"Every child deserves an equal opportunity to develop their language skills".
-Dana Suskind, MD
Next Steps Multi-Generational Project
Introducing the Next Steps Project: Empowering Families, Building Communities
Welcome to the Next Steps Project, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering families and revitalizing communities. Our mission is to provide a safe and stable environment where single-parent-led families in Rock County can flourish. Through trauma-informed supportive services, we aim to break the cycles of poverty and childhood trauma while addressing the pressing needs of our residents and the broader community. The Next Steps Project is an initiative of Family Services, which has been a part of the community since 1934 helping to restore, enhance and sustain the lives of individuals and families. For information on all of our comprehensive programs and services, please visit www.familyservices1.org/programs. What the Next Steps Project Will Offer: • Safe, Stable, and Respectful Housing: We believe that everyone deserves a secure place to call home. Our project will provide families with safe and stable housing, ensuring they have a solid foundation to build their future upon. • Quality and Affordable Childcare: We recognize the crucial need for quality and affordable childcare. Through our program, we offer exceptional childcare services for infants through preschoolers, supporting both our residents’ children and those from low- to moderate-income families. • Trauma Informed Supportive Services: We are committed to assisting families in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges. Our comprehensive services include access to mental and physical health care, education and job training opportunities parenting skills development, financial counseling, and community engagement.
Why this project matters:
Stable housing plays a vital role in family well-being, and its absence can cause significant harm and childhood trauma. We firmly believe that no one should have to navigate the journey from homelessness to stability alone. The Next Steps Transitional Living Project offers a supportive hand-up to families, empowering them to break free from the cycle of poverty. By providing safe housing and fostering a family-friendly neighborhood, we strengthen the community as a whole. Specific outcomes include: • Keeping families intact • Breaking cycles of poverty • Reducing childhood trauma • Supporting the needs of employers and workers by providing safe, stable housing • Promoting a family friendly neighborhood • Reducing future costs by addressing present needs. The Next Steps Project will provide families and their children with the tools to be successful in their own housing, by supporting them in their efforts to develop new and more effective strategies for meeting their family’s needs.
Who is eligible?
The Next Steps project is designed to assist single parent led families who are currently experiencing homelessness in Rock County. Referrals to our program will be made through partner organizations actively working with unhoused families. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where families can thrive, grow, and build a brighter future.
What is the timeline
We are thrilled to announce that work on the Next Steps Project has already begun, bringing us one step closer to transforming the lives of families in Rock County. Construction on the building is set to commence in November 2023, with a goal of completing the project by March 2025. This timeline ensures that families in need can soon benefit from our comprehensive programs and begin their transformative journey towards stability and empowerment.
Where will project be located?
The vibrant heart of our initiative will be the repurposed Royce Elementary School. This once-empty space will be transformed into a thriving community hub, where children and their families can flourish. By converting classrooms into apartments and constructing additional units, we will provide comfortable living spaces. In addition, a separate entrance will lead to a state-of-the-art childcare center, capable of serving up to 70 children. With dedicated community and administrative spaces, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all.
Together, Let's build a better future:
The Next Steps Project goes beyond housing – it’s about building a supportive community that embraces families and promotes growth. By creating an outdoor playground for both residents and neighborhood children, we aim to foster a sense of togetherness and encourage positive interactions. Through partnerships with the County, City, schools, businesses, social service organizations and faith communities, we can work together to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Join us on this journey of empowerment, compassion, and transformation. Together, we can make a lasting different in the lives of families and communities.