Mother finds success on third try at employment, life skills training program

The third time was a charm for Brooke Jackson.

The mother of three finally completed self-improvement programs at StepUp Ministry that she first began in 2023, but dropped out of twice.

“Things went well for a while until life showed up and I had to separate from the program,” Jackson said, referring to the first time she left. “The second time, I was determined. I made it a little further but once again, life showed up.”

Jackson’s remarks came last week during StepUp’s graduation ceremony in Raleigh. She stood tall and proud as the program’s class speaker. She received the honor because of her perseverance in completing the program on her third try.

“Life didn’t stop lifing” on the third attempt, Jackson told the crowd that gathered at White Memorial Presbyterian Church to cheer on the graduates and enjoy a celebratory meal.

She said her children were among the reasons she wouldn’t allow herself to quit this time.

“My youngest, she has seen the improvement in me and my confidence, and it gives her confidence to want to try out for things at school and do her best in school,” Jackson told NC Newsline in an interview. “All of them do pretty well in school, but my youngest is very observant.”

Jackson was one of seven adult graduates who completed StepUp’s jobs and life skills programs. The nearly 40-year-old nonprofit helps individuals and families overcome barriers to stability through employment training, job placement, mentorship and life skills education.

The nonprofit has served more than 10,000 people since it was founded in 1988. StepUp provides support with employment, legal services, financial management, technology, childcare and other life skills to help participants achieve long-term success.

“We are very much a community-based organization where we’re trying to work with all the different community partners to make sure that people get the resources and the pathway they need to be successful,” said Melvin Breeden, StepUp’s chief operating officer.

Program sees growth

Breeden said the program saw a 55% increase in demand last fiscal year. The increased interest yielded 746 program enrollments, which exceeded that year’s 650 enrollment goal by 96.

Breeden said the nonprofit ended the recent fiscal year with 700 program enrollments, signaling a sustained growth in need for the organization’s services amid tough financial times for many low-to-moderate income individuals and families.