Mission: Bridge the digital divide.
Educate the public on the value of reusing materials and the importance of proper recycling techniques.
Protect the environment by diverting hazardous materials from the landfill.
Reduce manufacturers dependency on raw materials.
Programs: Environmental education programs: community outreach and education promoting electronic waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Provides job skill training to disenfranchised individuals by training them to disassemble and sort recyclables, refurbish electronics and learn skills in a public and retail environment.
human services programs: computer/electronic reuse & distribution program - provides free or low cost computers and hardware to underserved populations, schools, and nonprofit organizations. One computer reuse retail location provides access to purchase low cost reused and recyled electronics, internet ready computers, cell phones and other technology for low income and disenfranchised populations. All computers for sale in the reuse retail location and those placed within the community have been refurbished by volunteers and trainees.
recycling programs: computer hardware and electronic materials unable to be repaired/reused are dismantled and recycled using environmentally sound practices and regional vendors. We provide individuals and businesses a convenient opportunity to recycle hard to recycle electronic waste, thus diverting hazardous waste from the environment and recycling it into a valuable resource. We also divert from the landfill paper, plastic, vinyl and cardboard.
I have been affiliated with NextStep since 1999. During that time I have watched hundreds of community members change their lives as a result of being part of this amazing organization. David (names changed, of course), a wonderful man with fairly significant disabilities, who gained confidence and experience that allowed him to find full time employment. Rick, who travels through life in a motorized wheelchair due to severe CP, who worked at NextStep countless hours to procure computers for himself and his family members. Angie, who came here on TANFF, no confidence whatsoever--and now works as a computer technician. I could go on and on. NextStep is a community of caring and committed folks who go the extra mile for each other.
I have volunteered for NextStep since the very beginnings, in 1999. What a place! Amazing. Everyone who comes for a tour is completely blown away. Wonderful staff, committed volunteers, incomparable results. NextStep keeps Lane County's ewaste out of the waste streams all the while giving people jobs, providing job and social skills training, and a "home" for some of Lane County's most marginalized members. Absolutely incredible.
I love NextStep. As a former employee of Goodwill I used to be appalled at the amount of T.V's and other electronics that would go in the trash. NextStep provides a valuable resource to the community and our planet!
Not only have I donated several car loads of electronics and monitors, but also bought a computer there over a year ago and it is still working great!!
