Are you unemployed or underemployed? Are you interested in a better job or starting a new career? Would you like to gain additional training, certifications, or degrees? If so, then STEP might be the program for you.
Who We Are
STEP is a grant-funded partnership between Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Buncombe County DHHS. STEP can assist active Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in Buncombe County to increase their professional skills, earn new credentials, and boost career possibilities.
Through STEP, you can receive:
- Training and certifications for in-demand jobs
- Advising and career coaching
- Supportive services and transportation assistance
- Financial assistance with books, testing materials, uniforms, etc.
- Help with navigating the college enrollment process
- Assistance with resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills, and employer connections
Who Can Enroll
To be eligible to enroll in the STEP Program, you must be:
- Receiving or eligible to receive Food and Nutrition Services/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Buncombe County
- At least 16 years old
- Not receiving Work First/TANF Monthly
How can I join?
Please watch our STEP info video below and then click the button below it that says "STEP Interest Form." Someone from our team will contact you after we receive your information.
For more information contact:
Christy Cortese - Education Navigator & Team Trainer
- Cell: (828) 337-3689
- Email: christinelcortese@abtech.edu
— or —
Helen Jenny - Career Navigator
- Cell (texts welcome): (828) 767-1195
- Email: helenjenny@abtech.edu
— or —
Fabiola Cunningham - Education Navigator
- Cell: (828) 337-6289
- Email: fabiolamcunningham@abtech.edu
STEP Staff
Dorinda Blankenship,
Economic Services/STEP Program
I have been with STEP since May 2017 and serve as the liaison between A-B Tech and Food and Nutrition Services. I support STEP Education Navigators as they strive to meet our customer’s changing needs. I track participation, ensure communication between AB-Tech and HHS, and process monthly transportation reimbursement payments for activity completions and meeting job retention goals.
Christi Cortese,
MA, Education Navigator & Team Trainer
I grew up in Texas and moved to NC when I was in High School. I live in East Asheville with my husband of 12 years, adorable ginger kiddo, and 2 quirky Chihuahuas. I received my MA in Intercultural Studies and have been working with STEP for about 5 years.
One of my favorite aspects of my job is helping people find the resources they need to be successful. I love photography and finding beauty in little things.
Fabiola Cunningham,
Education Navigator
Hi, I’m Fabiola, call me Fab. I earned my associate's degree from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC, then went on to complete my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Fayetteville State University, an HBCU. I am a first-generation American and have lived in Asheville for 6 years. My family consists of my husband, 5-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old son. My hobbies include working out, reading, and running a social group here in Asheville for minority women.
Tracie Franklin,
Economic Services Supervisor
I am a supervisor at Buncombe County HHS who has been with STEP since it began in 2016. I help coordinate the partnership between A-B Tech and HHS in an effort to best support Food and Nutrition Services recipients. When I am not working with STEP and my other HHS teams, I am enjoying time with my two children and many pets.
Helen Jenny
Hello! I'm Helen and before joining STEP as the career navigator in April 2023, I was an instructor at A-B Tech in the Transitional Studies Department. I grew up in Colorado, received a BA in English from the University of Colorado, and have enjoyed finding meaningful work in New Mexico, Oregon, and North Carolina since graduating. Now that I've laid down roots in Asheville, I'm excited to help my community take advantage of every available opportunity this school has to offer! Outside of work, I enjoy making visual art and organizing standup comedy shows.
Student Spotlight
Roshunda Foster
LPN Graduate currently working in her field.
About Me:
Enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She decided to become a nurse because she loved the idea of having flexibility and using her passion for the medical field.
Goals:
She is thinking of becoming an RN in the future.
Personal Quote:
“She believed she could so she did.”
Career Services for STEP and Work First Clients!
For career prep and acquisitions services, please reach out to STEP's Career Navigator, Helen Jenny, at helenjenny@abtech.edu. Whether in-person or virtually, she's available to support you with personalized guidance in the following areas:
- Resume Design — effectively highlights skills, education, and experience with a visually appealing, well-structured resume.
- Cover Letter Writing — craft compelling and customized letters that effectively communicate your qualifications and enthusiasm.
- Job Search Optimization — leverage the power of online platforms and tools to create professional profiles, optimize keyword usage, and use search techniques to uncover more opportunities.
- Application Support — navigate and optimize the application process.
- Interview Practice — mock interviews help to boost confidence and relevant talking points.
- Fundamental Computer Skills — email setup, formatting and sending documents, search engine optimization, and file management.
With these offerings and more, STEP's career prep and acquisition services help to equip clients with the skills needed for securing meaningful employment.
