Faith in Service

My name is Cary Cain and I have been volunteering with StepUp Durham as an Employment Counselor for approximately 7 months. I also recently started facilitating the Effective Communications module during the Employment Training Workshop along with helping with other tasks as needed.I first heard about StepUp when I attended the Impact luncheon in 2018. I was inspired by how StepUp Durham was making an impact in the lives of people who face barriers to employment. It is rewarding for me to be a resource to participants as they are moving forward in gaining employment that leads to the dignity of having successful lives and contributing to their communities.

I retired as District First Sergeant with North Carolina Highway after a career of 27 ½ years. I worked as a supervisor and manager with the Highway Patrol in Durham County for 15 years. Throughout my career I have interacted with people from a broad range of backgrounds and lifestyles. One of the major things law enforcement officers do is help bring peace and order where there is chaos and crisis. As a supervisor and manager I was also part of the employment and promotion processes for the Highway Patrol.

I became a law enforcement officer because I enjoy helping people and society. I am able to use the experience I gained in my career and continue to serve people through my work at StepUp Durham. Law enforcement officers bring peace and order to a crisis situation by having a plan along with sufficient training. As an Employment Counselor, I help StepUp Durham provide participants with a plan and training that brings stability to their lives through gaining and maintaining employment.

I am a Christian and a member of the Summit Church where I work part time on the Downtown Durham Campus Staff and serve as an elder. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and I believe that work is an important way that God uses each of us to care for each other. Work is an important part of our dignity and it is where I believe that we can see God’s purpose for our lives, individually and collectively. I really enjoy working in a collaborative effort with the Summit Church, StepUp Durham participants and staff to help with the stability to Durham through employment and life skills training.