June 2025

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

But in an attempt to raise awareness, I’d like to share our story. The genesis of Next is important to understand in order to appreciate why we are a 501(c)(3) and not a municipal department as in most other communities. Next was created in 1979 out of a vision of the Birmingham Public Schools to engage the entire community with life-long learning opportunities. The schools provided space and, in turn, Next has served the senior residents that fell within the Birmingham Public Schools borders, strengthening community ties.

Next has been where people come when they're not sure where else to go. When someone retires and suddenly has too much time on their hands. When a spouse dies and the house feels too quiet. When health challenges make driving difficult but the isolation is unwelcome.

We are the place where former teachers find new students to mentor. Where experienced professionals pass along decades of wisdom. Where someone celebrating their 85th birthday has friends to share cake with. Where seniors discover new beginnings.

In 2012, as more seniors needed our services, our four Birmingham Public Schools partner communities formalized their support in an Interlocal agreement. Today, Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Franklin, and Bingham Farms contribute about 18 percent to our operating budget. The balance of our budget is generated through fundraisers, sponsorships, donations, grants and fees. This diverse funding model allows us to efficiently provide quality programs and services, while maintaining a strong positive net income every year, ensuring we can continue to reliably serve our communities. As an independent 501(c)(3) , Next strategically leverages every dollar in order to deliver comprehensive services that would cost municipalities significantly more to provide independently.

We are proud and humbled to see our steady growth over the years. Our numbers tell the story of success — and community need:

• In 2014: 1,000 members, 35 weekly operational hours, 400 visits per week.

• Today: 2,300 members, 52+ weekly operational hours, and 1,500+ weekly

visits to attend over 250 monthly programs.

• Yearly, over 13,500 times non-member and member residents receive critical

resources and services to remain independent.

As Next continues to grow, we look forward to better serving seniors as we transition to a space suited to their unique needs. Currently, in the constraints of just 10,000 square feet, we often have to cap programs or have long wait lists — nor do we have the space or amenities needed to accommodate a rapidly growing senior population.

Next has served as Birmingham’s trusted senior service provider for almost 50 years. Our mission has not changed. We continue to passionately promote the power of healthy aging and positively transform lives. We remain steadfast in our commitment to care for, advocate for and protect seniors.

Aging can look very different for each of us as we face the inevitabilities of growing a bit older but Next will always be a dependable constant. Next is about making sure your neighbor — or you — have somewhere to turn when life changes. Because it will change. That's the one thing we all have in common.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next