Lidia’s Story: One Step Toward Stability, A Future Built with Support

Bradley

When Lidia moved to Durham in March 2023, she was starting over. With her young daughter by her side, she faced the uncertainty of a new city while navigating housing instability and financial challenges. Like many, she wasn’t just looking for a job — she was looking for a path forward.

That’s when she found StepUp Durham.

Through StepUp, Lidia was connected to more than just employment resources — she was connected to a community. With support from staff like Bill, Cashmere, and Tim, she gained access to critical services that helped stabilize her foundation. Partnerships with organizations like the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service helped address food insecurity during a difficult time. Housing for New Hope provided a pathway to stable housing. The Community Empowerment Fund offered continued support as she worked toward her goals.

“These weren’t just referrals — they were lifelines,” Lidia shared.

With that stability in place, Lidia was able to focus on her next step: employment. With Bill’s encouragement and guidance, she secured her first job in Durham at The Durham Hotel. That opportunity helped her rebuild confidence and begin establishing financial stability for herself and her daughter.

But Lidia knew she wanted more than a job — she wanted a career.

With support from Cashmere, she took a bold step forward and enrolled in a phlebotomy program. From navigating the application process to securing the books and materials she needed, StepUp helped remove barriers so she could focus on her success. She completed the program and went on to secure a position as a Medical Assistant at Lincoln Community Health Center — a role that marked a turning point in her journey.

From there, Lidia continued to grow. She advanced into a Staffing Assistant role at Duke University, a major milestone in her professional development. When her schedule no longer aligned with her daughter’s needs, she made the difficult decision to transition to part-time work — but she didn’t have to navigate that change alone.

StepUp continued to walk alongside her.

Bill remained a steady source of support, helping Lidia refine her resume and recognize her own potential. With that guidance, she secured her current role at the YMCA, allowing her to continue moving forward while balancing work and family life.

Today, Lidia is building a future rooted in stability, growth, and possibility — not just for herself, but for her daughter.

Her story is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t happen all at once. It happens step by step — with the right support, the right resources, and a community that believes in you.

At StepUp Durham, we see that every day.