Cherrelle’s Inspiring Journey

Cherrelle

You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” - Albert Camus

Cherrelle is one of our StepUp Durham graduates who shared her inspiring journey with our board members last month. She graduated with her Associate Degree in Applied Science in 2013 and she is a proud single Mom of four loving children ages 4-17. She was a graduate from a homeless program in 2021, The Carrying Place, and was referred to StepUp Durham by one of their staff members. They knew we could provide mentorship, help guide her back on track, and assist in advancing her employment and job skills. 

Cherrelle entered the StepUp program in January 2022. When asked what StepUp Durham means to her, she says, “I enjoy having the opportunity to meet individuals from different backgrounds facing similar challenges as myself. It feels good to know that I’m not alone.” 

Cherrelle participated in StepUp’s financial accountability program, the match savings program, ELEVATE  and StepUp Kidz program. She describes these programs as helping her succeed in her work relations and most importantly in forging positive relationships with her children. Cherrelle is excited to complete StepUp Durham’s Step3 program, a 12-month program that provides a programmatic opportunity for participants to become stronger community assets through receiving mentorship, accomplishing a life goal, and completing a community service project. 

Cherrelle’s future goals include becoming a Clinical Research Coordinator and starting her own mobile CPR instructor business. She also hopes to apply to nursing school and become a PA in emergency medicine, and eventually conduct her own research in drug development trials.