In February 2019, the vision of Next Step Farms began as a part of a casual conversation between special education teachers and a small group of parents. These parents were facing adulthood with their able bodied special needs children with limited daily living, purposeful " career' options. Little did these parents know, but both educators had separately identified the need within this society bu
t neither knew how to implement a change. They did know that in the American Education system, students with special needs are permitted to remain in a public learning institution until age 21. Once the age is reached, it is hoped that necessary skills to somewhat independently thrive in the Community, in the Workplace and in their daily life have been acquired somewhere along the line. The Federal Addition of Mandatory Transition Skills (implemented beginning at age 15) helped to fill the gap to independence for some but not for all.. For students with a below average-to-average IQ (75 and up) and with mild disabilities, independence is often times achieved via a trade school, a community college or a university. For students with low cognitive ability (40 or lower), limited mobility and lack of independence, facilities and Medicare often provide care giving service either on a day service provision or through a residential facility. Their cognitive ability placed them lower than those who could manage the pace and rigors of a trade school, they can be somewhat independent, but they still need some contact. They have become the forgotten. They are the sociable individuals who need more assistance learning and completing a skill. Currently these individuals sit at home with nothing to do, they sit at their parents' places of employment appearing busy or completing rudimentary tasks to keep them occupied. These tasks are not necessarily beneficial to the company, but busy work for the individual. According to the 2017 Disabilities Statistics Annual Report, approximately 4.8% (21,000) of the population in Huntsville have a cognitive disability and could fall into this category. They have a few options but what if we could give them more? What if we could provide them with a functional hands-on learning and work environment? What if these young adults could learn and master functional life skills that would provide them with meaningful employment and the community with healthy choices? We saw the need. Over the next few weeks/months, that need became a vision and then an attainable reality. With the support of their families and friends, Next Step Farms began to take form. Each step of the way has been a filled with learning opportunities and unexpected change, but the determination and desire to press forward remained. In March 2022, we opened at a temporary location in the Monrovia community on Tuesdays and Thursdays while our future home is built! In November of that same year, construction began at the future and current home on Smith Vasser. On September 29, 2023. Chris & Robin Kramer alongside the board of directors, clients and their families as well as numerous community sponsors and elected officials, the ribbon was cut at our permanent location and our doors were opened. Next Step Farms is currently accepting new clients. We are open to current clients 4 days a week; we are eager to add the fifth day. To apply please send an email to [email protected]
Beginning in February 2025, Next Step Farms will offer five days a week for individuals looking for a safe, nurturing learning environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkZ67lG_epE
