A dessert party unintentionally changed the course of Nancy Grigg’s life. In 2016, neighbors Anne and Mark Paulson invited her to an event to hear about a new nonprofit, StepUp Durham, which equips people with employment readiness training, mentoring, and career support. She was intrigued by the stories she heard.

By 2018, after years as a stay-at-home mom, her kids were grown and moving out — Nancy found herself searching for something to pour herself into. StepUp, a Blacknall ministry partner, became that outlet. Years later, her own story inspired someone else to volunteer.

Rebecca Alberti first heard about StepUp through her work with refugee resettlement at Blacknall ministry partner World Relief, where some of her clients had gone through the program. But it was hearing Nancy speak at a Durham Ministry & Engagement Team (DMET) session that turned her interest into action. "She inspired me," Rebecca said. Every year, StepUp volunteers like Nancy and Rebecca support hundreds of Durham residents on their path toward employment and financial stability.

Life Experience Becomes a Calling

Along with other volunteers, Nancy and Rebecca have helped StepUp participants find new and renewed professional purpose. For some working adults, that has meant writing and editing a resume for the first time. For others, serving as a confidant and friend helped them apply new life skills and stay on track toward educational and entrepreneurial goals.

It’s been meaningful work for Nancy. Sitting with people, hearing their stories, and offering her time and attention showed her that a lifetime of "unofficial experience" prepared her for work she never imagined doing.

"One of the early realizations I had, having been out of the workforce for a long time, was that I had all these life experiences that were sort of 'mini-jobs'," she said. "God was presenting me the opportunity to give back with wisdom I didn't know I had at the time."

What began as helping participants write resumes and practice job interviews grew into a deeper involvement with the organization: grant editing, curriculum development, workshop facilitating, and six years on StepUp's board. Nancy found her footing especially in editing. It’s a skill she used informally for years but never thought to call it a gift in its own right. Since she began volunteering at StepUp, she's helped write and edit more than 100 resumes, spending an hour with each participant to hear their story and then craft a document to help with their next career steps.

"Participants are eager to share that they are on a journey, and many know and attest that God is with them," Nancy said. "It's been a privilege to be a part of that and to acknowledge how StepUp is a blessing to people who are striving to improve their lives."

Encouragement That Lasts

Rebecca's experience, which began in August 2025, took a different shape but arrived at a similar place. As a "co-partner" — StepUp's term for volunteers who walk alongside participants through an eight-week program focused on personal development, financial education, career development, and leadership — she's so far been paired with two women. One was an immigrant completing a Ph.D.; the other a nail technician who unexpectedly discovered a calling to counseling while still hoping to open her own business one day. Rebecca's role was simply to offer a listening ear, mentorship, and encouragement to help these women stay on track for their goals.

"I know I’m not changing the world, but I’m trying to do something for one person and help them see that they have gifts and talents they can share with others," Rebecca said. "I may not have anything special to give them, but being with them and staying positive — that’s something."

Rebecca's day job at the Department of Social Services is administrative, a step removed from the direct care work she once did with refugees. StepUp, she says, has become a quiet corrective.

"It was God's provision to help me in this season," she said. "Serving with StepUp gives me hope and purpose, because these are things that give me joy. It's not just about me: It's about community, teamwork, and partnership. I think that's part of Christian discipleship. To know that our lives are not just about us, but we’re called to love our neighbors and care for each other."

More Than Service

Nancy and Rebecca describe StepUp as a place that feeds those who pour into it more than they imagined. The time commitment is modest on a weekly basis, but the connections formed through the work run deep.

"It's such a warm and welcoming atmosphere," Rebecca said. "You feel like you're part of the family. You're not just an outside person coming in to help."

For Nancy, the same has held true for nearly a decade. "There's so much to learn from people whose lives are different from my own," she said. "Being a part of StepUp showed me that, when I offer my gifts, God can use them in the Kingdom to benefit others, but also uses the experience to change me.”

Get Involved

Want to get involved with our ministry partner, StepUp Durham? Share your time by helping with job readiness, lending a hand at events, or serving on the organization's board. There's also a timely need to help with providing meals during workshops .

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