Our parking lot renovation is now underway, an important step in completing the transformation of our site. Once finished, it will provide a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming first impression for our families and guests. These updates are more than just physical changes; they represent the pride we take in our mission and the value we place on every young person who walks through our doors.

At NSTS, we believe that a warm, inviting environment communicates to our students that they matter, that their growth, comfort, and success are worth investing in. As the building continues to take shape, so too does our vision for what’s possible when young people are given the right setting to learn and thrive.

Together, we’re building more than a program, we’re building hope, confidence, and opportunity.

James Harris, Executive Director

This week has been full of growth, learning, and fun here at Next Step to Success! Here’s a quick look at what our youth have been up to:

• Together We Can – Worked with our Juniors and Seniors on resume building and preparing for future career opportunities.
• Urban League of Hampton Roads – Focused on college preparation with our Sophomores, helping them explore options.
• Linda Dyer – Taught our middle schoolers the importance of table etiquette and making a great impression.
• Team Up Mentoring – Partnered with a few of our youth to plan and carry out a community service project.
• Coach Whitley – Helped several students sharpen their basketball skills and build teamwork on and off the court.
• The Chesapeake Bay Foundation – Hosted one of our groups for a restoration project, giving our youth hands-on experience in caring for the environment.

Even though there was no program on Tuesday, our coaches were still hard at work behind the scenes. We also had a great time with some team-building activities, including our much-loved Pumpkin Smash!

It’s always inspiring to see both our youth and adults learning, laughing, and growing together here at Next Step to Success.

• Dates to Remember:
• November 4, 2025: NPS Teacher Workday – NSTS Closed
• November 11, 2025: Veterans Day – NSTS Closed
• November 20, 2025: NSTS Gratitude Dinner – Family & Community Event
• November 26–28, 2025: NPS Thanksgiving Break – NSTS Closed
• NSTS Families – We Need Your Voice!
• Please check your email and complete our Family Satisfaction and Impact Survey. Your feedback helps guide improvements and ensures we continue meeting the needs of our youth and families.
• Parking Lot Renovation:
• In the coming weeks, we will begin renovating our parking lot. We kindly ask for your patience during this process. Once dates and times are confirmed, we will share detailed instructions on any adjustments for drop-off and pick-up to ensure smooth transitions.
• Youth Attendance Matters!
• Your communication helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensures our team can best support your youth’s engagement and progress. If your youth will be absent during the week or out of the program for an extended period, please keep us informed.
• Call: 757-995-2111
• Email: MGarcia@nextsteptosuccess.org

You already know the vibes — the kitchen’s heating up and the flavor train’s rollin’ 🚂💨

Quick heads-up: No cooking on Tuesday! (Even Chef B needs a lil’ reboot 😅). But don’t get too comfy, because come Wednesday, we’re back in the kitchen like we never left — pots clanking, spatulas flying, and taste buds dancing 💃🏽🕺🏽

Here’s what’s hittin’ plates this week:

🍔 BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Seasoned Wedges — Finger-lickin’ approved 👏🏽

🌮 Loaded Nacho Bowls (Chicken or Beef) topped with Queso, Pico & Sour Cream — basically edible happiness 😋

🍝 Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread — because carbs + cheese = self-care ❤️

🍗🥞 Southern Chicken & Pancake Stacks — Syrup drizzle + that Chef B twist 😏 (Don’t ask, just eat.)

So rest those forks Tuesday, ‘cause Wednesday we’re back to business — serving up laughs, love, and full bellies 😍

Stay hungry & stay blessed,

Chef B 👩🏽‍🍳

Be part of our history and our future! Through our Brick Fundraiser, you can honor a loved one, recognize a business, or leave a family legacy by purchasing an engraved brick. Each brick will be placed on the new St. Vincent de Paul House campus, creating a lasting tribute while supporting Next Step to Success youth programs.