Alayya Arrison

“Come on in and welcome home. We’re here for you.”

This is the tried and true phrase that Philippians 3 Ministries’ executive director, Jerri Holliday, uses when greeting the many members of our community that she meets with each week. The non-profit provides upscale professional clothing to men and women in the Cape Fear Region free of charge and free of judgement.

“We started over 10 years ago and it has been an honor and a privilege,” Jerri said. “I want people to understand that they are valuable no matter what they’ve done.”

Jerri can relate to some of the individuals that she serves because of her own experience with starting over again following incarceration.

“When you get out of prison, people treat you so funny but even through all of that, I prospered. I prospered even as a convicted felon,” she says. “I have a past but that was just part of my process. We just have to remember that what we went through was our process, not our purpose.”

Philippians 3 Ministries began partnering with StepUp Wilmington back when the organization was known as Phoenix Employment Ministry. Today, she is the sole provider of interview clothing for StepUp Wilmington’s participants.

“StepUp’s participants are at a place where they’re ready to do more. The focus is on the part of the individual that wants to do better,” Jerri says. “We can help with that. We can show them a new version of themselves.”

Thank you to Jerri and all of StepUp Wilmington’s community partners for all that you do!

StepUp Wilmington’s Board of Young Professionals is comprised of diverse individuals with a variety of backgrounds and unique experience. Board member, Robert Hay, is no different.

Originally from Australia, Robert lived in the United Kingdom for 16 years and studied management in Switzerland. After graduating, he moved to Wilmington in 2016 to take over OT Solutions, a pediatric occupational and speech therapy company.

Since landing in North Carolina, Robert got involved with the Port City Young Professionals and Therapy Pets Unlimited, and most recently, StepUp Wilmington.

The organization’s “long-lasting and meaningful impact on the community” was what initially sparked his interest but as he got more involved, the more dedicated he became.

“StepUp Wilmington is wonderful in how they approach and support individuals. There’s a comradery and family-feel, especially in Step2,” Robert says. “Apart from helping people find a job, they are also teaching valuable life and finance skills.”

During his time on the young professional board, Robert is determined to spread the word and encourage others in the community to get involved with the mission alongside his peers.

“We have much to share and also much to learn from such a diverse group of young professionals.”

Join Robert and the rest of the Board of Young Professionals on Saturday, November 16th at Waterman’s Brewing for a StepUp Wilmington awareness event. Details to come.

A non-profit is nothing without the help of its volunteers and supporters. Thankfully, we found both in Claus.

Claus was introduced to StepUp Wilmington at StarNews’ Conscious Fair earlier this year and was immediately drawn to the mission.

“When I stopped at the StepUp table, the work they were doing really jumped out at me. I have a background as a human resource generalist and it sounded like a good fit.”

Soon after the fair, he toured Jobs Week and set to work volunteering as a mock interviewer and session facilitator.

“The concept that StepUp Wilmington is working towards in helping people from all different walks of life to get a good job — that’s something I want to help with,” he said. “Everybody deserves a chance and if I can help in that process, that’s what I want to do. StepUp’s process is a good recipe for success.”

His experience with the organization has been fruitful so far. He shares, “Everyone has an impact on me. It’s inspiring being here. Sometimes learning what people have been through and seeing how they come here and reinvent themselves shows you how lucky you are by just having the opportunity to be employed.”

When it comes to looking for a job, Claus suggests that everyone gets involved with StepUp Wilmington.

“I think what you find is that it’s a group of dedicated people and you’re in an environment where everyone’s on a mission. It isn’t a regular job for the staff – everyone’s here for a reason and wants to accomplish something for other people. When everyone’s together, it comes together.”

Aside from his work with StepUp Wilmington, CLaus is involved with the Cancer Association and StepUp Wilmington community partner, the Cape Fear Literacy Council, where he helps to prepare individuals for citizenship interviews.

Interested in volunteering with StepUp Wilmington? Reach out to Ally@StepUpWilmington.org to learn more.

Shortly after arriving in Wilmington in 2016, Buc was let go from his position and found himself unemployed. During his job search, he was introduced to StepUp Wilmington by his case manager at NCWorks.

His journey began with Jobs Week, and after getting hired, he continued onto the nine-month life skills workshop, Step2.

“I’ve done the entire program. I previously taught some of those components before so when you get to hear them from someone else, no matter your background, it’s good to have them reinforced while also creating that network and new community,” Buc said. “It made it that much more empowering.”

One of the many things that stuck out to him during his time with StepUp was watching the journey of everyone, including himself, go from the job they have to the job they want. Buc also acknowledged the stories shared during programs that brought the group together.

“We’re all storytellers so getting to hear other people’s narratives and finding similarities in your own story was powerful.”

Buc is now the Education Navigator at Cape Fear Community College where he is working to “connect the community to college and the college to the community” in hopes of getting more residents back to school and into continuing education or vocational programs.

To those looking for work, he advises, “I’m now a part of the StepUp family and I highly encourage anyone to go through the programs. It’s a great way to get to know the community and for employers to get to know you.”

Join us at 6pm on September 19th to celebrate Buc and his fellow graduates at the Step2 Graduation taking place at Gilmour Hall in First Presbyterian Church.

RSVP to Ashanti@StepUpWilmington.org

We’ve all seen the reports covering the “lowest unemployment rate in years”. What we’re also seeing is the increase in jobs that don’t offer a living wage, as well as a decrease in opportunities that offer benefits or desirable schedules.

According to NPR writer Emily Sullivan, over 30% of American’s have to work a second job in addition to their full-time position to afford basic needs like housing and food. This type of lifestyle comes with a high cost, as it decreases family and personal time while increasing stress.

While a low unemployment rate is great, and ultimately, at StepUp Wilmington, our goal is to get people into work, we have to acknowledge the growing epidemic that is under-employment. We don’t only need more jobs, we need better jobs that set people up for success and break the vicious cycle of poverty.

In looking at the big picture when it comes to the unemployment rate, Forbes writer Erik Sherman shares, “Insisting that companies pay reasonable amounts — rather than expecting workers to accept low wages and then get government assistance if necessary — is fundamental to a functional society.”

Individuals deserve access to employment that offers opportunities for growth and stability. That’s why at StepUp Wilmington, we strive to partner with local employers that offer a living wage based on the minimum standards of living in a community. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, in New Hanover County, the living wage is $12.32/hour or $25,625 annually for a single adult and $25.77/hour or $53,601 annually for a family of four.

Are you hiring or looking for a better job? Reach out to info@stepupwilmington.org to learn more.

As Hurricane Dorian makes it’s way up the coast, it is important to prepare for the unknown. Here are a few local resources to help you get ahead of the storm:

• Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard: Northside Wilmington Food Pantry
• Iglesias Vision 3-D: Central Wilmington Food Pantry
• Union Missionary Baptist Church: Eastside Wilmington Food Pantry
• House of Mercy: Mid-Town Wilmington Food Pantry

Open shelters:

• Blair Elementary School | 6510 Market Street (Pets Allowed)
• Codington Elementary School | 4321 Carolina Beach Road
• New Hanover County Animal Services is providing shelter for pets (180 Division Road)

For questions regarding shelters, evacuation orders, protective measures or current notices, please contact Emergency Public Information at (910) 798-6800.

Two years ago, Amanda decided to settle down in Wilmington, NC after living in 6 different countries. Her passion for travel and her current occupation as the Director of Partner Relationship Management at nCino has allowed her to work in every continent except Antarctica. Because of this, she contributes a unique insight to StepUp Wilmington’s Board of Young Professionals, who are working to spread awareness of the organization and the barriers to employment that exist in our community and beyond.

“I see being apart of StepUp’s BYP as a great opportunity to give back to the community that gave me my latest opportunity and keep me involved in a more intimate way than I would be otherwise,” says Amanda.

Amanda was introduced to the organization through her employer, nCino, a long-time supporter and partner of StepUp Wilmington.

“I believe in the foundation that StepUp provides. It makes people confident that they can do more and helps them work through any challenges that are currently in their life, and ultimately, holds them accountable for their success,” Amanda says. “To me, if you can break the cycle of poverty in one person, you break that cycle for generations to come.”

During her tenure on the BYP, Amanda hopes to challenge the group with new perspectives and ideas, and drive new interest in StepUp.

20 years after ending her medical management career to stay home and raise her children, Anita was ready to get back to work.

While she knew it would be difficult, she didn’t realize the impact a 20-year work gap would have on hearing back from employers.

“It was really odd because all of my interviews were with young women who I left feeling that I connected with. But for some reason, I just wasn’t getting a job and I wasn’t understanding it.”

That’s when she was referred to StepUp Wilmington and enrolled into Jobs Week. Here, Anita learned how to address her gap in employment during the job search and interview process.

“My experience doing Jobs Week was great. My employment counselor was very helpful and always sending encouraging emails and jobs leads”, she said.

When it comes to going through the job program, Anita advises, “See the program the whole way through to the end and take advantage of all the guest speakers and facilitators that come in. There is a lot of information out there but 95% is not useful. StepUp has found the useful information and if you don’t see it the whole way through you might miss something you needed.”

Now, Anita is back in the medical field with a company whose mission she’s excited to work towards.

If you’re ready to get back to work, give us a call to learn our next Jobs Week dates.

StepUp Wilmington has elected Anthony Parnell to succeed Melissa Pressley as Chair on its Board of Directors. Rising from his role as Board Secretary, Parnell has been a long-time supporter of StepUp’s work and an asset to the organization’s mission through his diverse background in human resources and leadership at General Electric.

“I truly believe in the mission of helping individuals build sustainable lives one job at a time. I’ve worked in the employment arena for many years and I understand how a job or career opportunity can uplift an entire family,” he said. “I’ve also seen the devastating effects of job loss and under-employment. I like working on the positive side of that equation.”

During his tenure, Parnell hopes to grow the accomplishments of past leadership and create new ways to support the creation of jobs and stability in our community.

“I really intend to build on to what is already a strong plan to create 1,000 jobs in our community over the next four years and positively impact 10,000 lives,” he said.

In addition to his work with StepUp Wilmington, Anthony is a former board member and enthusiastic supporter of the Community Boys and Girls Club, as well as the sitting Board Chair of the Father’s Auxiliary for the Wilmington chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., an organization that works to build confidence, professionalism and academic excellence in local African American youth.

Learn more about StepUp Wilmington’s 10,000 Lives campaign here.

29 years.

At the young age of 16, Bruce was handed two charges that landed him in prison for 29 years. Following his release in 2010, he spent the next three years trying to rebuild his life. One of the biggest challenges was finding work, as the label “ex-con” was given to him by not only society, but himself. After finally gaining employment in April 2013, unforeseen circumstances that altered his life forever caused him to terminate his position after only one week. Bruce was yet again at rock bottom.

That’s when he found Phoenix Employment Ministry, now known as StepUp Wilmington.

“During my first visit to StepUp, I didn’t make the cut. They only had 10 openings and I was the 11th person to show up. The second time I arrived, I was yet again number 11. But this time, they didn’t turn me away,” says Bruce. “The staff made space for me and by doing that and allowing me to enter the program, I was able to get grounded and start pushing myself.”

When he started the job program, Bruce’s biggest obstacle aside from his barrier to employment was knowing his self-worth. “The job program helped me learn self-confidence and taught me to hold my head up and say yes, I can do this because I am a valuable person of great worth.”

Following his graduation from Jobs Week, Bruce worked with his then employment counselor and current executive director of StepUp Wilmington, Will Rikard, to find employment. He was hired as a dishwasher and through funding sourced by StepUp, also went back to school for his CDL.

He was hired as a driver and enjoyed the position for over three years until he received a phone call that would change his career path and ignite his passion.

“After driving for three and a half years, I got a call from StepUp and they asked if I’d be interested in applying for an employment counselor position. I asked them to send me the job description but I didn’t plan on applying because I didn’t think I could meet the challenge.”

Fast forward to 2019.

Bruce has been an employment counselor for the past two years and uses his experience to inspire those who come through StepUp’s doors looking to transform their lives as he had not so long ago.

“I’ve gone through some difficult experiences and as a result I’m able to share what I’ve gone through with others to empower them to reach their goals and learn not to settle,” he says. “The best part of my job is when participants come in and ring the bell. It shows me that they trusted the process and trusted us to support them.”

When it comes to second chances, Bruce is a strong believer in giving those with a criminal background equal opportunities for success. “The proof is in the behavior. You can judge them by what they’ve done or you can judge them off of what they’ve done to change and improve their lives.”

Bruce’s journey with StepUp Wilmington began as a chance to start over and turned into much more.

“I was given the opportunity to be employed in a field that I’m passionate about and it gives me a lot of joy to get up in the morning and come to work. You can’t ask for much more than being happy and loving the work that you’re doing.”

Are you ready for a change? Give us a call at (910) 343-8469 to learn about our employment training and placement services.