Everybody has points in life where they need some support. At Next Step, we understand that for young people living with a chronic illness, those points can come around more often. Whether it is falling behind in school or having a hard time reaching a personal goal despite doing everything you can. It is hard to stay on track while managing your health.
We are all about relationships, so it’s no surprise that mentorship is a huge part of our programs. Our mission is to empower you to create the future you envision for yourself, and mentoring helps you get there.
“Next Step mentors give you all the tools and self-confidence you need to figure out who you are, your goals, and how your medical condition fits into that.”
Mentoring at Next Step revolves around one-to-one sessions with mentors. You will talk about goal-setting, building structure, and realistic future-thinking. Along the way, you’re sure to develop a strong dynamic with a person you can trust. Our mentors provide support and guidance as you take steps to move toward becoming your best self. With a Next Step mentor, you can:
- Participate in important conversations
- Learn from people who have walked in your shoes
- Empower yourself with information and resources
- Reach your personal goals
Participants can achieve small victories, major milestones, and everything in between—and we celebrate them all with you! Join one of our mentorship programs.
STRIVE
STRIVE is a mentoring program for high school teenagers living with a chronic illness. STRIVE is a community of peers and mentors who are there to support teens as they start navigating some of the harder questions around their diagnosis and medical transition. We offer weekly workshops focusing on a range of topics from the college application process to creative arts therapy.
Are you a parent or guardian of a high school teenager, ages 13-18, living with a chronic illness? Click here to learn more about our STRIVE program and how your child can get involved.
Mentoring Program
Our virtual Mentoring Program is a 12-week program with an emphasis on goal-setting. In order to set good goals, you need to be able to take the time to understand exactly where you are at right now. A mentor will be there to support and help you make realizations that allow you to start making real progress towards your goals.
Are you a young person, ages 16-29, living with a chronic illness? Click here to join our Mentoring program.
QUESTIONS?
Contact us if you have any questions or want to get involved in one of our mentorship programs.
Richard Martinez, Next Step Mentorship Coordinator: richard@nextstepnet.org
Kepler Jeudy, Next Step Program Director: kepler@nextstepnet.org
Next Step Office: 617.864.2921
Click here to watch young people talk about their Next Step experience.
