Next Step Clubhouse: #SpotlightOnCLT Autism Awareness
Today's highlight for #SpotlightOnCLT Autism Awareness is all about Next Step Clubhouse. We spoke with Executive Director, Chris Link about Next Step, known formerly as The Exceptional Foundation of Charlotte, about leading this nonprofit in Charlotte.
What would you like the community to know about the challenges your organization is trying to solve?
While the pandemic has shed light on the effects of isolationism and social distancing for everyone, this experience is not new for individuals with intellectual and or developmental disabilities (IDD). Next Step Clubhouse since the beginning, has strived to help teens and adults with IDD stay connected in a meaningful way with peers and the Charlotte community.
What is your organization's role in the community?
Next Step Clubhouse is a social and recreational clubhouse for teens and adults with intellectual and or developmental disabilities where the entire Charlotte metro is the playground.
We love impact stories, could you share one?
"Wednesday is the best day of the week! Why? Because this is the day I get to volunteer at a place where everything is right in the world. The members are my family and I love them!' -Lisa
About the image pictured above: The Clubhouse tries to get outside every day to explore. This photo was taken in early spring when the group went walking at Park Road Park.
Contact: Chris Link
chris@nextstepclubhouse.org
SHARE Charlotte Nonprofit Profile: Next Step Clubhouse