New After-School Program for Young Adults

New Philadelphia Program for Young Adults Building Independence, Confidence, and Connection 

The Next Step Collective is a new after-school program in West Philadelphia, PA, designed to help young adults build life skills, strengthen emotional wellness, and prepare for adulthood with confidence. 

Launching in June at 12 N. Preston Street, Philadelphia, this innovative program serves transition-age youth ages 18–24 with co-occurring mental health conditions and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD).

For families searching for young adult programs in Philadelphia, behavioral health services for young adults, or life-skills support for individuals with disabilities, Next Step Collective offers a unique and much-needed new option.

A New Resource for Transition-Age Youth in Philadelphia

The transition from high school into adulthood can be exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Many families find that once school-based supports end, services become harder to access. 

Through her work as a therapist, Rachel saw firsthand how many parents struggled to answer one important question: what comes next? Click here to hear why Rachel Paolucci, Clinical Director of Elwyn’s Adult Behavioral Health Outpatient Program in Philadelphia, developed Next Step Collective to help families meet that challenge.

What comes next?

Next Step Collective was built to help answer that question with meaningful support, structure, and opportunity. 

What Is Next Step Collective? 

Next Step Collective is a West Philadelphia after-school program for young adults ages 18–24 that combines: 

• Mental health support 
• Independent living skill development 
• Social connection 
• Confidence-building 
• Community engagement 
• Preparation for adult independence 

This holistic approach helps participants grow in everyday life while receiving therapeutic support in a safe and welcoming environment. 

Life Skills and Mental Health Support in Philadelphia 

The program focuses on practical skills that help young adults thrive, including: 

• Cooking and meal preparation 
• Personal hygiene and self-care 
• Communication skills 
• Emotional regulation 
• Physical wellness and movement 
• Building routines and responsibility 
• Peer interaction and friendship skills 
• Confidence in navigating adulthood 

For those seeking life skills programs, mental health support for young adults, or dual diagnosis programs near West Philadelphia, Next Step Collective is intentionally designed to meet both developmental and behavioral health needs. 

What can participants expect? 

• 2-hour sessions, 3 days per week 
• Convenient after-school hours 
• Rolling 12-week curriculum with continuous enrollment 
• Ability to continue beyond 12 weeks 
• Small groups with a maximum of 10 participants 
• One licensed clinician supported by interns 
• Therapeutic group setting with individualized attention 
• Mixed-gender cohort with similar needs and goals 

Why Community Matters 

Many young adults lose structure and peer connection after leaving school. Next Step Collective helps replace that loss with belonging, purpose, and support. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with peers, practice communication, build friendships, and feel part of a community while preparing for what comes next. This sense of connection can be life-changing for both young adults and their families. 

Quick FAQ 

Who is eligible for Next Step Collective? 

The program is designed for young adults ages 18–24 with mental health challenges and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). 

Where is the program located? 

12 N. Preston Street, Philadelphia, PA. 

How often does the program meet? 

Participants attend 2-hour sessions, 3 days per week. 

Is enrollment open year-round? 

Yes. The program features a rolling 12-week curriculum with continuous enrollment, allowing new participants to join as space allows. 

Register today! 

For registration or more information: 

215-895-5588 option 2 or prestonintake@elwyn.org 

Take the Next Step 

If you are looking for a young adult support program in Philadelphia, transition services after high school, or mental health and life-skills support for ages 18–24, Next Step Collective is a new path forward. 

At Elwyn, the next step starts with support.