and experiences like this summer’s Life Skills class with Tony Cozart from the Cozart Xperience. Nakeeta is a true changemaker in our community, and we’re so glad to see her and the work she does highlighted. We’re grateful for the heart and dedication she brings to Step2 every day. Check out the full feature here or find it in our stories/ highlights! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/X95Jy0M49F4

Happy National Intern Day to our incredible intern, Citlalli! 💙 We’re so grateful for everything she brings to the StepUp Durham team. Citlalli joined StepUp through her interest in workforce development and community-based economic policy, and she loves getting to know our participants, supporting workshops, and seeing careers take shape. Outside of StepUp, she enjoys exploring Durham’s restaurants and cafés, reading outside, traveling, trying new foods, and finding new ways to connect with the community. Thank you, Citlalli, for your hard work, positivity, and the impact you’ve made. We’re so glad you’re part of the StepUp family! 📸 Gillian Ward

We’re excited to welcome Tony L Cozart of The Cozart Xperience as the facilitator for our Summer Life Skills Class for Step2 participants! Tony’s wealth of experience, dynamic leadership, and proven blueprint for success will be an invaluable part of helping our participants build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to achieve employment, long-term stability, and personal growth. We’re grateful to have him investing in the future of our participants and helping them take the next steps toward success. @tony_l_cozart #StepUpDurham #Step2 #LifeSkills #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityImpact

💙 Today’s the last Tuesday to support @lakewood_social’s Nonprofit of the Month, StepUp Durham. Happy hour with purpose? We love to see it. Bring coworkers, friends, or family to Lakewood Social and help support StepUp Durham while you dine and do good. Hope to see you all here! 📍 1920 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC ⏰ 11am-9pm Learn more about StepUp Durham at www.stepupdurham.org.

Growth often starts with recognizing how far you’ve already come. Share your answer below! you never know who your story might encourage. 💙

Have you met Meg? 💙 Over the past several months, Meg has stepped into the role of Acting Development Director, helping keep everything moving behind the scenes—from grants and donor relationships to funder partnerships and all the many pieces that make development work possible. We’re incredibly grateful for her dedication, steady leadership, and unwavering support of StepUp Durham. When StepUp Durham was featured as Nonprofit of the Week by The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center last year, Meg shared that she was immediately drawn to the organization because of its radical inclusivity. She explained: “Justice involvement, gaps in work history, disability, housing instability—none of those things disqualify you here… when someone expresses a desire to move forward, the answer is simply, ‘Yes, we will walk with you.’” We couldn’t think of a better way to describe the heart of StepUp Durham. Thank you, Meg, for all you do and for helping make our mission possible every day. 💙

We have complete confidence in our ENERG Coordinator/Success Coach Kevin… …and that’s exactly why we let him star in this trend. 😂 Disclaimer: Everyone in this reel is genuinely tech-savvy. Any social media mishaps depicted are purely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.

💙 Support StepUp Durham at Lakewood Social! @lakewood_social As July’s Nonprofit Partner, StepUp will receive 10% of sales every Tuesday throughout the month. StepUp helps individuals overcome barriers to employment by connecting them with resources, support, and opportunities to thrive. Stop by, show your support, and help create pathways to possibility. Meet up with a group from work for happy hour or text your friends and family and tell them to meet at Lakewood, today! Learn more about StepUp Durham at www.stepupdurham.org.

Every new skill is a step toward new possibilities. Tell us what you’d love to learn this year. 💙

Congratulations to our newest Jobs Week graduates! 🎉 📩 Learn more: info@stepupdurham.org Completing Step1 is more than building job readiness—it’s taking the first step toward new opportunities and joining a community that’s here to support you along the way. Ready to take your first step? We offer FREE employment readiness training, personalized job coaching, employer referrals, and support for job seekers, including those with barriers to employment. 📩 Learn more: info@stepupdurham.org

Behind every success story is someone willing to invest their time, encouragement, and expertise. 💙 We’re grateful for volunteers like Carroll, whose dedication to helping job seekers build confidence and prepare for meaningful careers makes a lasting impact on our community. Interested in making a difference? Whether you have an hour to give or specialized skills to share, we’d love to have you join our volunteer team. Learn more and get involved! www.stepupdurham.org/volunteer #StepUpWithUs #VolunteerOpportunity #grateful #CommunityLove #CareerResources

💙 Join us today and support StepUp Durham, July’s Nonprofit Partner! @lakewood_social is donating 10% of sales every Tuesday in July to help provide job readiness training, personalized coaching, employer connections, and supportive services for job seekers working toward their goals. Your Tuesday plans can make a difference. Learn more about StepUp Durham at www.stepupdurham.org. #nonprofitorganization #community #investincommunity #durham #jobready

Opportunity creates possibility. Tell us about the opportunity that made a difference in your life. We’d love to hear your story. #MondayMotivation #StepUpWithUs #DurhamNC #JobStability

Step up. Turn up. Show up. 😎🎶 Confidence starts with the first step. What’s a tune that makes you feel unstoppable? 👇

💙 StepUp Durham is @lakewood_social July Nonprofit Partner! Every Tuesday in July, 10% of sales will be donated to support StepUp’s work helping Durham residents build pathways to stable employment, economic mobility, and long-term success. Come out TODAY, enjoy a meal or drink, bring your co-workers for happy hour or meet up with friends, and support a stronger Durham community. Learn more about StepUp Durham at www.stepupdurham.org. #SupportLocal #nonprofits #communitypartners #durham #jobready

Your experience could be the encouragement someone else needs today. Join the conversation below. ⬇️

Progress doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to start somewhere. What’s one small step you’ve taken recently that you’re proud of? We’d love to hear it. ⬇️

Still reflecting on the incredible energy from @walltownchildrenstheatre at our IMPACT26 event last month. Grateful for the way our Durham community continues to show up — celebrating young talent, uplifting local organizations, and creating spaces where connection and community truly shine. Proud to see so many impactful partners visible, engaged, and building together for Durham. 🩷🧡💜💙💛

We’re excited to welcome Walltown Children’s Theatre (@walltownchildrenstheatre) as the entertainment for IMPACT26! 🎭✨ Since 2000, WCT has empowered young people from diverse backgrounds through performing arts and youth development—helping them build confidence, express creativity, and strengthen our community. Rooted in Walltown and serving Durham and the Triangle, their performances celebrate connection, opportunity, and the power of youth voices. We can’t wait for them to bring that energy to the IMPACT26 stage! 🎟️ Secure your tickets or support the mission today. Visit the link in bio or go to www.stepupdurham.org/impact26 to purchase tickets or make a donation. 💙

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