Take the Next Step has more services than you may realize

Take the Next Step (TTNS) serves as a vital resource hub in Monroe, offering community dinners every Wednesday for 60 to 70 individuals. Founded by Donna Olson in 2004, TTNS addresses gaps in local support services for families, teens, and the unhoused. The center, located at 202 S. Sams St. , sees over 1,000 visitors each year, benefiting from the contributions of 400 volunteers and eight staff members.

Programs like Kidz Club provide a safe space for at-risk elementary students, while Growing Together supports teen moms in a non-judgmental environment. Co-Executive Director Sarah Lunstrum highlights the importance of peer support among teen moms, enhancing their experiences. Michael Lorio, who leads the Unhoused Outreach Program, meets clients where they are, building relationships to facilitate access to essential services. Many unhoused individuals express frustration over limited safe spaces, underscoring the necessity of TTNS's outreach efforts. Open five days a week, TTNS aims to foster stability and reduce poverty and addiction in the community.