Kicking off our 10th year with a bold vision—learn more about our Marketplace & Housing Initiative!
The NExt Step
About the Project
At The Next Step Programs, we believe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve more than inclusion—they deserve empowerment, independence, and the opportunity to thrive. Now, we have the chance to bring this vision to life by creating a Marketplace and Inclusive Housing for the Future in the heart of Doylestown, PA.
Phase 1: The Marketplace – Imagine a vibrant marketplace where young adults with IDD can work, gain confidence, and connect with their community. This will be a bustling hub of opportunity, featuring:
- Small Business Spaces: We envision creating a hub of inclusive employers, partnering with trailblazers like Bake Ability and Monkey’s Uncle, and paving the way for even more opportunities to come.
- Job Training Programs: Hands-on learning opportunities designed to develop real-world skills and prepare participants for long-term success.
- Community Engagement: A welcoming space where people of all abilities come together to shop, support, and celebrate inclusivity.
The Marketplace will provide more than jobs—it will create a sense of purpose, belonging, and pride for young adults with IDD while fostering understanding and connection within the broader community.
Phase 2: Inclusive Housing for the Future- For many young adults with IDD, independence begins with a place to call their own. This project will include apartments designed to provide independence, community, and support, featuring:
- Affordable, Inclusive Housing: A safe, welcoming environment where individuals with IDD can live on their own terms.
- Integrated Living Opportunities: Spaces where people of all abilities can live and grow together, building connections and breaking down barriers.
- Support Services: Access to resources and assistance that empower residents to thrive in their independent living journeys.
Our First Step
This is more than just a property; it’s a transformative opportunity to redefine what independence looks like for young adults with IDD. Thanks to the generosity of the property’s seller, who has significantly reduced the price, this dream is within reach—but only if we act fast. To secure this property and begin building this life-changing space, we must raise $4,000,000. With hundreds of thousands in committed funds already, we know our community will rally behind this most important and need community based project!
After acquiring the property we will with community and government grant funders to redevelop this piece of land that has not been sold in over 100 years!
Why it Matters
In Pennsylvania employment and housing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remains severely limited. According to a report conducted by the National Core Indicators® – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (NCI-IDD), only a staggering 16% of individuals receiving services for IDD were employed in paid community jobs. Furthermore, among those surveyed who did not have a paid community job, 39% expressed a desire to work, indicating a significant gap between the demand for employment and available opportunities.
Additionally, In Pennsylvania more than 57,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receive long-term support and services (LTSS) through the state’s IDD system. Of these, 18,000+ individuals reside in group homes or institutional settings, while nearly 40,000 live with family members, relying on varying degrees of familial support. Despite these services, there remains a significant shortage of diverse housing options and tailored supports that meet the evolving needs and preferences of individuals and families today. This gap underscores the pressing need for expanded and varied residential services to better serve Pennsylvania’s IDD community.
Your Role in Making This Vision a Reality
This opportunity is rare, and time is critical. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us get closer to making this vision come to life.
Ways to Give
- Online: Donate directly on this site.
- Mail: Send a check payable to The Next Step Programs with the memo line “Vision” to: 204 N West Street, Unit 102, Doylestown, PA 18901.
- Pledges: Commit to multi-year giving to maximize your impact.
- Matching Gifts: Check if your employer offers donation matching.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Corporate partners are invited to join this transformative effort.
Celebrating Your Generosity
Donors contributing $10,000 or more will be honored on our Donor Wall of Gratitude at the site. Additional opportunities include naming spaces, program sponsorships, and legacy gifts.
The Clock Is Ticking
We have until March to raise $4,000,000 and secure this incredible property. This is our chance to create spaces that foster independence, opportunity, and inclusion for individuals with IDD. Together, we can turn this vision into a reality and leave a legacy of empowerment that will transform lives for generations.
Let’s take the next step—together – learn more and donate here.
