StepUp Profile - Melissa Wilkerson

“No backwards steps is my mantra.” - Melissa Wilkerson, Life Skills Case Manager, StepUp Ministry

Melissa is a Life Skills Case Manager at StepUp Ministry, with a unique expertise for the position. She herself has been through the program.In 2010, Melissa relocated to NC for a fresh start and began seeking employment, but like so many who have a criminal history, Melissa found her job search a challenge despite having completed the requirements of her judicial obligations.  It was through a cousin that she learned about Step Up Ministry.  With the hope of obtaining employment, Melissa entered the Job Training Program inspired by the curriculum, instructors, and her peers. “I could feel the hope in the room.”Now as a Life Skills Case Manager, Melissa sees her role at Step Up as encourager - always pushing participants to excel and achieve.  She recognizes the challenges that all people face, especially the challenge of not limiting oneself and instead seeing that “they can want better and be better.”  Her natural instinct to see the best in every individual and push them to reach their potential has helped her assist participants toward their pursuit of their own perfection.From celebrating individuals obtaining new employment to seeing someone purchase his or her first vehicle, Melissa says there is not one, but many meaningful moments in her job.“Overall,” she says of StepUp’s mission, “we help [people] to find their value and increase self-worth, which develops a stronger confidence and commitment to betterment in their lives."