What We Do…
ODP-Qualified Services Focused on Independence, Employment & Community Life
Dear Families and Caregivers,
At Next Step Supports, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to grow, contribute, and build a meaningful life in their community.
Next Step Supports is a qualified and enrolled provider with Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), offering services designed to support greater independence, meaningful community involvement, and employment.
Our approach is simple: support should be person-centered, practical, and connected to real life. Whether someone is working toward greater independence at home, becoming more active in their community, or pursuing meaningful employment, our goal is to help each person take their next step.
In-Home & Community Supports
Next Step Supports is now available to provide In-Home and Community Supports (IHCS) for individuals whose Individual Support Plans (ISPs) authorize this service.
IHCS provides individualized support based on each person's needs, preferences, strengths, and goals. Rather than fitting someone into a predetermined program, support is built around the life that person wants to lead.
Services may focus on:
Building IndependenceLiving in the CommunityDaily living and household skillsParticipating in community activitiesPersonal routines and organizationBuilding natural community connectionsCommunication and self-advocacyAccessing local resourcesIncreasing independencePracticing skills in real-world settingsMaking choices and pursuing personal goalsBuilding confidence outside the home
The goal is not simply to provide assistance. It is to help individuals develop skills, make choices, experience their communities, and become as independent as possible.
Families Can Be Part of the Support Team
We also recognize something families already know: sometimes the best support comes from someone who already understands the person.
When permitted under ODP requirements and the individual's authorized services, eligible family members may have the opportunity to become employees of Next Step Supports and provide support directly to their family member.
Next Step Supports provides the required onboarding, training, supervision, documentation systems, and ongoing professional support necessary for family employees to provide services in accordance with ODP requirements.
This approach can offer the best of both worlds: support from someone the individual already knows and trusts, backed by the structure and resources of a qualified and enrolled ODP provider.
Employment Services
For many people, greater independence also means having the opportunity to work, earn a paycheck, develop skills, and contribute to their community.
Next Step Supports is also a qualified and enrolled ODP provider of Employment Services, supporting individuals whose ISPs authorize employment services as they explore, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment in their communities.
Employment supports may include:
Identifying strengths, interests, and employment goals
Career exploration and employment planning
Developing workplace and job-readiness skills
Job development and connections with community employers
Resume and interview preparation
On-the-job training and support
Job coaching and skill development
Building greater independence in the workplace
Supporting long-term employment success
Our focus is on competitive, integrated employment and real opportunities in the community.
We work alongside the individual, their family, Support Coordinator, employers, and other members of the support team to create an employment path centered on the individual's abilities, interests, choices, and goals.
One Provider. More Possibilities.
We believe support should grow and evolve alongside the person receiving it.
Someone may need assistance developing greater independence at home, support becoming more confident in the community, employment services to pursue a first job—or a combination of supports as their goals change.
In-Home & Community Supports
Build independence in everyday life.
Community Connection
Develop confidence, relationships, skills, and belonging.
Employment Services
Explore opportunities, obtain employment, and build long-term workplace success.
These services can stand alone or complement one another based on the individual's needs, goals, ISP, and authorized services.
Ready for Your Next Step?
If you or someone you support receives ODP services and is interested in In-Home and Community Supports, Employment Services, or both, we would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to Next Step Supports.
We can answer questions about our approach, discuss whether our services may be a good fit, and work with the individual's Support Coordinator and team to determine the appropriate next steps for services authorized through the ISP.
At Next Step Supports, our mission is bigger than providing a service.
We create pathways for every person to grow, contribute, and live with purpose.