According to the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Texans between the ages of 10 to 24. This fact is disheartening and hard to fathom. Yet, there is hope for children, teens, and young adults alike. Next Step Community Solutions is a non-profit organization that aims to bring real, lasting encouragement to the youth of East Texas.

With intentional, in-school programs, Next Step has become a very present support for kids struggling with the weight of stress and trauma. With their help, students are then given the tools and encouragement to keep going in their pursuit of life and joy.

Originating in 1948, Next Step began as the Sister Communities Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, or SCCADA. Their mission was to bring awareness and prevention of youth substance abuse. As time went on, their passion and programs only grew. Today, Next Step provides a wide range of services to build up local students. Their support comes in the form of mental health services within 50+ East Texas school campuses.

Next Step’s three main areas of help include:

• Counseling Services – This opportunity gives all youth an outlet for vulnerability and healing. Students are paired with a licensed professional counselor to walk through trauma and emotional barriers. Across the region, Next Step sets up these sessions within many schools and probation offices.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid – This 8-hour course provides education to the public on the real risk factors that mental health issues can have on teens. This program teaches the need for early intervention and how to help youth that are currently, or previously, experiencing crisis.
• Sources of Strength – This program offers a positive and encouraging practice for youth suicide prevention by building up peer leaders on school campuses. These trainings help break up codes of secrecy and promote help-seeking behavior for mental health needs.

Another area of engagement is Next Step’s Prevention Services. These coalitions are built to help provide support and care for youth that are struggling with substance abuse. By the strengths and resources of East Texas communities, these services teach students that they do not have to struggle alone. The coalitions that Next Step works with are both the Piney Woods Substance Abuse Coalition and the Coalition Against Substance Abuse. Altogether, their full team raises awareness on substance abuse, which leads to altering the environment of drug and alcohol access.

With thousands of students benefiting from their programs each year, Next Step Community Solutions aims to continue to provide the qualities that every East Texas kid should have: fun, joy and perseverance. To learn more about what they do, how to support, or if they are involved in a school district near you, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.

Lastly, if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, dial 988 for free and confidential help today.

Peltier Subaru Supports is the latest initiative at The East Texas Weekend created to highlight local non-profits around East Texas. Each month we will feature a new organization in our region to highlight their importance within our community. If you have an idea for our next feature, let us know by emailing to andrew.terpening@kltv.com

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