Next Step for Life, Inc. is a one-year transitional living program for adults who have become dysfunctional in life. We have a home for men that houses 8 students and one for women that houses 10 students, each with a house manager on duty at all times to oversee their safety and development. Our vision is to empower them through modeling Christ to become independent of life controlling issues and to fulfill their purpose in life.
We teach life skills training including parenting, healthy emotions, boundaries, Bible based classes for personal skills, character building and healthy relationships; relapse prevention, recovery plan development, cooking, landscaping and work detail. Days are alternated between a classroom setting and working collectively with lawn care or cleaning services. We include a one-on-one advisement component to assist with goal setting, making plans and budgeting. Our staff, house managers and volunteer team mentor and encourage growth by teaching and modeling spiritual, emotional, physical and educational principles and practices for success. We do our best to connect students to God and to a healthy community of friends. In the last phase of the program, we help the residents find jobs outside the program and assist with transportation; yet they still live at Next Step and are accountable to us including drug screens and alcohol tests, etc.
Started by Dave and Diane Roland after their involvement with young people attending a local alternative school, it targets adults who have been orphaned or otherwise lack support and are vulnerable to addiction, trafficking, and other types of abuse. The program lasts 12-18 months with the goal of independence as a productive member of society – one of the main tenets of Next Step is to give a “hand up, not a hand out.”
The first phase provides an orientation period to get to know other students, staff, and volunteers. This is also a period of time to be acquainted to a new schedule and “get life in order.”
Additional skills and services are provided in this phase so residents can continue to grow. Career and education goals will be discussed at this point and a plan created to provide direction.
In this important phase, students will be assigned a leadership role in the home and obtain employment. Residents will also be encouraged to begin plugging in with the community and making appropriate, healthy social and professional connections.
The last phase of the program is designed to help students succeed once they transition out. Leadership training will be provided, as well as assistance with finding a safe place to live. Students will continue to develop healthy social and professional connections so they have a support system when they leave the Next Step home.
We have a passion to see the love of Christ transform lives and create cycle-breakers in our community and beyond.
Students at Work
Mission: Providing a home to adults who gain freedom from life controlling issues
through Christian discipleship, finding purpose and identity in Christ.
Core Values: Truth, Integrity, Dependability, Unity, Humility
