I still remember the celebration when Next and the City of Birmingham announced the purchase of 400 E. Lincoln — the former YMCA building. It seems like yesterday, but that was back in 2023. Next had been looking for a new facility for quite a while. Between our membership growth and the Birmingham Public Schools need to expand their preschool, the YMCA’s decision to sell their Birmingham location was serendipitous. Birmingham seniors were excited, and filled with the anticip

Share the Spirit of the Season – It’s Good for You. December is a month filled with holidays that prompt us into a different mindset. A mindset where we try to find time to be more giving and generous, offering deliberate acts of kindness . We may pick-up a shift at a soup kitchen, ring the Salvation Army bell in front of your local store or write a check to your favorite non-profit (which is always welcome). But what if those ac

Making room at the table As the holidays approach, it’s a time of year many of us look forward to — but what no one likes to talk about is the holidays hit different when you're older. While the rest of us are caught up in the chaos of shopping, decorating, and planning, there's an awful lot of people in our community who might be watching it all from the sidelines. We talk a lot about holiday spirit, but what does that actually

Since 2013, Birmingham has extensively studied senior services, noting very compelling statistics on a quickly expanding senior...

Next’s new chapter For the past 48 years, the Birmingham Public Schools provided area seniors a dedicated space to gather, learn and...

When Next Becomes a Lifeline. The profound transitions we experience as we age was something I did not truly appreciate until I began...

For the past few months, Next has been exploring Japan through our comprehensive cultural series. This special programming has brought to...

For nearly 50 years, Next has been our community's best-kept secret — perhaps because the most meaningful connections often happen...

Next takes pride in offering programming that is unique, educational and inspiring while ensuring accessibility for all who want to...

Many of us remember our college years. I went to Michigan State University with 50,000 other students. It was big and admittedly at...