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Sharing his Story: Meet Jimmy

When Jimmy started his journey with StepUp Wilmington, he knew that he had the opportunity to not only change his life, but the lives of others as well. “I’m in recovery from substance abuse. I went through the Wilmington Treatment Center and they have an alumni organization. One thing they do is provide support for people in recovery, especially once they’re out of the treatment center. I found out about StepUp through those efforts, and we’ve been recommending you all to people,” Jimmy explained, adding that he feels comfortable being transparent about his story.
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Best Foot Forward: Meet Brooke

In 2019, Brooke came to StepUp Wilmington looking for support in her job search. Now two years later, when she needed to leave her old position for another new one, she was able to use what she learned from StepUp to snag one faster than ever. “A friend told me about [StepUp Wilmington] and thought it would be a good idea,” Brooke explained. “My job search was a loney, arduous journey. So I just thought ‘I’m going to see what it’s all about.’”
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Know Yourself: Meet Alyssa

When Alyssa graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Security Studies, she had hoped to put her education to use by launching into a government career in international security. But without a master’s degree or the appropriate work experience, she quickly realized that there was more work to be done before her dream could become a reality. “A girl working as a bartender part time doesn’t look too good for that position,” Alyssa admitted. “I wanted to find a job that could get me into office work instead of service job
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Confidence is Key: Meet Kyava

For Kyava, earning her Medical Assistant degree from Miller-Motte College was a great accomplishment. But when difficulties with her post-graduate certification, as well as the recent passing of her mother made her efforts to find work in the medical field more difficult than she’d hoped, Kyava felt like what began to hold her back more than anything else was the loss of confidence she’d had in herself. “I knew I wanted back in the medical field… but I was willing to take just anything at that point,” Kyava noted.
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Never Stop Learning: Meet Vanessa

The early months of 2020 were a rude awakening to the challenges that the next year would bring for everyone, and things were no different for Vanessa. In January, she was dismissed from her position as an office assistant; in February, she contracted what she believes in retrospect was likely COVID-19; and then in March, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I was very fearful,” Vanessa says, recounting the various challenges she’s faced. “I searched for jobs, but with COVID exploding, I needed to use the pandemic assistance that gave me the opportunity to help my mom since her doctors were in South Carolina. I was terrified; I didn’t want to go anywhere.”
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Translating Your Skill Set: Meet Hugh

“We have a saying in the film industry,” Hugh began. “Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in!” If the reference to The Godfather wasn’t enough of a hint, Hugh has a passion for working in television and film that has translated to a number of different positions in the industry over the years. Whether it’s been in North Carolina, Florida, or California, Hugh has worked as an associate producer, as an assistant director, as a scout manager, and more.
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Knowing Your Worth: Meet Kevin

Kevin is a jack-of-all-trades. Whether it’s welding, construction, barbering, or any other number of things, if you’ve got a job that needs doing, he’s your man. “I’m a hands on type of person. I’m good at reading people and solving problems.” And while his end game is to get into the entertainment business by opening up his own lounge (“a place where you can celebrate and it’s ‘family’”) he also says that “right now it’s about building the knowledge and the worth of self.”
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It Takes a Village: Meet Maureen

Maureen will be the first one to tell you that she owes her recent successes to a number of individuals in the Wilmington community who believed in and invested in her. “It really took a village ever since I stepped foot in Wilmington to get me the opportunities I’ve gotten; I’m so beyond grateful.”
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Finding the Right Fit: Meet Ashley

For six years, Ashley worked as a Certified Medical Assistant at Wilmington Health. But after years of working there, she felt that she was stagnating and that her skills weren’t being used as fully as they could be. “I just needed room for growth. I wanted to use my skill set on a broader level.”
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Working Towards Perfection: Meet Morghann

“I am a worker. I love to work,” said Morghann, a past candidate of StepUp Wilmington. Since graduating from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Communication degree, Morghann has worked in journalism with WECT, and as a radio DJ and Director of Marketing and Promotions with Sunrise Broadcast. And when COVID struck, resulting in her losing her job with Sunrise, she started a cleaning business to keep the bills paid, Morghann’s Meticulous Maid Service.
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Felisha’s StepUp Story

If you’re someone who gets nervous when it comes to interviewing for a job, don’t worry, you’re far from alone. A survey has found that 92% of Americans are stressed by at least one thing or another when it comes to the process of job interviews.

Before coming to StepUp Wilmington, Felisha would definitely say that she was part of that 92%.

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Gino Graduates from Cape Fear Community College

Every day Gino wakes at 5:30am. After getting ready and eating breakfast he hops on his bike and starts the 4-mile journey to Dillard’s where he works as the store’s Support Manager. He is proud of his job and loves working at Dillard’s. You can tell from his smile that he has a warm and welcoming personality. Upon arriving at work, he helps prepare the store for opening and works until noon. Then he hops back on his bike for a 5-mile ride over to Cape Fear Community College where he has been a full-time student for the past two years. Last Friday, he graduated with his Associates degree in Arts. Read More

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