May 11, 2023 - Atlanta Wire

The Next Step Program Became the Exemplary Nonprofit Organization In the Disability Community

Atlanta Wire Staff on May 11, 2023

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When it comes to supporting people with disabilities, there are many nonprofits out there that all aim to make a difference and positive impact. However, only some have achieved the level of success and recognition that The Next Step Programs has.

Co-founded by Joshua Fields in 2015 as a teenager, The Next Step Program has become an exemplary nonprofit organization in the disability community. Their work helps provide critical resources and support both to individuals with disabilities and their families.

The beginning

The Next Step Program began as a small initiative in a local community center, but under Fields’s leadership, it rapidly grew into a full-fledged nonprofit organization. Joshua Fields’ passion for helping those in need and his dedication to the cause has been instrumental in the organization’s success.

After Fields was paired with a classmate with Down syndrome in 6th grade and met his eventual business partner, Richard Price, at a summer camp for young adults with Down syndrome in 2014, the two soon realized that the disability community needed more representation and resources. “We were talking about what our lives were going to be like after high school and what we planned on doing,” Fields says. “But the more people I asked about what happens to my friends with disabilities once we leave, the more ‘I don’t knows’ I got.” Knowing that something had to improve, Fields took it upon himself to spearhead that change.

People with disabilities and jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 21.3 percent of people with a disability have a job. One of the reasons commonly cited as to why people with disabilities are left out of the workforce is that they lack the knowledge, skills, or abilities necessary. However, this is more often due to the fact that people with disabilities, particularly Down syndrome, are rarely (if ever) given opportunities to gain these skill sets and abilities in real-world situations once they leave the public education system.

Fields and his team recognize this discrepancy and are working hard to correct this stigma surrounding people with disabilities. “People with disabilities deserve the opportunity to work, live and access their communities. Far too often, barriers exist that prevent this from being possible,” he shares.

One of these barriers is the stigma surrounding people with disabilities and the lack of community knowledge. This is why a primary focus of The Next Step Program is to highlight the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics that employees with disabilities can bring to the companies that hire them.

Unique programs

A critical reason behind the success of The Next Step Program is its focus on providing a wide range of resources and services to people with disabilities. The organization offers everything from job training and educational programs to recreational activities and community events, with the goal of empowering individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible.

One of the most notable programs offered by Fields’s organization is its vocational training program, which provides individuals with disabilities the skills and training they need to enter the workforce and succeed in their chosen careers. The program includes job coaching, résumé writing workshops, and interview preparation, among other resources. The vocational training program has been incredibly successful, with many participants securing meaningful employment in various fields, including at The Next Step Program itself.

In addition to its vocational training program, the nonprofit also offers a range of educational programs for people with disabilities, allowing them to develop new skills and knowledge, and promote lifelong learning through the program’s unique design. For instance, some of the educational programs offered by the organization include computer skills training, financial literacy workshops, and literacy and numeracy courses.

Of course, it’s not just about work and education — Fields’s organization also recognizes the importance of leisure and social activities. The Next Step Program offers a range of recreational programs and community events, such as sports teams, art classes, and community outings designed to help people with disabilities connect with others in their community, build friendships, and develop new interests.

“Families of those in the disability community should turn to TNS for their needs,” adds Joshua Fields. “TNS is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives; thus helping the families and caregivers, as well. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing high-quality services and support to help each person reach their full potential.”

Impact on community

One of the most remarkable things about TNS is how it has become a hub of support for those within the disabled community. The organization is known for its compassionate and dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to provide individualized support to each and every program participant.

In addition, Fields and his team have created a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, which has fostered a sense of belonging among those with disabilities and their families. “TNS has built a community of like minded, caring individuals who are working together to innovate new solutions, take down barriers, and pave the way for a world that recognizes each person’s ability,” shares Fields.

The impact of The Next Step Program on the disability community cannot be overstated. The organization has helped countless individuals with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives and has provided a crucial support network for families and caregivers.

Through The Next Step Program’s holistic approach to support, the organization recognizes that individuals with disabilities have unique needs and challenges, and provides a range of resources and services to meet those needs. The focus on vocational training and recreational activities is a perfect example of this — The Next Step understands that success is not just about work but also about having a fulfilling and enjoyable life.

Since its founding, The Next Step Program has become an exemplary nonprofit organization in the disability community. Through its focus on vocational training, education, and recreation, the organization has empowered countless individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.

“As a young CEO and founder, I find myself feeling hopeful for the future,” shares Fields. “I’m eager to be a part of the change that is destined to come for families and young adults with disabilities.”

Premium Moving Company Captain Van Lines’ Guide to Moving with Pets

Atlanta Wire Staff on May 11, 2023

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Moving can be a challenging and stressful experience, not only for you but also for your beloved pets. Animals, like humans, can become anxious and disoriented during the relocation process, which is why it’s essential to consider their needs and well-being when planning your move. Captain Van Lines, a reputable and reliable moving company, understands the unique challenges of moving with pets and offers expert guidance and services to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry friends.

Captain Van Lines’ Tips for Moving with Pets

To make the moving process as comfortable and seamless as possible for your pets, Captain Van Lines recommends the following tips:

Prepare Your Pets: In the weeks leading up to the move, gradually introduce your pets to their carriers or crates, allowing them to become familiar with these spaces. This will help reduce their anxiety and stress on moving day.
Maintain a Routine: Stick to your pets’ regular feeding and walking routines as much as possible during the move to minimize disruption and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Consult Your Veterinarian: Schedule a visit to your vet to ensure that your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and receive any necessary medications or documentation for the move. If you’re moving to a new state or country, be sure to research any specific pet regulations or requirements.
Pack a Pet Essentials Kit: Prepare a separate bag containing your pets’ food, water, medications, toys, and other essential items to keep them comfortable during the move.
Keep Your Pets Safe on Moving Day: Ensure that your pets are secure and away from the hustle and bustle of moving day. Designate a safe, quiet room or area where they can stay while your belongings are being packed and loaded onto the truck.

How Captain Van Lines Can Help

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Captain Van Lines is committed to providing exceptional moving services tailored to the specific needs of each client, including those moving with pets. Here’s how they can help:

Expert Packing and Unpacking

The skilled and experienced packing team at Captain Van Lines will carefully pack and unpack your belongings, including pet supplies and equipment, ensuring they are safely transported to your new home.

Customized Moving Solutions

Captain Van Lines offers personalized moving solutions that take into consideration your unique requirements, including the needs of your pets. They will work with you to develop a moving plan that accommodates your pets and minimizes their stress during the process.

Comprehensive Services

In addition to their expert packing and unpacking services, Captain Van Lines provides long-distance moving, commercial moving, and storage solutions, ensuring a seamless and stress-free moving experience for you and your pets.

Moving with pets can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and support from a trusted moving company like Captain Van Lines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry companions. By following Captain Van Lines’ tips and taking advantage of their comprehensive moving services, you can confidently navigate the challenges of moving with pets and settle into your new home with ease.

To learn more about how Captain Van Lines can assist you in moving with pets or to request a quote for their expert moving services, visit their website at captainvl.com. Trust the professionals at Captain Van Lines to make your move with pets a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Artportunity Knocks: Empowering Youth through the Arts and Education

Atlanta Wire Staff on May 11, 2023

Artportunity Knocks is not your typical nonprofit organization. Founded in a small two-bedroom apartment in 2007, this organization started with two students who had an interest in keeping the arts positive. They hosted bible studies and then music and art sessions, using their own resources, time, money, food, and energy.

Fast forward to today, Artportunity Knocks is now one of the leading organizations in the state of Georgia, serving thousands of students every year, and giving access to education to underprivileged students. The program helps stimulate academic achievement and is led by Ty Woods from 0 to million dollar figure. The organization has now impacted over 206,000 students.

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Artportunity Knocks is built on four pillars that govern their mission: Positive Arts, Education, Community Service, and Bridging Cultures through the Vehicle of the Arts. These pillars keep the organization focused on meeting its core values, serving a segment of the community that may or may not be considered underprivileged but is definitely underserved.

Through the Positive Arts pillar, Artportunity Knocks believes that music and arts should be kept “clean” and positive by omitting lyrics that use profane words, violence, drug/sex promotion, and degradation to any minority or majority group. The arts should be inspiring, uplifting, and used to provoke positive behaviors.

The Education pillar advocates that educators should include the arts in their Core Subjects through a model called Arts Integration. The organization believes that creative and innovative learning is the key to unlocking the minds of students with learning challenges and can be the key to graduating high school on time. This teaching and learning method ensures that students with varying learning styles will have the opportunity to experience the motto of “Learning is Fun!”

Community Service is the third pillar, and Artportunity Knocks believes that positive arts should be used in the community to spark hope and positive change. The organization provides its students with essential needs such as nutritious meals during programming, school supplies, and parent engagement nights. A holistic approach to youth development is crucial to their mission.

The fourth and final pillar is Bridging Cultures through the Vehicle of the Arts. Artportunity Knocks strongly believes that unity between cultures can be bridged through the vehicles of Music and the Arts. Therefore, Artportunity Knocks classes, programs, and events are designed to include diverse genres, cultural arts, education, and awareness of the varying cultures represented in the community they serve.

What sets Artportunity Knocks apart from other organizations is its impact on the community. The program has served and sent more than 2,000 students to colleges. Former students are now teachers, and the organization has purchased rental properties. These achievements are the result of the organization’s commitment to empowering youth to make positive and smart choices while increasing opportunities in the Arts, Education, Community Service, and Bridging Cultures.

In conclusion, Artportunity Knocks is an organization that has made a significant impact on its community. Its mission to empower youth through the arts is a model for other organizations. The four pillars that govern their mission: Positive Arts, Education, Community Service, and Bridging Cultures through the Vehicle of the Arts, keep the organization focused on meeting its core values. With over 206,000 students impacted, Artportunity Knocks is a thought-leader in the nonprofit industry, and a beacon of hope for the youth they serve.

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To learn more about the organization’s latest events and programs, be sure to follow Artportunity Knocks on Instagram at @artportunityknocks. You can also visit their website to learn more about their mission, impact, and how you can get involved.