What does it look like to rebuild your life when you’ve lost work, lost stability, and need someone in your corner?

In this episode of ReCity Chronicles, host KJ Hill sits down with Cashmere Bentley, Interim Executive Director of StepUp Durham—one of ReCity Network’s longest-tenured partners—to talk about how StepUp helps people move toward employment, confidence, and long-term stability.

Cashmere shares her journey of coming to StepUp during COVID after losing her job, then growing from participant to apprentice, success coach, program leader, and now executive leadership. Along the way, she explains what makes StepUp different: practical job-readiness support paired with real relationship, warmth, and belief.

Together, we talk about:

• Step 1 pathways: Walk-In Wednesday intake and the four-day Jobs Week workshop
• Resume support and mock interviews that help participants feel prepared and confident
• Weekly one-on-one coaching and resource connections through a success coach caseload
• Step 2 program for employed participants: “What’s next?” Life skills like budgeting, wellness, and entrepreneurship
• The power of community, cohort learning, and a space where people feel safe and seen
• Ways to get involved as a volunteer: resumes, mock interviews, meals, and co-partners

Get Involved / Learn More: Visit StepUp Durham: https://www.stepupdurham.org/

Interested in learning more about ReCity Network? Visit: https://www.recitynetwork.org/