StepUp Ministry

We want to thank the many volunteers who came out to support us before, during, and after our 15th Annual Luncheon!

We would be remiss if we didn't take a minute to thank the MANY volunteers who helped make this event possible. Our pictures could not capture all of these individuals, but we do want to recognize our community partners who provided volunteers. Also, an extra-special shout-out goes out to the White Memorial Presbyterian Church Raleigh staff team for allowing us to host this event in their beautiful main hall and for helping us in SO many ways each year.

We are beyond grateful for the hands and hearts that went into making this event so special! National Charity League Inc. Cardinal Chapter boys team charity Bank of America Women Serving Others

Through StepUp’s financial literacy and life skills programs, Pamela received more than resources; she found encouragement, practical support, and a community that believes in her potential. She is now thriving and serving as a 2026 StepUp Ambassador, sharing her story of transformation so others can see what is possible when someone is given the opportunity and support to succeed.

Stories like Pamela's happen because of generous supporters like you.

Our fiscal year ends on June 30th, so please consider making a gift to help more individuals and families find the same hope, confidence, and opportunity that Pamela found.

💙🩵💚 Make your gift here: https://www.stepupministry.org/donate

Laura Martin, StepUp Ministry’s Chief Outreach Officer, was recently featured on Data Bull's Running With The Bulls podcast.

She shared what it really takes to help people move from instability to steady work, confidence, and long-term support. It’s a meaningful conversation about hope, second chances, and the power of community.

Thank you, Matthew Elliott, for spotlighting StepUp’s work and the people behind it.

🎧️ Listen to the full episode here: https://thedatabull.com/running-with-the-bulls-episode-vii/

Full Circle - Participant to Volunteer: Vicki B.

Vicki first heard about StepUp in 2004, when vendors came to share information at Fountain Correctional Center. One of them was StepUp, and she was immediately drawn to the mission. "I knew it could help me rebuild my life and transition back into the community."

Through our Employment Academy program, Vicki learned how to interview for a job and how to present herself with confidence. "After getting out of prison, I was given the opportunity to interview for a job, and I used the tools that I learned at StepUp to land that job. I have always credited my getting that job to my training with the Employment Program. Getting that job was the biggest surprise of my life because, as a person with a criminal record and this would be my first job after prison, I never thought that I would be a candidate for that kind of employment."

Having received so much from StepUp, Vicki now pays it forward as a StepUp volunteer. "A volunteer is not only there to help a person complete the program but a volunteer offers their expertise and that can be a benefit for the participant. We share life experiences and help them to find their purpose. It is not only about completing the classes, but making sure that they can be successful in life after they graduate from the program. Friendships are developed, and connections are made."

Thank you for all you bring to StepUp, Vicki! We appreciate you!

Several of you had the chance to hear Pamela W. speak at the 2026 Impact Luncheon. If not, take a moment to read her story of "Bringing the Magic to Life." This amazing participant and alumna continues to give back to the StepUp community by speaking, volunteering, partnering, and serving on the Board of Directors.

Read her story here: https://www.stepupministry.org/success-stories/2026-stepup-ambassador-pamela-w-bringing-the-magic-to-life

There's still time to support our Impact event! More details here: https://www.stepupministry.org/impact-2026

This vision is what we strive to achieve every day at StepUp.

Hopefully, you had the pleasure of hearing two of our 2026 StepUp Ambassadors speak at the Impact Luncheon on Monday. If not, take a moment to read their story of Confidence, Community, and Change. Together and separately, this mother-son duo transformed their lives with the help of StepUp and our community, and we are proud to share their inspiring story.

✨️ Read here: https://www.stepupministry.org/success-stories/2026-ambassadors-shenette-amp-james-confidence-community-and-change

⌛️ There's still time to support our Impact event! More details here: https://www.stepupministry.org/impact-2026

Congratulations to StepUp Ministry's May Employee of the Month, Kelly Hurter, our Chief Development Officer!

Here's why her co-workers chose Kelly:
- "She is thoughtful and considerate of work/life balance, always recognizing that people do their best work when they feel supported as whole people, not just employees."
- "She is never afraid to roll up her sleeves and do the hard, behind-the-scenes work alongside her team."
- "Kelly leads by example, with humility, dedication, and a deep commitment to both the mission and the people around her."
- "Kelly and the team work so hard to raise funds for us, and they are doing an amazing job! They did a particularly stellar job on the Rooted and Rising event."

Thank you for all you do for StepUp, Kelly! We appreciate you!

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for our Impact Luncheon 2026! ✨️

A special thank you to our amazing StepUp Ambassadors who spoke so beautifully and courageously today: Shenette, James, and Pamela. Our sincere gratitude also goes out to all the event sponsors who made today the magical day it was. To our staff, volunteers, and Board members, thank you for the impact you helped create today.

Show your support here: https://www.stepupministry.org/impact-2026

Thank you to all the amazing sponsors of our 2026 Impact Luncheon coming up on Monday, June 1st! Your support of StepUp Ministry changes lives.

If you have questions or would like to attend the event, please reach out to [email protected].

Insperity First National Bank York Properties TowneBank Erie Insurance Clancy & Theys Construction Company Martin Marietta CSP, Inc York Properties, Inc. Terrahawk Civil Contractors CHEF Lothian kitchen LLC