Next Steps Family Resilience Center greats community at open house

BELOIT — Community members got their first glimpse of the Next Steps Family Resilience Center and Community Kids Stepping Stones Academy during an open house Thursday.

The new facility is at the former Royce School at 825 Liberty Ave. Family Services of Southern Wisconsin is operating the Next Steps facility, which will offer housing and case management services to families in need of housing. Community Action Inc. of Rock and Walworth Counties will operate the Stepping Stones Academy day care facility with room for 70 children.

Community members were able to tour apartments, classrooms and other spaces in the building, and enjoy some refreshments while talking to staff.

“The support has been phenomenal,” said Kelsey Hood-Christenson, president and CEO of Family Services of Southern Wisconsin. “It’s made it a wonderful experience.”

A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new facility in May of 2024. Hood-Christenson said it is exciting to see the project nearing completion.

She said the first 10 apartments for families have been completed and there will be a total of 18 apartments when the project is compete. Also, Family Services will be moving its offices into the facility on Liberty Avenue.

She said child care services will begin to be offered on April 7 and the first families will move into apartments on May 1.

Marc Perry, executive director of Community Action, said there will be about 15 staff members from Community Action working at the Next Steps center. He also said he was excited to see the project finally coming to fruition.

“I’m excited to see families receiving seamless services under one roof.” he said. “That’s the payoff. Actually doing something that is making a difference.”

The child care program will serve children aged 2 weeks to 12 years, providing professional educators, a developmentally appropriate curriculum, and an environment that promotes lifelong learning. Operating hours will be from 6 a.m. — 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with financial assistance available for eligible families.

The Next Steps Family Resilience Center will not only offer apartments and child care, but also a wide range of support designed to promote self-sufficiency.

Hood-Christenson also said the facility will have community space for education programs, special events and more that will be open to the 
general public.

Community members interested in supporting the Next Steps initiative can make donations at www.familyservices1.org/donate and/or Community Action Inc of Rock and Walworth Counties — Community Action Heroes.