The Next Step Programs

The Next Step Programs is thrilled for Ben and Connor, who both recently started their job development journey with our Employment Supports team! 💼

Job development is designed to help participants recognize their strengths and interests in order to help them find the right career path. Our team works one-on-one with participants to build resumes, develop soft skills, conduct practice interviews, and apply to jobs that participants have a passion for.

This marks the beginning of Ben and Connor's journey to securing a career they're passionate about. We are so ready for what the future holds. ✏️

🔗 You can learn more about our Employment Supports and career development at bit.ly/tns-employment-supports

Today, we're celebrating Disability Independence Day with immense pride.

This day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and we stand firm behind the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities.

Now more than ever, The Next Step Programs is fueled by creating opportunities for participants to live confidently and pave the path for their present and future.

Swipe below to see some of the joy and independence we celebrate every day here at TNS.

| | Visit tnsprograms.org today to learn more about what we offer!

Abby in action! 📸

This past Monday, we visited one of our Explore groups while they were volunteering to capture content for an upcoming partnership feature. This gave Abby, The Next Step Programs' Digital Marketing Associate, the opportunity to practice her skills out in the field.

Abby was responsible for asking the interview questions, as well as helping capture B-roll footage. She said, "I was a little nervous going into it, but once I got started it was no problem... I want to challenge myself. This was good experience for me to learn new skills.

I got to do the interview, I liked being able to take the reins. Being able to use the camera felt amazing, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!"

Thank you for all your hard work Abby, and you'll be behind the camera again very soon! 💜

👀 Check back tomorrow for the final product...

Today, on World Fragile X Awareness Day, we're honored to share the story of the Fasciano family.

We wanted our TNS community to learn more about a fellow family, so Paula, not only Matty and Ben's mom, but also the owner of Bake Ability and President of TNS's Board of Directors, shared some heartfelt reflections on what it means to love and nurture those with Fragile X.

“Fragile X has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — first as a sister, now as a mom to two incredible men. I’ve seen the beauty of it, and I’ve experienced the hard parts that most people never see.

There are moments of pure light: A smile that melts you. A routine that finally clicks. A day without overwhelm. A victory that took months to earn. And there are moments that break you: The anxiety that spirals. The sensory overload that erupts out of nowhere. The loneliness of being the only one who understands their needs. The fear of the future — especially the question every parent of Fragile X carries quietly: Who will love them like I do when I’m gone?

The reality is this: Fragile X is hard. And Fragile X is beautiful. Both can be true at the same time. I’ve lived the heartbreak and the hope. I’ve lived the fear and pride. And I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can give someone with Fragile X is love that stays — steady, patient, unconditional, and unshakeable. That’s what I carry as a sister. That’s what I give as a mother. And that’s what I try to build every day with Bake Ability.”

Thank you, Paula, for sharing your story and reminding us that every person with Fragile X deserves to be seen, valued, celebrated, and loved exactly as they are.

P.S. Matty picked out some of his favorite throwback photos of his family for you to enjoy. As you can see by these photos, their lives have been so full, and there is so much more in store. ❤️

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🚨 BREAKING: PURCHASE YOUR VERY OWN COMMEMORATIVE "CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE" T-SHIRT FROM Monkeys Uncle !

In honor of our summer fundraising campaign coming to a close, for a limited time, you can buy a "Celebrate Independence" T-shirt for just $28!

Visit bit.ly/tns-celebrate-independence-t-shirt to get yours today!

Can't wait to see you rock the red, white, and blue. ❤️💙