May Newsletter

Building Futures, One Step at a Time

May has been a monumental month for Next Step to Success -packed with milestones, memories, and major momentum for our mission. Here’s a look back at the moments that made this month unforgettable:

Two Teams, One Great Cause – to Support Children’s Mental Health!

We kicked off the month at the Catholic Cup Charity Golf Tournament, where golfers hit the green in a spirited showdown between two teams:

The James Barry-Robinson Institute and Next Step to Success, versus Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, all for one incredible mission.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support children’s mental health—your swings made a difference!

2025 Stepping Up Ceremony

We celebrated the resilience and growth of our 2nd senior cohort at this year’s Stepping Up Ceremony!

These young leaders completed the first step in the Success Sequence, ready to take on the world with grit, goals, and guidance.

Class of 2025

Mikalah – Tidewater Community College
Janiah Smalls – Tidewater Community College
Nyasia – Norfolk State University
Michael – Tidewater Community College
Eriona – Tidewater Community College
Taniya – Trade School for Cosmetology (Undecided)

A special congratulations to our Grit Goal Winners, whose perseverance stood out and inspired us all.

Bella – Social and Emotional Development

Amari – Sports & Wellness Training

Alayhia – Entrepreneurship & Career Exploration

Michael – Culinary & Career Exploration

Shyyahri – Driver’s Education Training

Special thanks to R. Gregory Photography for capturing these amazing moments.

Honoring Our Founder – Norfolk’s First Citizen, Chuck McPhillips

On Friday, May 16th, we had the immense honor of attending the Norfolk Cosmopolitan Club’s First Citizen Dinner at the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club, where our very own founder, Charles V. “Chuck” McPhillips, was celebrated as Norfolk’s 2025 First Citizen.

With over 230 guests in attendance – including Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Vice Mayor Martin Thomas Jr., Councilmembers Courtney Doyle, Tommy Smigiel, and Jeremy McGee, Sheriff Joe Baron, Commissioner of Revenue Blythe Scott, Transportation Secretary Shep Miller, and former city leaders.

The event was a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on an entire community.

Chuck McPhillips’ vision, compassion, and unwavering belief in the potential of Norfolk’s youth are what led to the founding of Next Step to Success.

His passion laid the groundwork for the program that continues to transform lives every day. Because of his leadership, we are able to provide teens in our city with mentorship, opportunity, and a pathway to a brighter future.

In the News – Wavy TV 10 and WTKR Features

Our mission and vision were shared with thousands through two powerful features on WAVY TV10 and WTKR, showcasing the transformation of the historic DePaul Hospital site into the future home of NSTS. Check out the incredible timelapse demo videos of the deconstruction now live on our website and social media!

A New Chapter at Christ the King Catholic School

For our upcoming summer program, Next Step to Success is humbled and honored to begin a new chapter at the former Christ the King Catholic School, which closed this spring after over 70 years of dedicated service to generations of Norfolk families.

We recognize the deep emotions that come with the closing of a school so rich in tradition, faith, and community impact. As we move into this sacred space, we do so with great respect for its history and the Catholic values it has long upheld.

NSTS is committed to honoring the spirit of Christ the King by continuing to create a nurturing, mission-driven environment where students can grow in character, purpose, and community. With access to expanded classrooms, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria, we are now able to welcome 90 youth this summer — our largest cohort yet — while maintaining a waitlist of over 30 students.

We are incredibly grateful to the parish and community of Christ the King Catholic Church for entrusting us with this opportunity. We will do our part to keep this space filled with faith, love, and learning, just as it has been for generations.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building a stronger Norfolk — one student, one step at a time.

Visit our Website

More Resources

Videos

Wavy TV 10 – Local News- Taking the next step to transform lives

Videos

WTKR – News – In the Community

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April Newsletter