Our Vision:

To Meet the Day to Day Challenges of a Young Adult or Child with Special Needs, and Their Family, by Providing a Practical Support System.

Our Mission:

To Provide Christian Therapeutic Day Care and Respite for Special Needs Young Adults and Children.

Our Calling and History:

"...let us not love with word or tongue, but in deed and truth." 1 John 3:18

The Bible exhorts us to put action to our words. This Ministry evolved from the concept that we needed to address the ongoing care needs (physical and spiritual) for our Special Needs population and their families, and not just talk about it.

• 2006 Initial concept for Next step Ministries, further developed with Lori Baker and Amy Peart.

• 2007 Next Step Ministries incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) status attained. Concept introduced to Special Education community and well received. Program Development consultant hired, Board of Directors initiated.

• 2008 Several Fundraisers held, web site developed, participation in Cherokee County Schools Special Needs Transition Fair and Post-secondary Transition Options Panel, Program location found. Continued with community awareness activities.

• 2009 Next Step Ministries Program moved into new location, staff hired, clients started officially in May. Additional fundraisers held, grants received from Bradshaw Farms Women's Group in May and Scott Hudgens Family Foundations awarded in November. Participation in Cobb, Marietta, Douglas Special Education Transition Fair and also Cherokee County Special Education Transition Fair. Saturday Respite Program initiated in July.

Our Program Model

The goal of Next Step Ministries is to provide therapeutic care (functional skills maintenance, social and community interaction opportunities) for our special needs population, day care options for the families with special needs children and a Saturday Respite Program, as well as an opportunity for families to experience the love of Christ demonstrated. To do this, the fee-for-service Program model is part therapeutic and part day care, in a Christian environment. Clients and families do not need to be professing Christians, or have church affiliations to participate.

Our Goals and Growth Strategy

Overall Program Goals:

• Improve Community Awareness with Special Needs Families, Local Service Groups and Schools

• Secure Stable Funding with Fees-For-Service, Grants and Donations

• Programs Running Efficiently

Expansion goals for 2010 include:

• Add adjacent 2000 square feet for extra service area - April 2010

• Summer Day Camp for Special Needs Middle School, High School and Recently Transitioned Students

• Obtain Vehicle for Transportation for Community Outings

• Fifty Percent Growth in Clients/Families Utilizing Program Services

The Staff

The program is developed and supervised by a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a special education teacher who have experience working with this population.

The staff is completed with a nurse, trainers, and volunteers from the community.