A Special Place for Special Needs

What’s the next step for young adults who have aged out of the public school system, but aren’t able to follow the path of fellow graduates? The children need help with basic activities, getting around, and sometimes, communicating. Attending college or finding a job aren’t options for them.

That’s the question physical therapist Lori Baker often heard from parents during 12 years of working in the .

And that’s the need that prompted her to create Next Step Ministries.

“The Lord just laid this program on my heart. It really has been a process, with the Lord leading and directing my steps,” said Baker, who waded through two years of planning to open the nonprofit on April 1, 2009.   

Each weekday and on Saturdays, young adults with moderate to severe disabilities fill the 4,000-square-foot center in southeast Cherokee. During the week, 8-10 young adults participate in the program.

Monday through Friday sessions are busy with work on fine and gross motor skills using sensory-based toys and equipment and large therapy balls, among other equipment. The goal is to maintain skills the children learned while in school.

Between 10 and 12 young adults drop in on Saturdays, a respite day for parents who often won’t easily admit their need for a break.

“Parents need a lot of support and help. Studies show that 85 percent of marriages with special needs kids end in divorce,” said Baker. “Taking care of these kids 24/7 is very stressful.”

Offering support for the parents and care for their children is an extension of Baker’s desire to share her faith.

In fact, Bible stories, Christian music and prayer are integrated throughout each day.

“We’re very clear we are a Christian ministry, but you don’t have to be Christian to come,” said Baker. “It’s not a hard-sell Christianity. We let the light of Christ shine through us, and people tell us they like what we’re doing.”

FAST FACTS

• Next Step Ministries is located at 3353 Trickum Rd. in Woodstock. Volunteers (age 14 and up) are needed weekdays and Saturdays. For more information, call 770-592-1227, email executive director Lori Baker at nextstepministries@att.net or visit www.nextstepministries.net.

Editor's note: A version of this story previously appeared in the February edition of The Cherokee Vine, a monthly newsletter that highlights news and events from churches, ministries and charitable organizations in Cherokee County.