Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 136 Mehrhof Road, Little Ferry, NJ info@nextstepds.org
201-853-9242
Now offeringDay Habilitation Services

Building skills.
Creating choices.
Connecting community.

Person-centered day programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where every day is a chance to grow more independent, confident and connected.

Participants cooking together with a staff member in a bright kitchen
Real people, brighter daysLearning, belonging and growing together
Adults 21+With intellectual & developmental disabilities
DDD-fundedDay Habilitation authorized in the ISP
Mon–Fri, 9–3Center and community activities
Door-to-doorTo the program and approved activities
Meals providedFresh, nutritious and warm
A participant practicing money skills with a staff member
Every person grows at their own pace, and every step forward matters.
Program overview

A day program built around each person

Through a mix of center-based learning and community participation, we help participants strengthen independence, communication, self-expression and daily living skills.

Each person's services are shaped by their goals, preferences, support needs and ISP-authorized services. Our approach focuses on meaningful engagement, respectful support and age-appropriate experiences.

Independence & daily routines
Communication & self-advocacy
Confidence & decision-making
Participation in community life
Explore · Learn · Grow

What participants work on

Hands-on activities that build real skills for everyday life, all at a pace that fits each person.

Life skills & daily living

Routines, organization, self-care and personal responsibility.

Cooking & food safety

Meal prep, table routines and healthy habits, hands-on.

Art, music, dance & fitness

Creative expression and movement that build joy and confidence.

Technology & computers

Practical computer skills for learning, work and staying connected.

Budgeting & money

Counting, budgeting and everyday money management.

Social skills, communication & self-advocacy

Communicating needs, making choices and building friendships.

Community & travel training

Outings, recreation and practice getting around safely.

Job readiness

Interview practice, workplace habits and follow-up support.

A typical day

What a day at Next Step can include

Structure that feels supportive, with plenty of room for choice, friendship and fun.

A staff member greets a participant at the door
  1. Morning arrival & welcome

    A supportive start to the day with greetings, settling in and planning.

  2. Daily living skill building

    Practice with routines, organization, self-care and personal responsibility.

  3. Cooking, meals & food safety

    Hands-on participation with meal preparation, table routines and healthy habits.

  4. Creative, fitness & technology

    Art, movement, music, computer use and other engaging skill-building opportunities.

  5. Community outings & travel practice

    Real-world experiences that support choice, safety awareness and participation.

  6. Reflection & social connection

    Time for conversation, making choices and building friendships.

Every activity is shaped around each person's goals, strengths and interests.
Participants and staff walking together in a park
Out in the community

Community is part of the program

Participants practice skills where they matter most: in real places, with real people.

ShoppingRestaurantsLibrariesParksMuseumsRecreationSeasonal eventsCommunity safety
Building toward greater independence

For participants interested in future work

For participants interested in future work and greater self-sufficiency, we provide structured opportunities to build professional habits, communication skills and job-related confidence. We also offer employment-readiness support with professional guidance, interview practice and follow-up coaching.

1

Job-skills training

Task focus, following directions, teamwork and workplace habits.

2

Interview practice & communication coaching

Building confidence in speaking, listening and self-expression.

3

Confidence, problem-solving & social skills

Strengthening decision-making, problem-solving, self-advocacy and everyday interaction.

4

Follow-up support

Ongoing encouragement and support as goals develop over time.

Today's skills can shape tomorrow's opportunities.

For families & support coordinators

Why families choose Next Step

Our program helps adults build meaningful routines, stronger daily skills and greater confidence.

Door-to-door transportation

Safe, dependable transportation helps participants travel from home to the program and approved activities.

A staff member helps participants step out of the program van

Fresh meals provided

Nutritious, warm meals are prepared with care to support comfort, routine and wellness.

Person-centered goals

Activities and supports are guided by each person's strengths, interests and ISP goals.

Community-based experiences

Participants practice skills in real-life settings such as shopping, libraries, restaurants, parks and local events.

Professional job-skills support

Job readiness with professional guidance, interview practice, workplace communication and follow-up coaching.

Who can participate

Eligibility

  • Adults age 21 and older
  • Eligible for DDD-funded services
  • Day Habilitation authorized in the ISP
Not sure if you qualify? Reach out. We're happy to help you check eligibility and ISP authorization.
Where we serve

Counties served

BergenEssexHudsonMiddlesexMorrisPassaicSussexUnion
Our center is located at 136 Mehrhof Road in Little Ferry, New Jersey.
Family-friendly enrollment

How to get started

Person-centered support starts with a conversation.

01

Contact us

Call, email or fill out the inquiry form below.

02

Tour the program

Visit, meet our team and see our spaces.

03

Confirm eligibility

We'll help verify ISP services and answer any questions.

04

Begin services

Create a plan together, set a start date and take the next step.

Contact & consultation

Let's talk about the next step

We welcome families, guardians and support coordinators who want to learn more, ask questions or schedule a tour.

Send us a message

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll get back to you.

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