BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Next Step Fund, Inc. - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Next Step Fund, Inc. X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Next Step Fund, Inc. REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T180000 DTSTAMP:20260403T142251 CREATED:20250425T135408Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T160831Z UID:11036-1746892800-1746900000@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:PorchFest Somerville 2025 DESCRIPTION:Next Step is participating in PorchFest Somerville 2025 and you’re invited! Join us on Saturday\, May 10th from 4pm to 6pm in Somerville\, MA for a feel-good afternoon of live music\, community connection\, and inspiration. \nEmail Alice Sich\, Next Step Events and Operations Coordinator\, to RSVP: alice@nextstepnet.org \nWhether you’re dropping by to enjoy some tunes\, meet new people in your community\,  or learn about our powerful work with teens and young adults living with a serious chronic illness — this is your moment to plug into something meaningful (and seriously fun). \nBring your friends\, your curiosity\, and your love for great music — we can’t wait to meet you and share what Next Step is all about. \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n  \nWhat’s Happening on Our Porch \nLive music from amazing music therapists \nA peek into our free programs that empower young people to create their brightest future \nFun\, welcoming vibes that capture the PorchFest spirit \n  \nAddress \n8 Calvin Street\, Somerville\, MA 02143 \nClick here to see address on Google Maps. URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/porchfest-somerville-2025/ CATEGORIES:Cancer,Fundraising,HIV,Program,Rare Genetic Disorder,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Porchfest-photo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T191500 DTSTAMP:20260403T142251 CREATED:20250331T211350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T180619Z UID:10986-1745344800-1745349300@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Next Step Guide to Adulting Series: Budgeting and Money Mindset DESCRIPTION:Want to get more comfortable thinking about money? Have questions about how to budget? Join our Guide to Adulting Series: Budgeting and Money Mindset on Tuesday\, April 22nd from 6pm to 7:15pm (EST) to learn helpful tips from an expert alongside your peers. This virtual program is for teens and young adults\, ages 16-29\, living with a chronic illness. We hope to see you there! \nQUESTIONS? \nEmail Emily Efland\, Next Step Community Program Coordinator: emily@nextstepnet.org. \n\n\n \n \n Guide to Adulting Series\n Fill out the form below to join our next Guide to Adulting Series. \n \n Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Phone(Required)Age?(Required)Have you been to a Next Step program?(Required)\n \n Yes\n \n \n Attended Introductory Event Only (e.g. Next Step Mobile at hospital\, community center\, etc.)\n \n \n No\n How did you hear about us?(Required)\n \n Next Step Outreach (Email or Event)\n \n \n Google/Internet Search\n \n \n Social Media (Instagram\, etc.)\n \n \n Family Member/Trusted Adult\n \n \n Another Participant\n \n \n Medical Staff\n \n \n Other\n What is your diagnosis?(Required)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/next-step-guide-to-adulting-series-budgeting-money-mindset/ LOCATION:Online!\, United States CATEGORIES:Cancer,HIV,Program,Rare Genetic Disorder,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/November-program-e1743533379643.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250421 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250422 DTSTAMP:20260403T142251 CREATED:20241004T172636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T220523Z UID:10498-1745193600-1745279999@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Support our Boston Marathon team DESCRIPTION:Team Next Step is running the Boston Marathon for an 11th time! Five amazing athletes have volunteered to run the 26.2 mile race for Next Step and raise important funds to support our community\, music and mentorship programs for seriously ill teens and young adults between the ages of 13-29. Their goal is to raise $65\,000 as a team. The money raised will help us empower even more deserving young people to create their brightest future as they transition to adulthood. Please help our runners cross their fundraising finish line before Marathon Monday! \nClick here to donate to our 2025 Boston Marathon team. \nThank you to the Bank of America Marathon Charity Program for welcoming us back to run this historic race! We are proud to be an official charity team of this wonderful program. \n  \n  URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/run-the-2025-boston-marathon/ CATEGORIES:Fundraising ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/NextStep_LogoNoTag_Vertical_Web.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250411 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250414 DTSTAMP:20260403T142251 CREATED:20241223T160041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T174345Z UID:10822-1744329600-1744588799@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:2025 Spring Campference DESCRIPTION:We are hosting our 2025 Spring Campference for young adults\, ages 18-29\, living with a chronic illness from Friday\, April 11th to Sunday\, April 13th at the Hampton Inn & Suites Watertown Boston in Watertown\, MA. \nPart camp\, part conference\, our 3-day Spring Campference fosters friendships and community with peers who “get it.” At a Next Step Spring Campference\, you can: \n\nEngage in educational workshops\nRecharge with new friends\nJoin the music and art mayhem\nCreate fun\, life-changing moments\nEmpower yourself with information and resources\n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n  \nSounds good?! Spots for our popular Spring Campference fill up fast so we encourage you to submit your application below as soon as possible to secure your spot! \nIn Their Words \nOur participants say it best. Read stories from young people who have attended a Next Step Campference. \nDo you have questions before signing up? \nEmail Emily Efland\, Next Step Community Program Coordinator at emily@nextstepnet.org or Kepler Jeudy\, Next Step Program Director\, at kepler@nextstepnet.org if you have any questions about our 2025 Spring Campference for young adults living with a chronic illness. \n  \n\n \n \n 2025 Spring Campference\n Please fill out this application if you are interested in joining our 2025 Spring Campference. \n \n Have you been on a Next Step Campference before?*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n Attended Introductory Event Only (e.g. Next Step Mobile at hospital\, community center\, etc.)\n \n \n \n No\n How did you hear about the Next Step campference?*\n \n \n Next Step Outreach (Email or Event)\n \n \n \n Google/Internet Search\n \n \n \n Social Media (Instagram\, etc.)\n \n \n \n Family Member/Trusted Adult\n \n \n \n Another Participant\n \n \n \n Medical Staff\n \n \n \n Other\n \n \n \n \n If medical staff\, please include name\, position and hospital:*Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n NicknameAddress* \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State\n AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific\n \n ZIP Code\n \n \n \n Phone*Alternate PhoneEmail*\n \n Preferred mode of contact?*\n \n Email\n \n \n Cell Phone (Call)\n \n \n Cell Phone (Text)\n Current OccupationEmployer or SchoolAgeBirthday\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Race/EthnicityGenderPronouns (he/him\, she/her\, they/them)What is the highest level of education you have received so far?T-shirt sizeHospital or Clinic where you receive medical care?What do you hope to get out of the Next Step campference experience?What topic(s) do you most want to learn about at Campference?PARENT/GUARDIAN AND EMERGENCY CONTACTName*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n RelationshipPhoneEmail\n \n Medical OverviewDiagnosisDate of Diagnosis\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Are you on active Treatment?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Food Allergies & ReactionsEnvironmental Allergies (bee\, latex\, etc) & ReactionsDo you carry an Epi-Pen?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Are there are any special accommodations you would need (dietary\, mobility\, equipment\, etc.)? Please explain:Are there any activity limitations?Please list any medications you take\, and how often.Please take a moment to describe what symptoms you display if you’ve overextended yourself or are starting to get sick. How can we best support you in such a situation?INSURANCE INFORMATION(Please bring your insurance card to the program)Insurance Co:Policy #:Name of Insured:\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n PrescriptionPlan #:Telephone #:Over the Counter Medications: I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—has permission to take over-the-counter medication\, for the dosage amount suggested by the pharmaceutical maker\, if feeling unwell due to symptoms such as headache or stomachache. Please check appropriate boxes and provide your signature below:I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—may take over-the-counter medication that I brought:*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—may take OTC medication provided by a staff person:*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—should not\, under any circumstances\, be given the following OTC medications:Please indicate:*\n \n \n I consent\n \n \n \n I do not consent\n CONSENT AGREEMENTAUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE\nThis Consent Agreement\, Authorization and Release must be read and signed to be eligible to attend Next Step's Young Adult Campference.\n\nRELEASE OF LIABILITY\nI understand that occasionally accidents occur during campference activities and that participants may sustain serious personal injury and property damages as a consequence thereof. Knowing the risks of campference activities\, nevertheless\, and in consideration of my acceptance for participation at a campference\, I hereby agree to assume those risks and to hold harmless Next Step\, and all campference agents\, representatives\, employees and volunteers\, from any and all liability\, claims for personal injury and/or property damage\, costs\, expenses and damages arising out of or connected in any way with my participation in campference activities. Further\, I acknowledge that Next Step accepts no responsibility for the loss\, damage or theft of my personal property.\n\nI acknowledge and understand there is an increased risk that Covid-19 and other communicable illnesses can be transmitted in any public place\, including an in person Next Step program. Next Step seeks to protect its staff and participants during any and all in person activities. By attending a Next Step in person program\, I agree to assume these risks.\n\nAdditionally\, as a precondition to participating in a Next Step program I understand to participate in person I must be up to date on my vaccinations against Measles\, Mumps\, Rubella\, Varicella\, and Pertussis (unless medically exempt with a doctor's note). I must also have my provider complete a medical application every 12 months to participate in person at a Next Step program.\nPlease indicate:*\n \n \n I consent\n \n \n \n I do not consent\n CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENTThe undersigned hereby grants permission to the medical staff or consulting physicians at Next Step to administer medication and provide medical care for me\, including any medical emergency care required. I also give my consent for any emergency transportation deemed necessary.Please indicate:*\n \n \n I consent\n \n \n \n I do not consent\n Community Agreement/Rules of ConductThe young adult campference is a close-knit community; therefore we ask that you agree to a few things that will promote being together in a safe manner. Please sign this Community Agreement\, which asks that you agree to conduct yourself ethically and respectfully while living in the program: \n\n\nDelegates are to demonstrate a high degree of maturity and self-respect\, taking into account the rights and feelings of others.\nDelegates are responsible for charges incurred\, e.g. vandalism and breakage of property\, etc.\nDelegates are to adhere to curfews\, directives and designated schedule times.\nSuitable attire is to be worn during the campference workshops and activities.\nSmoking is prohibited indoors.\n\nThe Following Behaviors are grounds for Immediate Dismissal: \n\nPhysical confrontations or assaults. This means harming\, attempting to harm\, or threatening to harm another person\, with or without a weapon or dangerous object\nBullying. As defined as unwanted\, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated\, or has the potential to be repeated\, over time. Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships and can include leaving someone out on purpose\, telling other’s not to be friends with an individual\, spreading rumors\, embarrassing someone.\nStealing or damaging property\nPossession or use of drugs and alcohol\nSexual misconduct or sexual assault\nPlease indicate:*\n \n \n I agree to the community agreement\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the community agreement\n PHOTO AND INFORMATION RELEASEI give Next Step permission to photograph and use pictures or visual and/or audiotapes of me in professional or fundraising activities. On occasion\, with this permission\, participant photographs may be included on the Next Step website\, on a bulletin board\, video\, newsletter\, campference album\, or in personal photographs. Next Step respects the privacy of participants and does not allow unauthorized visitors to photograph the campference or participants. In addition\, by signing below\, I give Next Step permission to give my name\, address and/or phone number to groups or individuals wishing to support Next Step by inviting me to an event or by sending me information related to Next Step. This list will not be sold or given to anyone else for any other reason.Please check appropriate box and provide your signature below:*\n \n \n I agree to the photo release\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the photo release\n Please SignBy signing below\, I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the terms and expectations of the program. All information provided is current and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Date*\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Please check this box to indicate that the above signature will serve as your electronic signature\n \n (Delegate or Legal Guardian if the Delegate is not over the age of 18)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/2025-spring-campference/ CATEGORIES:Cancer,HIV,Program,Rare Genetic Disorder,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9447.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250503 DTSTAMP:20260403T142251 CREATED:20250115T175747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T175747Z UID:10863-1738540800-1746230399@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:STRIVE (2025 Spring Semester) DESCRIPTION:Next Step STRIVE is a FREE weekly mentorship program for teens living with Sickle Cell Disease in Boston\, Washington\, D.C.\, New York City and Philadelphia. As a STRIVE student\, you’ll get one-on-one academic support and access to a community of peers in a safe and welcoming environment. Sound cool? Sign up below and join us! \n\nHere’s what you can do at STRIVE each week: \n1. Get Homework Help When You Need It\nAttend weekly virtual sessions with a dedicated mentor. \n2. Connect and Destress with Friends Who Get It\nAttend a bi-monthly in-person programs focused on community building and fun. \n3. Learn\, Collaborate and Give Back Together\nAnd once a month\, STRIVE students from Boston\, Washington D.C.\, New York City and Philadelphia meet online for some real talk—and action! You might hear from a panel of young adults living with Sickle Cell Disease\, learn tips for pain management\, work together on a community service project to lift the spirits of kids in the hospital or maybe even write a song together. \n\nSign up to join Next Step STRIVE \nNext Step STRIVE groups meet from February 3rd through May 2nd. Just hearing about STRIVE? No problem\, you can join anytime—there’s no deadline. Sign up by filling out the short form below and one of our team members will be in touch with more details to get you started. \nStill have questions? \nEmail Richard Martinez\, Next Step Mentorship Coordinator\, at richard@nextstepnet.org \n\n \n \n Next Step STRIVE Sign-Up\n \n \n What Program/City are you applying for?*Boston AreaNew York City AreaWashington D.C. AreaNew Haven\, CT AreaPhiladelphia\, PA AreaWhere do you receive your care?*How did you hear about us?*\n \n Google Search\n \n \n Social Media\n \n \n Medical Provider\n \n \n Peer\n When is the best time to reach you?*\n \n \n Morning (before noon)\n \n \n \n Afternoon (noon to 5pm)\n \n \n \n Evening (5pm or after)\n Student's Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Student's Phone*Student's Email*\n \n Parent/Guardian's Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Parent/Guardian's Phone*Parent/Guardian's Email*\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/strive-2025-spring-semester/ CATEGORIES:Program,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.59.11 PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241112T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241112T193000 DTSTAMP:20260403T142251 CREATED:20241028T142815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241028T142815Z UID:10590-1731434400-1731439800@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Guide to Adulting: Accessing Social Services DESCRIPTION:We are hosting an online workshop\, “Guide to Adulting: Accessing Social Services”\, that will take place on Tuesday\, November 12th from 6-7:30pm\, and is all about (you guessed it) accessing social services\, particularly SSI\, SSDI\, EBT. \nThe workshop will be led by our awesome volunteer\, David Morris\, who has a long experience as a case manager and someone who has accessed these services himself. \nClick here to sign up if you’re interested in joining us. URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/guide-to-adulting-accessing-social-services/ CATEGORIES:Cancer,HIV,Program,Rare Genetic Disorder,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/November-program-e1743533379643.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR