Therapeutic Day Care for Special Needs Young Adults  Saturday Respite Program
"...let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." 1 John 3:18

A walk in the sunshine!
Therapeutic exercise on the mat
Making cupcakes in the Respite Program


ABOUT  US
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

NEXT STEP MINISTRIES Vision and Mission:

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. 

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

NEXT STEP MINISTRIES  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.

NEXT STEP MINISTRIES  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.

NEXT STEP MINISTRIES  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