StepUp Durham

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 [email protected] 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! 👏

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! HUBZone Technology Initiative

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 [email protected] to learn more.

Beth El Durham

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 Duke University 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://lnkd.in/eTPqMnKr

Visit the link in our bio to learn more, donate, or become a sponsor of Ready, Set, Rise! https://lnkd.in/eqxF7-_Q

Donations can be made at this direct link: https://lnkd.in/edWqidz8

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?