Next Step of West Michigan

Last week we were able to celebrate and highlight the projects our high school students have been working on. They have done a fantastic job on their prescribed projects and they shared their plans and CAD drawings for their personal projects. Their personal projects are a culmination of everything they have learned throughout the year: sketching, CAD, creating a bill of materials, processing wood, assembly, and finishing. They have designed jewelry boxes, tackle box storage, plant stands, end tables and more!

Thank you to everyone who showed up to support and encourage our students!

Congratulations to our most recent Adult Wood Graduates! Half of the class already has job placements and the rest are actively interviewing. We are proud of all the work you have all put in!

Thank you Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association (MEECA) for the Residential Project of the Year award for Hope Village.

This award is a recognition of our commitment to providing affordable, high performance homes to those with transitional needs. We are grateful for this recognition!

Our Cohort 4 participants are working on installing the 12th Tiny Home. We have enjoyed the process of teaching individuals valuable skills to help them in their future endeavor of employment placement in the skilled trades!

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 🚨

Love construction? Passionate about teaching? Called to make a real impact?

Next Step of West Michigan is growing, and we’re looking for mission-driven people to join our team.

Now Hiring:
🔨 Carpentry Lead Instructor
Lead hands-on pre-apprenticeship carpentry training for adults with barriers to employment while fostering spiritual growth through devotions, mentorship, and workforce partnerships.

🪚 Lead Carpenter
Runs job sites, leads crew, and delivers high quality craftsmanship across residential and commercial projects.

At Next Step, we’re a faith-based, workforce development nonprofit committed to empathy, accountability, teamwork, and excellence—serving both our participants and our customers with purpose and heart.

✨ If you’re innovative, goal-oriented, and believe skills training can change lives, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply today nextstep-wm.org/job-opportunities/

📩 Help us spread the word by sharing this post

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 🚨

Love woodworking? Passionate about teaching? Called to make a real impact?

Next Step of West Michigan is growing, and we’re looking for mission-driven people to join our team.

🔨 Now Hiring:
Adult Wood Program Lead Instructor
Lead hands-on wood product manufacturing training for adults with barriers to employment while fostering spiritual growth through devotions, mentorship, and workforce partnerships.

🪚 Wood Tech Instructor (Junior & Senior High School)
Plan and deliver engaging, student-centered woodworking instruction while creating a safe, positive, and organized shop environment for youth learners.

At Next Step, we’re a faith-based, workforce development nonprofit committed to empathy, accountability, teamwork, and excellence—serving both our participants and our customers with purpose and heart.

✨ If you’re innovative, goal-oriented, and believe skills training can change lives, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply today nextstep-wm.org/job-opportunities/

📩 Help us spread the word by sharing this post!

Today we were honored to attend the Urban League’s MLK Day Breakfast. In his keynote speech, Dr. Lerone Martin reminded us that King’s last words on record were “I will”, and gave us this challenge:
 
 “When your opportunity comes to serve, when your opportunity comes for you to use your time, talent, or treasure, may your response be what MLK’s response was, ‘I will’.”
 
King’s life and legacy remind us that lasting change requires collective effort, and that the most urgent question remains: What are you doing for others?
 
Whether through time, talent or treasure, we all have something to give. At Next Step we strive to create opportunity, restore dignity, and open doors for those facing barriers to the workforce. Let’s keep serving together.

Josh & Jase so glad you could visit West MI and Mel Trotter Ministries to see the great work we are doing!

Happy New Year!

Thank you to our staff, our volunteers, partners, and donors for all of your dedication to our programs and work this last year. We are excited for what 2026 may hold!

Next Step is closed today but will resume normal hours tomorrow Friday 1/2/26.