Andrus’ Post

So What's a Next Step Campference? For over 20 years Next Step has been hosting our FREE Campference programs, 3-5 day residential programs for teens and young adults living with a variety of chronic illnesses. In fact, the Campference model was the initial offering, invented and piloted by us, that set Next Step apart. These multi-day, residential, immersive programs are our most expensive program, both financially and staff hours. What’s so special about these weekends? A Next Step Campference is perhaps the first place where these young participants realize that they aren’t alone, they’ve discovered a place where they can be themselves. Our youth can meet and access other young people that have walked in their shoes and share best practices and successes as well as challenges and hardships. While attending a Campference young people will take part in intentionally designed community games, attend educational workshops, create music and other art, along with random activities that are just about laughter and fun. The whole time, regardless of the activity they’re taking part in, they’ll be learning from each other, they’re able to have those kinds of conversations that Kepler, Next Step’s Program Director, describes. For many, Campference is the first opportunity to do that. Creating a space to make that possible, for young people to be able to be vulnerable in front of a group of people who won’t judge them for it, that’s the magic of Campference. Here is the 2024 Next Step Summer Campference schedule: July 11-14 - For young people living with a chronic illness https://lnkd.in/gnQkGRQ3 July 25-28 - For young people living with HIV https://lnkd.in/g4Q2CH_h Please share these application links if you know a young person, ages 16-24, living with a chronic illness that would be interested in joining us this summer. Thank you for supporting Next Step and our Campference program! #SummerCampference

My newest blog is out! I have personally been a part of the deliveries to children’s hospitals and cannot begin to explain the emotions and how much a Cheeriodicals box means to the kids, and their parents. With the holidays coming up, let me help plan your company’s team building event and bring joy to hospitalized children! Cheeriodicals | Team Building That Matters #cheeriodicals #teambuilding #eventplanner

Although #MaternalSepsisWeek may draw to a close today, the need for awareness and education never ends. To learn more about simple steps you can take to make a difference in the lives of birthing people and newborns, check out the final article in our series at MaternalSepsisWeek.org. 

It was so amazing working on this report with colleagues Stacy Lee Leticia Casillas Sanchez Fatima Clark Alexander Matias Nima Rahni and Jose Murillo! Learn about our findings from interviews with over 50 partners and a framework we developed to support the outreach, enrollment and implementation of home visiting in California. #prokidca #homevisiting #earlychildhood #publichealth #publicpolicy #webinar

National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) Hey everyone! Have you heard about the amazing work being done by the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC)? They're all about empowering dads and strengthening families through research-backed strategies and innovative initiatives. Here's a glimpse into what they're up to: 🔍 Robust NRFC Website: Dive into a wealth of resources at www.Fatherhood.gov where you can find tips, hints, and even deals for dads and kids on the DadTalk Blog and in the For Dads section. 📢 Media Campaign: Keep an eye out for their awesome media campaigns that shine a spotlight on the Responsible Fatherhood field and the incredible efforts of local programs. 📱 Social Media Engagement: Stay connected on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for engaging content and updates. 📚 Development of Written Products: They're all about advancing responsible fatherhood research and practice through the creation and dissemination of informative written materials. 🎤 Outreach and Presentations: Catch them at conferences and events where they're spreading the word and sharing valuable insights. ☎️ National Call Center: Need advice or support? Give their National Call Center a ring at 1-877-4DAD411. 💻 Virtual Trainings: Tune in to virtual trainings to enhance your knowledge and skills from the comfort of your own home. 🤝 Virtual Collaborative Community (VCC): Join the Virtual Collaborative Community for Fatherhood Stakeholders and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about fatherhood. Whether you're a dad looking for tips, a fatherhood program seeking guidance, or a researcher diving into responsible fatherhood, Fatherhood.gov has got you covered! Check out their Library section for the latest insights and information. Let's celebrate and support the amazing work of the NRFC as they continue to champion responsible fatherhood and strengthen families across the nation! 🙌 #ResponsibleFatherhood #EmpoweringDads #StrongerFamilies 💪

Hamilton Simons-Jones, a member of the Geaux Far coalition, shares valuable insight into the organization's mission to create an equitable, unified, child- and family-centered early childhood system in Louisiana. Discover Geaux Far's five essential goals that will pave the way for a brighter future for Louisiana's children and caregivers. 🌞 Learn more at theneworleans100.com #GeauxFarLouisiana #theneworleans100

Today, on #WorldPrematurityDay, let's unite to raise awareness about the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families. Take a look at the infographic and see how Kangaroo Mother care can help. Together, we can make a big difference! #WorldPrematurityDay2023 #KangarooMotherCare #gehealthcare

Today, on #WorldPrematurityDay, let's unite to raise awareness about the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families. Take a look at the infographic and see how Kangaroo Mother care can help. Together, we can make a big difference! #WorldPrematurityDay2023 #KangarooMotherCare #gehealthcare

Today, on #WorldPrematurityDay, let's unite to raise awareness about the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families. Take a look at the infographic and see how Kangaroo Mother care can help. Together, we can make a big difference! #WorldPrematurityDay2023 #KangarooMotherCare #gehealthcare

Today, on #WorldPrematurityDay, let's unite to raise awareness about the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families. Take a look at the infographic and see how Kangaroo Mother care can help. Together, we can make a big difference! #WorldPrematurityDay2023 #KangarooMotherCare #gehealthcare