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.
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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!!