Charlotte clubhouse gives disabled adults a safe space, eases financial toll for families

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – We could all use a little more laughter. Each day at Next Step Clubhouse starts with a series of smiles that makes everyone’s day.

“Give it up for Tara, we’re all friends here,” says Sal Allen, a program facilitator at Next Step Clubhouse.

The nonprofit gives adults with disabilities a place to feel seen. The daily Good Morning Group is the spark everyone needs.

Almost like a TV talk show host, Sal Allen gives everyone their moment.

“What you gonna do this weekend? Tell everyone, they want to know,” Allen asked Cynthia Thompson.

“I’m going to church,” she told the group.

As Thompson later explained, the clubhouse is her happy place.

“I am so thrilled. I am so excited to be here,” she says.

“I like them shoes, I like them shoes,” said Allen, shining the spotlight on a man in the morning session. “Guys, this is a birthday gift.”

This is the place where birthday Chandler struts with his Taylor Swift shirt.

But the sad reality is that after high school, many with developmental disabilities are at risk of isolation and depression.

“The founders decided it was their mission to try to create a place where people could gather and feel included, have social activities, and have a place where they felt like it was their own,” says Beth Johns, a Next Step board member.

The clubhouse also rolled out the welcome mat for yoga.

“Hi, Kim!” they said to the instructor for the day.

As adults, many with special needs eventually move in with a sibling, like John’s brother Matthew Salzberg.

Next Step helps ease the financial strain.

“This place gives a huge relief,” John told Queen City News. “We operate at about a third of the cost, and we also offer scholarships.”

“I’m happy I’m here,” says Salzberg, who moved from New York and found friends.

Their schedule is packed with activities.

“You never know what you’re going to get for the day. But it’s always a good day,” says program facilitator Shawn Badger, who led the marble art class.

Since coming here, Tara Grady feels more at home.

“Before I moved out here in Charlotte… I got a little nervous. But then I met all of my friends,” Grady said.

But at the end of the day, it’s the beginning of their day that sets the tone.

“Stand up, let me look at that shirt, that’s new,” Allen told Salzberg.

If their smiles make you smile, welcome to the club.

On September 24 at NoDa Brewing Co., Next Step Clubhouse is holding a fundraising art show. Clubhouse Creates celebrates the creativity of its members and allows the public a chance to meet the artists.

Art will be showcased and available for sale. All proceeds go directly back to Next Step Clubhouse programming.