Who is The Next Stop program designed for? Those who are developmentally disabled, are high functioning, and meet these quidelines:

• Members must be
  • 18 years or older
  • Able to communicate
  • Able to use the bathroom without assistance
  • Cooperative, compliant, and able to engage in group activities
• Members must not have aggressive or violent behaviors.

Where does The Next Stop meet?
The Next Stop is located at the Suwanee Sports Academy, 3640 Burnette Road, Suwanee, GA 30024.

When is the program held?
At this time, The Next Stop is meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 1:00PM until 5:00PM.

How do we sign up?
Contact The Next Stop at 404-932-3953 or vicki@thenextstop.org. A visit to the program will be arranged.

How much does it cost?
The cost is $10 an afternoon. This should be paid the day of attendance or prepaid.

What do members do at The Next Stop?
The Next Stop’s program provides opportunities for social interactions, recreational activities, and life skill learning. At the Suwanee Sports Academy we have our own two rooms for social activities and learning, complete with a residential kitchen. We also have access to gym space for recreational fun and a walking path outside. A typical afternoon might include:

• The first hour is "free social time" that is facilitated by volunteers. Basic options for members are games, puzzles, gym activities, talking with your friends, and/or craft corner activities. This time supports social interactions with other members and/or volunteers.
• Cooking and food preparation is a big part of most afternoons. Besides learning to prepare different foods and follow a recipe, our goals are to support familiarity with kitchen tasks and tools and introduce new foods.
• Each day we spend time in the gym enjoying some kind of recreation. Examples are kickball, volleyball, floor hockey, square dancing, fitness, tennis, relays, etc. Several times a year we walk on the Suwanee trail that passes in front of the Suwanee Sports Academy.
• The end of the day is usually spent all together playing a group game, having discussions, learning a new concept, etc. This time is sometimes used for guests who come to share their skill or knowledge with us.

Who staffs the program?
Vicki and Stu LaRoche, founders of The Next Stop, lead the program. Currently The Next Stop has two part-time employees--a Program Planning Assistant and a Volunteer/Member Coordinator. Our staff and volunteers have all been screened with criminal background check and fingerprinting. Because volunteers facilitate activities, support social interactions, lead groups, and encourage members, their role at The Next Stop is an integral part of this program. 

What else should I know?

• Most of our staff is made up of volunteers.
• Our volunteer/member ratio goal is 1:4.
• Our daily member attendance is limited.
• Members do not have to stay for the entire four hours or attend every afternoon.
• Reservations are required each week.
• The Next Stop is not authorized to dispense medications.
• Transportation is not provided.
• It is imperative that members be picked up at the designated pickup time—late fees will be charged if not.
• The Next Stop is not designed to be a daycare facility and is not a Medicaid provider.
• A monthly calendar of general activity information is available on our home page.
• Click on "Latest News" on our home page to what's been going on at The Next Stop.
• Please visit us on Facebook.