About Us

MISSION

The mission of StepUp Durham is to empower job seekers in the Durham community who face challenges to employment. We do this by providing them opportunity and access to essential resources and holistic support to enhance lives and build sustainable employment, thereby fostering personal and community growth.

VISION

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.

VALUES

  • We joyfully celebrate efforts and success

  • We believe lives are transformed through God's love and grace.

  • We seek and value diversity, inclusiveness, equity, accountability and collaboration

  • We are guided by the needs of our participants

  • We are careful stewards of all relationships and resources in our care

History

StepUp Durham’s first office (2015-2017) at 1307 W. Knox St, Durham, NC, in the Walltown neighborhood.

StepUp Durham's story began in 2013 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.

ReCity Network, 112 Broadway Street, Suite B, Durham, NC 27701

In June of 2017, StepUp Durham moved to ReCity Network in downtown Durham. ReCity Network is a co-working space for non-profits, mission-driven businesses, and faith-based organizations. It functions as a hub for social impact by fostering opportunities for collaborative partnerships that begin with shared space and aims for shared impact that addresses issues related to race, gender, wealth, and opportunity. Visit our Collaborative Partners page.