Pathways Quarterly Is Here–2026 in the making!
WINTER 2026
Welcome to Pathways Quarterly — a new name that reflects who we are and where we’re headed.
At StepUp Durham, every “step” is a pathway to opportunity. We walk alongside participants and families as they move toward stability, employment, and long-term economic mobility — all made possible with your support.
Focused on What Moves People Forward
In 2026, we’re leaning deeper into Steps 1 & 2, focusing on what moves people from instability to livable-wage employment.
At the center is Jobs Week, our monthly workforce readiness workshop. Participants build resumes, practice interviewing, strengthen workplace skills, and gain the confidence to secure employment.
Our first 2026 cohort graduated nine participants, and we’re building momentum each month.
Expanding Access Through New Partnerships
We’re also developing housing authority partnerships at the intersection of housing stability and workforce readiness, where outcomes are measurable and long-term impact is strong.
Securing our Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) further positions StepUp Durham to access federal revenue bringing fresh resources into the communities we serve.
A Clear Path Forward
Our goal is simple: every participant has a clear, supported pathway forward.
Thank you for walking alongside us as we build stronger pathways across Durham in 2026.
Impact of Fair Chance Hiring Training – Wednesday, March 11
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch provided)
326 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27701
Local Reentry Council Room
Attention, Owners, Hiring Managers, Directors, and Supervisors! Join a hands-on workshop designed to help employers adopt fair chance hiring practices. Learn how to expand your talent pool, reduce turnover, stay compliant with hiring regulations, and build partnerships with community organizations that support long-term employee success.
Register here!
IMPACT26 – Thursday, April 16
Our annual fundraising event will be an elevated networking luncheon taking place on Thursday, April 16 at Recity Network from 12-2pm. We invite local businesses and individuals to partner with us as sponsors for this wonderful occasion highlighting the essential work that StepUp Durham provides the community. Last year, we reached our $150,000 goal and we can't wait to have a repeat ensuring our mission continues to thrive in the Durham community. RSVP and grab your tickets here!
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please email dom@stepupdurham org or meg@stepupdurham.org.
Stronger Families. Stronger Durham.
When individuals secure stable employment, families gain security — and our entire community grows stronger. Stronger households create more resilient neighborhoods and a more vibrant local economy.
Your Investment Builds Infrastructure
Your support fuels more than programs — it strengthens the infrastructure that makes long-term impact possible.
As we expand housing authority partnerships and leverage our new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), we are positioning StepUp Durham to attract additional public resources and deepen collaboration. Your investment helps unlock opportunities that extend far beyond a single program cycle.
New! Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Giving
Receiving feedback from our donors is an important part of our work, and one recent suggestion was to implement a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) giving option. In December, we added a DAF section to our support page, which generated nearly $30,000 in end-of-year gifts.
If you’d like to give through your DAF, you can do so here.
Partner With Us
Thank you for investing in pathways that create stability, mobility, and lasting change across Durham.
Interested in partnering with StepUp Durham? Contact Meg@stepupdurham.org.
STEP1: We have two great ways to get started!
Participate in Jobs Week, which happens the first full week of every month.
Participate in ENER-G (stands for Empowerment, Networking, Employment, Resources, Growth) every Tuesday from 9-11am until the next Jobs Week rolls around then attend Jobs Week.
Email kevin@stepupdurham.org with questions.
STEP2:We welcomed 25 participants for the Winter cohort which began in January. Step2 is for working adults and their children. It helps families build stronger community connections, access helpful resources, and grow personally and professionally.
The program is in person at the StepUp Training Center within ReCity Network and runs in four eight-week phases: Personal Development, Financial Education, Career Development, and Leadership Development. Food and childcare are provided.
For questions, email nakeeta@stepupdurham.org
StepUp Kidz: This program provides a weekly safe space for the children of Step2 participants to obtain additional help via one-on-one tutoring in a variety of subjects. We also provide physical fitness and crafting activities.
For questions, email LaRhonda@stepupdurham.org
ELEVATE: Open to people enrolled in any of our Step1 or Step2 programs. Elevate gives participants the opportunity to apply for a scholarship that will allow them to take short-term courses or obtain certificates helping them fill in skill gaps that have been hindering them from gaining livable wage employment.
BUILD: Apprenticeships that improve participant skills and increase their networks. We are always seeking apprenticeship sites and partners within industries such as HR, office management, and customer service, and heavy or advanced manufacturing.
We’re proud to recognize Durham Tech Community College for their vital partnership in supporting our Elevate education program.
Through Elevate, StepUp graduates receive scholarships to pursue certificate programs that lead to higher-paying jobs and meaningful career pathways. These opportunities create real stability — from purchasing a vehicle to moving into their own home, and even becoming first-time homeowners.
Durham Tech works closely with community partners like StepUp to ensure students feel supported throughout their educational journey. Because of this collaboration, our participants — and our community — are stronger.
We’re grateful for our Durham Tech partners. Thank you for helping expand access to opportunity.
