Whats Next Ministry

Life skills training combined with fun exercise opportunities are also provided at the end of tutoring sessions. Managing your money e.g. opening checking accounts proper communication skills etiquette training Bible study interviewing skills are just some of the areas the Organization focuses on. The support to guide our young men to uncover their occupation and career passion begins as they enter the Whats Next Ministry. The experience of part-time work summer internships and tours of different businesses are all very important in the development of a career path. Social capital is such an important facet of peoples success and it is usually nonexistent for our young men. The staff Board of Directors and other volunteers have been incredibly valuable in helping build their social networks. It is important in many areas of life but very impactful in a persons career path. From finding quality part-time jobs with great mentors as bosses to a first full-time opportunity at a well-respected company is key to future success. The expected outcomes in our Life Skills training model are as follows: 1. 75% attendance each week so each participant is able to be a part of 2 of the 3 sessions of Man Up Improvement Stations Empower Hour social networking and relationship building with adult volunteers and healthy lifestyle training course. These three sessions are provided each week for our high school participants. 2. Obtain a NC ID for part time working opportunities by age 16. 3. Complete an entry level financial training course provided by Regions Bank. 4. Open a personal savings or checking account at age 16. 5. Pass the NC Drivers Education course by age 17. 6. Participate as a tour leader once a quarter at Fundraising Drop In tours.

Whats Next believes that mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being and thats why we offer a variety of mental health support for our young men. Our mental health life coach provides individual counseling which allows for a more personal and tailored approach to therapy where the therapist can work with the individual to address specific mental health concerns. In addition we offer group counseling sessions where the young men can connect with their peers who may be experiencing similar challenges creating a safe and supportive space for them. Our mental health life coaches are licensed professionals dedicated to teaching young men the tools needed to manage their mental health and increase their capacity to cope with lifes challenges. We aim to increase mental health awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by normalizing healthy conversations about it its challenges and empowering anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. Whats Next is committed to providing holistic mental health support for our young men. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive community that fosters healing growth and resilience. Our health coach is Jel Williams. During 2025 two non-paid mental health interns assisted Jel. Jel has a custom meeting model for each young man but all are required to meet with her a minimum of once a month unless Jel deems it necessary to meet more often.