Next Step Therapy Inc.

04/21/2026

We got some employee headshots!!

Keep an eye out for upcoming employee spotlights and updates to come on the website! 💻

04/21/2026

We have a mountain of resources in the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh — From physical to mental to the overall health of our children, Children’s of Pittsburgh’s mission is “dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children, teenagers, and young adults through excellence in patient care, teaching, research, and advocacy.”

Early in 2025, in an effort to learn more about her son’s autism diagnosis, Lena did a genetic test for her 7-year-old son, Jax. The results revealed 13q deletion syndrome. To identify any issues that could arise, Jax saw four different specialists. One of these visits was with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh's cardiologist, Linda Russo, MD, who discovered that Jax had an atrial septal defect, a common congenital heart condition caused by a hole between the right and left atrium.

Jax’s parents felt fearful and had many questions about his diagnosis and the need for open heart surgery to repair the hole in Jax’s heart. However, these fears were eased when Dr. Russo connected them with pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, Richard Tang, MD.

“The whole team was just phenomenal,” Lena recalls. “They were very attentive and knowledgeable. If we needed anything, they were right there.”

Dr. Tang successfully performed the surgery in July 2025, and within weeks, Jax’s parents could see the positive changes in his energy levels.

“He was always an active child, but now it’s like someone put a battery in him,” Lena says.

Like many children with autism, Jax enjoys playing with objects that spin. Throughout his life, he has collected more than 20 fans. Lena explained that it’s something that brings him comfort and regulates him.

“After his surgery, it was the first thing he wanted to hold.”

04/21/2026

Registration starts May 1st!

It's almost time to register ☀

Youth Theatre Camp July 26- July 30
Cost - $150
Actors - ages 7 (by the end of summer) -16
Tech - ages 10 (by the end of summer)-18
☀ Online Registration May 1st starting at 8:00 am
Visit: https://barrowtheatre.org/youth-theatre/ for details

04/19/2026

🫶

It’s okay if you’re not okay right now. 🩷

Visit the link below to learn more about showing up for yourself when things feel chaotic.

https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-be-ok-when-world-terrible/

04/19/2026

A super fun event for littles!

Get fancy & dance-y at Preschool Prom! ✨👑🪩💃🕺

Saturday, May 9th | 11:00 - 1:00 PM at Oil City's Library Hall

Attendees are invited to get dressed up, dance, and make paper crowns in the library's upstairs theater. This program is free & open to ages 1 to 6, accompanied by their caregivers.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Please register at the Oil City Library, or by calling (814) 678-3072.

04/17/2026

Come see us and other great resource agencies this afternoon!!

04/17/2026

What a great event happening in Venango County.

Venango Heart & Soul’s mission, per their website focuses on “uncovering what matters most to our community and using that foundation to shape a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow.”

As a part of the Venango County community for the last (almost) 20 years, groups like VH&S showcase what really matters: community, connection, and collaboration.

Join them this coming Monday, April 20th, at the Christ Episcopal Church — Located at 16 Central Ave, Oil City.

This is a great place to start if you want your voice to be heard to help promote real change in our community!

Follow Venango Heart & Soul for more details. 🌄

04/17/2026

Activities for this upcoming week at the Oil Region Library Association! 📚

Everything from yoga to an open mic + jazz night. Keep up-to-date with the events on their page!

04/17/2026

FREE Dek Hockey OPEN SKATE tomorrow!! Try out gear and lend a hand for this community sport that is open to all!

Located in Hasson Heights — Youth skate starts at 6PM. 🏒🥅

Gear Up & Volunteer Work Night + FREE Open Hockey/Skate!

Friday 4/17

Ever wanted to try skating? Shoot a puck? Interested in getting more involved in the game? This is your chance! Talk with dek management about learning to referee or even stepping into goalie gear and getting in front of the net.

Come out Friday to:

* Try on gear

* Give hockey a shot

* Shake off the winter rust (for veteran players!)

* Learn how to get involved as a ref or goalie

* Open skate is FREE!

* Equipment is FREE to use during open skate—just return it at the end of the night.

* Gear rental: $35 for youth players (for the actual season play)

We’re also calling on the community to lend a hand! We’ll be:

* Checking and organizing gear

* Cleaning and improving the facility

* Getting everything ready for the upcoming season

* Brainstorming events and future plans

* Facility opens: 5:00 PM

* Youth Open Skate: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

* Adult Open Skate: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

*Open skate times may vary depending on attendance and how much we accomplish together.*

We’d love to see you at the rink!

04/14/2026

🎓✨ Ever heard of VenangoREADY? ✨🎓

It’s a local program from the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce that connects educators, students, and employers helping high schoolers build the real-world skills they need to succeed right here in Venango County. 💼

Launched in 2020, VenangoREADY focuses on the skills local employers say matter most, like communication, work ethic, teamwork, problem-solving, and understanding the workplace.

Through partnerships with schools and career training programs, students can earn a VenangoREADY designation showing employers they’re prepared, capable, and ready to step into the workforce.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating stronger connections and a stronger future for our community. 💛

One of the really cool things they do each year is the VenangoREADY Educator Expo bringing teachers and local businesses together to explore the career paths available right here in our region! 📚➡️🏭 This event helps shine a light on the great things happening right here in our community so educators can share those opportunities and help students see a future for themselves close to home! 💚

Learn more here: https://venangochamber.org/venango-ready/

Big thanks to Komatsu for hosting and to everyone who showed up to make those connections happen!

04/14/2026

Part of the beauty of our community is the support that we lend to one another, especially when it comes to supporting our youth and providing them with learning and enrichment opportunities!

The Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry is open for the season and you can get free admission to the museum when you check out a pass with your library card with the Oil Region Library Association!

Follow their page to keep up with upcoming exhibits and installments of their series they have featured throughout the year! 🖼

We’re open for the 2026 season.

Stop by and see what’s new this year.

04/13/2026

The deadline to enter is April 27!! Follow the Barrow-Civic Theatre for more updates and local shows and events. 🎭

Celebrate "Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS" with us!

Kids ages 3–12 are invited to join our coloring contest. Get creative and bring your puppy to life however you like! Crayons, markers, colored pencils, glitter… we love it all

Coloring sheets can be picked up and dropped off at:
• Barrow-Civic Theatre (Business Office: Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm)
• Franklin Public Library
• Oil City Library
or can be downloaded for print here - https://barrowtheatre.org/youth-theatre/

Deadline to enter: April 27

🎉 8 winners will be randomly selected to receive tickets to:
• 101 Dalmatians Kids (May 8 & 9)
OR
• The Little Mermaid (July 10–19)

📣 Winners will be announced April 29 and may be featured on our social media!

One entry per child. We can’t wait to see your spots! 🐶🖍️