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Before I started with StepUp Wilmington, I was struggling to make ends meet and felt anxious and exhausted. I couldn't find opportunities without my high school diploma. Now I have my diploma and real financial stability.
Transforming lives since 2003
Empowering individuals to Step Up.
We walk beside people facing real barriers — and help them find work that holds.
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In partnership with the people who make Wilmington go
Live Oak Bank
Novant Health
First Citizens
Apiture
Vantaca
Synchrony
Cape Fear CC
Wave Transit
City of Wilmington
New Hanover County
Our Mission
Everyone deserves a chance to build a life they're proud of.
Since 2003, StepUp Wilmington has stood beside people facing some of life's toughest barriers — incarceration, homelessness, recovery, domestic violence — and helped them find not just a job, but a path forward.
Our process is more rigorous than most because our candidates deserve more than most. We don't just teach job skills. We rebuild hope, restore self-esteem, and create real opportunities that transform families and strengthen communities.
20+ Years
Formerly Phoenix Employment Ministry (2003-2015) and Phoenix Hometown Hires (2015-2018), we've been transforming lives in Wilmington for over two decades.
Community-Powered
Our multi-sector approach connects employers, financial institutions, shelters, educators, transportation providers, churches, and probation officers to build a complete support system.
Always Free
Every program — Jobs Week, CareerUp, Future Leaders, ROI — runs at no cost to participants. Funded entirely by donors who believe in second chances.
Our Impact
The numbers tell a story of transformation.
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Jobs Placed Since 2003
Connecting people with meaningful employment that changes the trajectory of entire families.
0%
1-Year Job Retention
Our rigorous preparation means our candidates don't just get jobs — they keep them and grow.
$0M+
In Earnings Generated
Millions of dollars flowing into our community, building stability one paycheck at a time.
0K+
Lives Impacted
Every job placed creates a ripple — touching families, neighborhoods, and the entire Wilmington community.
“StepUp Wilmington brought my POTENTIAL back to LIFE.”— StepUp Graduate
Our Process
A proven path from where you are to where you want to be.
Finding a job is tough. That's why we have a community of staff, volunteers, and employers working alongside you every step of the way.
01
First Contact
Outreach & Connection
Our journey begins with building relationships across every sector — employers, financial institutions, shelters, educational organizations, transportation providers, churches, and probation officers. We create a complete ecosystem of support before you even walk through our doors.
Employer Partnerships
Housing Support
Transportation Access
Education Pathways
02
Jobs Week
Employment Training
Our intensive 32-hour, week-long Employment Training Workshop transforms how you approach the job market. This isn't a lecture — it's an immersive experience that builds real skills and unshakeable confidence.
Resume Writing
Interview Prep
Networking Skills
Professional Presence
Communication
Time Management
03
CareerUp — 9 Months
Life Skills & Career Growth
Once employed and earning steady income, CareerUp takes you to the next level. This 9-month program, designed for working adults and their children, unfolds in three powerful phases.
Phase I — Weeks 1-12
Personal Development
Build the foundation of who you're becoming. Strengthen your identity, communication, and relationships.
Phase II — Weeks 13-24
Financial Literacy
Master your money. Learn budgeting, saving, credit repair, and how to build lasting financial stability.
Phase III — Weeks 25-36
Goal Achievement
Execute your plan. By now you've established a budget, manage your finances, and are actively achieving the goals you set.
04
Youth Programs
Future Leaders & ROI
Two parallel tracks for the next generation — one for kids growing up, one for high-schoolers stepping into careers.
Future Leaders
Wednesday programming for children ages 0-17 focusing on social-emotional skills, community leadership, and life skills development.
ROI — Restoring Opportunities Internships
For high-achieving, low-resource high school students with career goals. Includes mentorship, internships, job shadowing, and professional skill-building.
Success Stories
Real people. Real beginnings.
The work is hard. The wins are real. Meet a few of the graduates who chose to step up.
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I struggled with addiction, homelessness, and legal troubles. Today I have a one-year-old son, steady employment, two years of sobriety, and I'm pursuing my Associate's degree at Cape Fear Community College.
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I'm in recovery from substance abuse. StepUp let me be transparent about my journey. They didn't judge me — they equipped me. That honesty changed everything about how I approach my career.
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My job search was a lonely, arduous journey. StepUp gave me skills in 2019 that I used again two years later to land a new position — faster and with more confidence than ever before.
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I was dismissed in January 2020. Then COVID hit. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was terrified. StepUp gave me the courage and tools to rebuild when I thought everything was falling apart.
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I earned my Medical Assistant degree but lost confidence after struggling with certification and losing my mother. I knew I wanted back in the medical field, but I was willing to take anything. StepUp helped me aim higher.
Recognized & Trusted
Charity Navigator
Four-Star Rated Organization
Candid (GuideStar)
Platinum Seal of Transparency
United Way
Cape Fear Member Agency
Best of Wilmington
Reader's Choice — Nonprofit Impact
Our People
The humans behind the mission.
Leadership & Staff
TW
Teresa Wolf
Chief Executive Officer
SA
Savvy Ahlgrim
Senior Program Director
EM
Emily Mitchell
Director of Development
TD
TJ Dohner
Director of Grants & Analytics
BD
Blair Dwyer
Director of Youth Program
DH
Danielle Heindl
Program Manager
SO
Samantha Osorio
Marketing & Development Manager
RQ
Rick Quintana
Talent Manager
RS
Rashawn Sidbury
Talent Manager
EG
Eric Gillentine
Fractional CFO — Capone & Associates
Board of Directors
Henry Cherry Chair — First Citizens Bank
Sandy Spiers Vice Chair — First National Bank
Chris Cox Treasurer — Apiture
Zach Cockerham Secretary — Novant Health
Riley Stephenson Past Chair — Rockefeller Wealth Mgmt
Kate Brant Board Member
Matthew Adams Board Member
Desmond Herbert Synchrony Bank
Liz Kase Self Employed
Alice Hogarth Vantaca
Board of Young Professionals
Bhavik Raval President
Kerry Doute Vice President
Gabriella Cicco Secretary
Hannah Williams Marketing Chair
Support the Mission
Together we StepUp.
When you give, you don't just fund a program — you start a chain reaction.
You give
$0
A single dollar of support
Community returns
$0
Wages · Taxes · Reduced recidivism
Give Online
Donate securely via credit card or PayPal. Set up monthly sustaining gifts to provide consistent support year-round.
Donate Now →Mail a Check
Send to: 621 North 4th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. Made payable to StepUp Wilmington.
EIN: 54-2074778Stock & Securities
Contribute appreciated securities for a significant tax benefit. Contact Teresa Wolf at (919) 749-6199 for guidance.
Tax-advantaged givingVolunteer
Help with front desk tasks, resume writing, mock interviews, facilitation, childcare, meal donations, and more.
Get Involved →Employer Matching
Double your impact. Many employers match charitable contributions — check with your HR department to multiply your gift.
2x your donationPlanned Giving
Leave a lasting legacy through estate gifts, life insurance designations, retirement plan gifts, or IRA charitable distributions.
Build your legacyUpcoming
Join us at our next event.
Signature Event
Annual Luncheon 2026
Our only fundraising event of the year — and the most powerful hour you'll spend all year. Hear directly from StepUp graduates, connect with our community of supporters, and help fund the next chapter of transformation in Wilmington.
Learn MoreUpcoming Jobs Weeks
MAY5-8
Jobs Week
Tue–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM
JUN2-5
Jobs Week
Tue–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM
JUL14-17
Jobs Week
Tue–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM
AUG11-14
Jobs Week
Tue–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM
SEP8-11
Jobs Week
Tue–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM
Common Questions
The most-asked questions about StepUp.
Don't see your question? Our AI Coach answers anything in seconds — or call us directly at (910) 343-8469.
Ask Our AI CoachDo StepUp programs cost anything?
No. Every StepUp Wilmington program is completely free for participants. We're funded by donations, grants, and our annual luncheon. There's no cost to attend Jobs Week, CareerUp, or any of our youth programs.
Who can join? Are there eligibility requirements?
If you want to work and you're willing to put in the effort, you're welcome at StepUp. There are no strict eligibility requirements — we serve people facing unemployment and underemployment connected to incarceration, homelessness, recovery, domestic violence, lack of education, or any other barrier to stable work.
What happens during Jobs Week?
Four days, 32 hours, Tuesday through Friday — a full immersion in resume writing, interview prep, networking, professional presence, communication, time management, and how to address employment gaps or background concerns. You leave with a complete job-search toolkit and a community of mentors.
I have a criminal record. Can StepUp still help me?
Yes — and it's one of the things we do best. StepUp works closely with probation officers and employer partners who believe in second chances. During Jobs Week you'll learn specifically how to address your background with employers honestly and confidently.
What's the difference between Jobs Week and CareerUp?
Jobs Week gets you employed. CareerUp helps you grow once you are. Most participants start with Jobs Week, land a job, and then move into the 9-month CareerUp program for personal development, financial literacy, and goal achievement — all while keeping their job.
How do I sign up?
Call (910) 343-8469, email info@stepupwilmington.org, or stop by our office at 621 North 4th Street, Wilmington. You can also use the contact form below or talk to our AI Coach for a personalized starting point.
I'm an employer. How can I partner with StepUp?
Our employer partners get prepared, vetted, motivated employees with an 80% one-year retention rate. Reach out to Rick Quintana or Rashawn Sidbury, our Talent Managers, to discuss open roles, hiring needs, or partnership opportunities.
How is my donation used?
Every $1 generates roughly $4 in community return — through wages, taxes, reduced recidivism, and decreased reliance on government support. Your gift directly funds Jobs Week curriculum, CareerUp programming, childcare during sessions, transportation assistance, and the staff who walk alongside every participant.
Get in Touch
Now that you're here, let's work together.
Whether you're a job seeker ready to take the first step, an employer looking to hire incredible talent, or a supporter who wants to make a difference — we'd love to hear from you.
Visit Us
621 North 4th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Call Us
Email Us
Hours
Mon–Thu: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Your Personal Guide
Meet your AI StepUp Coach.
Answer a few questions and we'll build you a personalized action plan — tailored to your situation, your goals, and the specific StepUp programs that can help you most. This is your first step. Let's take it together.
Question 1 of 8
Your Personal StepUp Plan
This AI-generated plan is for guidance only. For personalized support, connect directly with the StepUp Wilmington team at (910) 343-8469.