Organization: TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Mission: TAKE THE NEXT STEP (TTNS) IS A GRASS-ROOT, FAITH BASED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO OFFER FRIENDSHIP, HELP AND HOPE TO OUR NEIGHBORS, OF ALL AGES, IN NEED. WE ACCOMPLISH THIS THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY RESOURCE DROP-IN CENTER, KIDZ CLUB AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM, COMMUNITY DINNERS & LIFE SKILLS PRACTICES PROGRAMS.
Activities: COMMUNITY RESOURCE DROP-IN CENTER: VISITORS TO THE DROP-IN CENTER RECEIVE IMMEDIATE HELP AND ASSISTANCE TO MEET THEIR DAILY NEEDS - EMERGENCY FOOD, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH RENT AND UTILITIES TO KEEP THEM FROM BECOMING HOMELESS, TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE FOR DOCTOR AND JOB APPOINTMENTS, CLOTHING, COLD WEATHER GEAR, AND SHELTER ITEMS LIKE TENTS, TARPS, AND SLEEPING BAGS. DROP-IN STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WALK ALONGSIDE AND MENTOR INDIVIDUALS THROUGH HOUSING AND JOB SEARCHES, ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND TOGETHER DISCOVER AND WORK THROUGH APPLICATION PROCESSES TO ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES. LONGER TERM MENTORING AND PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING ARE PROVIDED TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IMPROVE THEIR LIFE SKILLS, INCREASE THEIR INCOME POTENTIAL, AND STRENGTHEN THEIR PERSONAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY.
COMMUNITY MEALS AND LIFE SKILLS CLASSES: EVERY TUESDAY EVENING, VOLUNTEERS FROM THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY: CIVIC GROUPS, CHURCHES, BUSINESSES, POLICE AND FIRE, AND OTHERS PREPARE AND SERVE HEALTHY DINNERS TO OUR HOMELESS AND HUNGRY NEIGHBORS. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS PREPARE SACK LUNCHES FOR OUR DROP- IN CENTER VISITORS, KIDZCLUB SNACKS, GROWING TOGETHER DINNERS, AND MORE. FOLLOWING DINNERS FREE CHILD CARE IS AVAILABLE WHILE PARENTS / ADULTS LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS, FINANCES, PARENTING SKILLS, AND OTHER TOPICS TO BUILD STRONGER FAMILIES.
KIDZ CLUB AND STUDENT LEADERS: HELD TWICE WEEKLY, KIDZ CLUB IS THE ONLY FREE AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING AND MENTORING PROGRAM IN MONROE. THROUGH KIDZ CLUB, STUDENTS IMPROVE THEIR READING, WRITING, MATH, AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE, AND INCREASE THEIR CHANCES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE. EACH WEEK STUDENTS RECEIVE LIFE SKILLS TRAINING THEIR TEACHERS REPORT HELP THE STUDENTS BECOME BETTER LEARNERS. AFTER GRADUATING KIDZ CLUB, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERS OFTEN COME BACK TO SERVE AS VOLUNTEERS AND ROLE MODELS FOR OUR YOUNGER STUDENTS. STUDENT LEADERS VOLUNTEER, REGULARLY MEET TOGETHER WITH MENTORS, LEARN LEADERSHIP SKILLS, GIVE BACK TO THEIR OWN COMMUNITY, AND EARN HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR THEIR VOLUNTEER WORK.
NTEE category: Human Services
Secondary category: Community Improvement & Capacity Building