Highlands Donates $6,900.00

There is a “lost generation” of adults who have no family support, no place of residence, no financial stability, and a significant lack of basic life skills. They often become addicted, trafficked, incarcerated, and suffer from various mental and emotional issues. If this pattern is not disrupted, it is passed down through the generations. These adults have a God-given purpose and the potential to become an asset to the community. The vision of Next Step for Life, Inc. (a 501c3 non-profit) is to empower adults through modeling Christ to fulfill their purpose in life. We do this by carrying out our mission: provide transitional housing to adults with an intact family structure and encourage growth by teaching spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and educational principles and practices for success. The Women’s home opened in April 2016 and the Men’s home will open in November 2018.

5 Loaves Food Pantry was started in 2011, by members of Vine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church giving food to 6 families once a month. We have worked hard to be a hub for our community. We not only hand out food weekly, we also offer other assistance to the community. We hand out clothes, over the counter medicine, and hygiene products. 5 Loaves Food Pantry has numerous classes throughout the year including CPR / First Aide, Disaster Preparedness, and cooking classes. There is a shower room and a laundry room for the homeless or anyone in need of those services. Also, in 2015 when our community was hit with a natural disaster, we were able to step in and be a distribution center for meals, food, and water, we also provided sleeping quarters for volunteers during that time. Today in 2018 we serve as many as 180 families per week. In 2019 we will start offering computer classes and help with job searches and resumes. with wi-fi access for after hour needs.

Independence Again provides a therapeutically beneficial sober living home to help our residents re-establish their life in a way that breaks down barriers and provides solutions to problems that seem overwhelming. This process allows residents to complete tasks that would otherwise be impossible all while working, attending meetings, treatment, complying with medical/legal and social obligations. Independence Again offers our residents a place to call home while developing healthy boundaries and repairing the past through the support of professionals and those who have gone before us. Most adults who arrive at our doors bring with them a unique path; some of unimaginable trauma whereas others have simply continued to use despite negative consequences and know that support is their best chance of getting and staying in recovery. We provide a service for the 75% of individuals who found 28-day treatment or institutions did not work well for them. We help by filling the void in a safe and secure environment that is warm and welcoming to all.