Jon and Missy Baker worry about their 29-year-old daughter, Kaitlin, who has special needs. Phoenix-based One Step Beyond has been a lifeline. 

“I think a lot of individuals who have special needs aren’t able to attend programs or have social interaction they need to grow,” Missy said. “They go through their little trials and tribulations like other people do, but One Step Beyond gives her meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging. She enjoys going out into the community with them.” 

One Step Beyond has five locations in Phoenix Metro, including Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Southwest Phoenix and Surprise, as well as California locations in San Carlos and Redwood City. 

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The private nonprofit provides comprehensive programs and services for adults with intellectual disabilities. One Step Beyond empowers its members to achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and employment through innovative culinary, educational, fitness, and arts programs, and strategic partnerships with local businesses, enabling participants to contribute to and achieve greater social participation in their communities. 

One Step Beyond is great, Missy said. But she and her husband are aging and worry about what will happen to Kaitlin when they die. 

To quell fears such as theirs, One Step Beyond has launched an $8 million capital campaign for Nikki’s Next Step, a safe, affordable, long-term housing and supportive community living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said Jeff Swanson, One Step Beyond’s chief executive officer.

Located at 6612 W. Paradise Lane in Glendale, the community will have 57 one‑ and two‑bedroom condominiums, priced between $250,000 and $325,000, “intentionally below market,” according to Swanson. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the opening planned for early 2028.

“The launch of this campaign marks a major milestone for Nikki’s Next Step and for families who have spent years worrying about what the future will look like for their loved ones,” Swanson said. “This community is about dignity, belonging, and creating a permanent home where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive.”

Nikki’s Next Step will be staffed 24/7. Residents will have full kitchens, with the option to modify appliances for safety. Support services will be available as needed. The community is tied to One Step Beyond’s campuses, so residents can continue attending day programs, working with vocational partners, and maintaining friendships.

It’s not a group home. It’s not transitional housing. It’s a permanent neighborhood — one designed around dignity, independence, and connection, Swanson said.

The capital campaign goal represents approximately 30% of the project’s estimated $25 million cost. 

The project is named after a volunteer named Nikki, who was a friend to participants at the Glendale campus. When she died of cancer in her early twenties, the loss rippled through the community.

The search for land took years. Parcels were scarce, expensive or too far from One Step’s campuses. Then a board member found a 3.5-acre property near 67th Avenue and Bell Road — unlisted, owned by the same family for five generations. They weren’t interested in selling to developers. But when they heard the purpose, they agreed. A donor purchased the land outright in August 2024, restricting it for one use only: a residential community for adults with IDD.

From there, the project moved steadily forward. Rezoning took 18 months. Architectural plans were drawn. A general contractor signed on. National Bank of Arizona is committed to the construction loan once One Step raises 30% of the project cost — $8 million of the estimated $25 million total.

When the Bakers heard One Step Beyond was raising funds for a housing concept, they were thrilled.

“What young person doesn’t want their own place?” Missy said. “She deserves that. She deserves a home.”

Kaitlin agreed, according to Missy Baker. When she and Jon asked why she wanted to live at Nikki’s Next Step, she said, “I’m very excited to have my own apartment and get to know other members from other campuses and be independent.”

Missy said the family will spend nights with Kaitlin at first, to ease her mind. 

“If nature goes as planned, our children will outlive us,” Jon said. “We need a place that will be there for her when we no longer can.”

“It’s exciting,” Missy said. “It’s hope. It’s knowing she’ll have a home — her home — long after we’re gone.”