New apartments for NextStep Endeavor Academy are near completion

NextStep Endeavor Academy is putting the finishing touches on a new apartment building to teach students on the spectrum how to live independently.

After starting on the apartments last fall, students will be ready to move in next month.

The building features 10 apartments, a common area, and a laundry room, with a sensory garden in the back.

The academy’s director says this new addition is a major step towards independence.

“There is nothing else like this in our area. My goal for our participants who are moving in here is that they have the confidence and skills to live on their own in their community of choice. So, they will come here, learn the skills, and then have the confidence to go out and adult successfully,“ director Tammy Dasher said.

NextStep is a 2-year program of 32 courses that teaches young adults with autism everything they need to live independently, such as job training.