Will there be any communication with family?
Yes. Each resident will be encouraged to write family and be provided times to call them. Calls will begin once the resident has been in the program for 30 days. At a later time, family visits will be set. Residents will be required to be in the program for up to 30 days prior to having a family visit set.
What time will the residents get up in the morning?
Times will vary. We at Next Step are striving to create a structured and stable lifestyle for all of our residents. Each week day will have a designated a.m. wake up; the rest of the day is full, and rising early will assist us in maintaining continuity in the schedule. Weekends will be different.
Will residents be allowed to work?
Eventually, at a later time in the program. The employment opportunity is set up on personal growth and development while at Next Step.
What types of jobs will residents be allowed to obtain?
What they desire to do and are able to do. We will strive to assist each resident in finding what they care most about and what they want to do as a career and work towards their life goals.
Will residents be permitted to have cell phones or access to computers?
No. Computer use will be available but limited to important uses only. School, job searches, some trainings and such are allowable.
Can residents have visitors on the Next Step property?
No. At Next Step we will have the confidentiality of others to consider. There will not be any visits by any persons other than staff approved volunteers etc. at the Next Step homes. Visits will be set up at the appropriate time for residents at an alternate location.
Is a family visit and a pass to go home the same thing?
No. Family visits are for the group as a whole; staff will assist in that day’s events or activities. A pass to go home is for residents to leave the property and go home for a designated amount of time without staff present.
Will residents be able to go on a “pass” in order to go home?
Yes. At a later time in the program residents will be encouraged to request a pass to go home for a visit. Resident passes are earned through personal growth and compliance to program requirements. Please keep in mind, the resident will need to meet certain requirements and the home environment must be safe for the resident to visit.
Can family members or friends volunteer at Next Step?
No. We thank you for your willingness to assist us at Next Step. However, it is a conflict of interest for family/friends to volunteer in the program while your family member is a resident.
Will residents be permitted to have a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship while in the program?
No. We know having a significant other while in the program is a major distraction. Unless the couple is married and can show proof of such (marriage certificate) we will discourage any boyfriend/girlfriend relationships while in the Next Step program.
Are residents permitted to have their children at Next Step? Can pregnant women be accepted?
No, not to live in the house. Next Step is not set up to meet the needs of younger children or pregnant women.
What is the cost of the program?
There will not be an intake fee. There will be a program fee when each resident reaches the working phase of the resident program as part of their financial training.
If we go to the same church or meeting can we sit with the residents?
No, NSL will not permit family/friends to sit with the residents, and the residents will not be permitted to sit with family/friends, nor wander the buildings. NSL is a group and will remain so at all times when out.
Who can be a part of the program?
Men who do not have custody of their children and women who are not pregnant and do not have custody of their children. All residents must be at least 18 years of age. Also, we are not set up for detox or drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Those who are interested in being in the program will need to complete a pre-screen application and get a physical at the Putnam County Health Department.
Mental and physical health conditions will be reviewed to see if someone is compatible for a group home setting. If you are interested in referring someone or applying for the program, please fill out this application and send to diane@nextstep.life.
Are you affiliated with any religious groups?
We are a Christian organization and are not affiliated with any particular church. You can read what we believe here.
What are the living arrangements?
Residents will live in a comfortably appointed house with community rooms. There are two large group bedrooms that accommodate 4 people each; everyone has their own bed, dresser, closet space, and shared bathrooms.
What kind of skills are taught?
Residents will learn to cook, adhere to a regular schedule, and how to organize and keep track of things. They will also learn healthy relationship skills, Christian principles, and be given guidance and training for education and career. In addition, we have volunteers who teach crafts, give exercise classes, and take residents on fun new experiences (like canoeing!)