2025 –
A funding partnership with the New Hanover Community Endowment in 2025 will directly support the career development and economic mobility of 200+ low-income and unemployed individuals in the Cape Fear region, as well as placing over 125 jobs at $17.00 per hour or higher. StepUp Wilmington projects that through its annual programs, participants will generate over $7 million in wages, supporting their capacity to overcome histories of homelessness, substance use disorder, justice involvement, and limited educational attainment.
This funding will also expand StepUp Wilmington’s fastest-growing program, which focuses on reskilling, upskilling, and career transitions to help individuals secure high-wage jobs in the region’s evolving economy, bridging the gap between adults facing barriers to stable careers and the growing needs for a skilled workforce. By strengthening key partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and workforce agencies, StepUp Wilmington ensures that job seekers and underemployed workers are prepared for emerging career opportunities. This directly aligns with the Endowment’s social equity pillar by helping workers navigate employment resources, providing one-on-one career coaching, job readiness training, and ongoing support, strengthening access to high-quality employment and worker protections, supporting job seekers in securing stable, high-wage employment, collaborating with local businesses, workforce agencies, and nonprofits to align training with industry demands, connecting participants with employers through the Beyond Talent program, and building the capacity of reskilling and upskilling programs.
Within one year of partnering with StepUp Wilmington, individuals will:
– Secure sustainable employment, overcoming unemployment or underemployment
– Build financial stability through budgeting, debt reduction, and credit repair
– Access essential resources, including transportation, housing, healthcare, legal services, and furniture
– Pursue educational goals through StepUp Wilmington’s collaboration with Cape Fear Community College
– Strengthen family and community relationships
– Improve confidence and self-esteem through personal and professional achievements
– Reduce recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals by providing meaningful employment opportunities
– Gain access to advanced certifications, upskilling, and career pathways into competitive, high-growth industries
2022 – This grant will support current programs and the launching of additional initiatives