Next Step Program
Change your story...change your life
Support for Survivors of Violence
Next Step is a hospital-based violence intervention program that connects survivors of violent injury to resources and support. Since launching in 2016, the program has served over 900 participants. The goals of the Next Step program are to:
- Reduce re-injury and re-hospitalization for survivors of violent injuries
- Support positive development and holistic healing for survivors and families affected by violence
- Foster awareness in the community for violence prevention and recovery strategies
- Interrupt the cycle of community violence
Next Step is a partnership between Hennepin Healthcare, North Memorial, Children’s Minneapolis, Abbott Northwestern, and the City of Minneapolis, with additional support from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Office of Justice Programs.
How it Works
A Next Step Hospital Responder works with patients who are in the hospital because they are the survivor of a stabbing or gunshot. Throughout the patient’s stay, the Hospital Responder provides immediate bedside support and intervention for participants and their support systems. They meet daily in the hospital with survivors who want support in changing their lives and stopping the cycle of violence.
Once back in the community, participants are assigned to case managers who offer individualized support catered to their needs. Participants can remain involved with the program indefinitely.
What Support Looks Like *
- Job training and employment
- Finding a safe place to live
- Basic needs including food, transportation, clothing, hygiene, and parenting items
- Crime survivor resources, including information about survivor rights and financial assistance for crime survivors
- Resources to manage trauma
- Help with graduating from high school, getting a GED, and/or enrolling in post-secondary education
- Assistance with post-discharge medical care
- Enrolling in positive activities (sports teams, music programs, etc.)
- Connecting to resources for physical, mental, and chemical health and wellbeing
- Resolving legal issues
- Other services as needed
*Some services not offered by Next Step directly
Community Outreach Programs
In addition to supporting hospitalized survivors of violence, the Next Step program has established multiple community programs aimed at violence recovery and prevention, all of which are free.
Monthly Women’s Group
The Next Step Monthly Women’s Group is a safe space to receive group emotional support to recover from trauma. It also offers resources and information about housing, CPR, money management, and more. This group takes place every third Thursday of each month from 6-8:30 pm at Shiloh Temple Church, 1201 West Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free food and daycare are provided. For more information, please contact Thea Williams at 612-398-6926 or Arnetta Phillips at 612-466-1923.
Monthly Men’s Group
The Next Step Monthly Men’s Group is a safe space to open up about trauma and challenges. This group takes place every third Thursday of each month from 5-6:30 pm at 810 Lilac Drive North, Golden Valley MN, 55422, Suite 120. Food is provided. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 612-248-4816.
Harriet Initiative
The Next Step Harriet Initiative helps participants heal and recover from trauma while hearing from others with similar experiences. The program aims to improve the holistic well-being of the mind, body, and spirit and offer healthy strategies to overcome challenges. For more information, please reach out to Thea Williams at 612-398-6926.
Summer Basketball
The Next Step Basketball Program is open to kids ages 9-17 and takes place every Monday and Friday from 5-7:30 pm. For Summer 2023, it is from June 19th to September 8th, and kids can join at any point. Food is provided. This camp is excellent for kids to improve their skills, confidence, and teamwork. The outdoor court is located in Elliott Park across from the Parkside Professional Building at 825 South 8th Street Minneapolis MN 55404. It is accessible via Metro Transit routes C&D Lines and Route 5 at the Hennepin Healthcare stop. Please contact Thea Williams at 612-398-6926 for more information.
Outcomes
Up to 45% of patients who have experienced a violent injury will sustain another, and one of the strongest predictors of future violent injuries is a prior injury. However, thanks to the support and empowerment of Next Step staff, only 3% of participants in the program have been revictimized. Below are participant statements about their experiences in the Next Step program.
“We just wanted to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all the staff from Next Step. There were times when we did not know where to turn, and the Next Step staff were there for us.”
“I personally love Next Step. I love the way the caseworkers interact with me and my family. I love how they always have something going on for me or the kids. I love the support I get from them.”
“I’ve grown so much from being a part of Next Step. I accomplished so many achievements with them being in my life.”
“I enjoy Next Step. It’s a really good stepping stone and source of help. So far, they have helped me in many different ways such as getting household supplies, rent, food, etc.”
Send an email, call, or stop by the office if you or anyone you know needs support to overcome violence.
