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Early in 2015 we applied for tax exempt status. Along with peer support we now added a monthly “Target Practice” event. This event is held at an indoor range all year long.
In February of 2016 we received our 501(c)(3) number giving us tax exempt status. After receiving several donations we were able to purchase 6 kayaks and several months of range time. November of 2016 I was asked to do a presentation to the employees of United Health Care talking about The Next Step after which they presented us with a new kayak to add to the fleet. We now have a total of 10 kayaks. On a monthly basis, weather permitting, we head out to places like Watson Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Bartlett Lake and Lake Pleasant. 2016 also found us expanding our educational program. We began visiting colleges speaking to future physical and occupational therapy students. Showing and teaching them what #LivingwithSCI is like.
We also started a new program called “Family Outings”. This is where we invite the family of the person with a disability to a day of kayaking.
Presently we offer the following things: One on one peer mentoring, educating family and friends, educating future physical and occupational therapy students, family kayaking outings, monthly target practice events and monthly (weather permitting) kayaking trips.
We are looking at adding an archery program, jet skiing and an opportunity to try scuba diving. We urge anyone over the age of 12 living with a disability to join us for our events.
Visit our website at TheNextStep76.org
Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/thenextstep76
Contact us at [email protected]
Call us anytime at 623-221-1480
Thank you,
Nic Danger