We require in-person volunteers who would like to work hands-on with adults with disabilities.
Volunteer tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Discovering the young adults' motivation and helping develop their skills
- Providing assistance and guidance to clients who need help with their everyday work activities or some new tasks
- Providing one on one assistance which may include hand-over-hand direction to complete tasks
- Working alongside staff and other volunteers to create a positive and safe environment for the young adults
- Keeping track, overseeing, and documenting young adults' progress
Our founder, Traci Johnston, spent nearly two decades working as a special education teacher in our community. She saw the lack of opportunities available to her students following high school and the anxiety it caused her and their families. With the help of one of her former students, she created an educational and exciting day program in Deer Park, Next Step Transition Center. As the day program grew, so did the feeling she could do more. She felt the calling to create a program where young adults could continue to grow in their independence and skills. S.T.E.P.S. provides vocational, independent living, and social skills through hands-on experience.
The continued increase of individuals with intellectual, physical, and emotional disabilities has created an even greater need for programs for these individuals following high school. Texas has one of the highest populations of individuals with disabilities at 12.9%, most of whom live in Houston and the surrounding gulf coast region. Our local community, Deer Park, comprises 7.9% of individuals with disabilities, while the surrounding communities of Pasadena and La Porte have 8.1% and 11.6%, respectively. With your support, our program can grow and provide additional opportunities to adults in our community.
