'Adam's Way' Takes Major Step Forward With Acquisition Of Doylestown Property

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — A vision by The Next Step Programs to create an integrated housing intiative and commercial marketplace in the heart of Doylestown took a big step forward on Friday.

The leaders of the nonprofit program, aimed at empowering young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, gathered with its partners to officially announce the acquisition of 180-190 South Clinton Street as the future home of Adam's Way.

The envisioned community, as shown in the architectural rendering, is designed to bring people with and without disabilities together in a shared, welcoming environment, that will include residential housing on the upper floors, a commercial marketplace at street level, and community programming.

"Our simple goal is to build a place where residents and visitors experience a feeling of hope, community, and inspiration," said Joshua Fields, The Next Step's executive director. “People with IDD deserve more access to affordable housing options, community involvement, and competitive integrated employment. Adam’s Way will be a solution that so many have been searching for.”

Rooted in integration, independence, everyday life, and belonging, Adam’s Way will reflect The Next Step’s long-standing commitment to inclusive design and meaningful access beyond minimum standards.

The project is designed to prioritize accessibility, safety, and flexibility while remaining open and connected to the broader community, said Fields. Shared spaces will encourage social connection, skill-building, and employment opportunities, supporting both residents and visitors in meaningful ways.

"The property where this dream will come to life ... sits right in the heart of Doylestown where this community (Adam's Way) will take form, will grow, and prosper," said Anthony Fasciano, a TNS supporter and parent of two TNS participants.

"There were so many people putting forth so much effort to get this done - bankers, lawyers, CPAs, villagers, community members, TNS, architects, appraisers. You name it," he said. "This will be home to so many who some time ago did not know what that was going to look like - a place to live, work and socialize.

"This is not just going to have a significant impact on Doylestown, it's going to serve as a boilerplate for the future and will have an impact at the county, the state, and more than likely, the U.S. level," he said.

"In any building project there are four or five seminal moments in the process. Closing the negotiations on the right site is one of them. And we did that. But there's still so much more work to do in spite of all that has been done," he said.

Joshua Fields, the Next Step's executive director.

Now that the property has been acquired, The Next Steps is moving to the next phase of the project focusing on design, funding, and land-use planning.

"This achievement brings our community one step closer to realizing its vision of a fully inclusive housing solution," said Fields.

To donate to the forward progress of Adam’s Way and to find more information, click here.

Why the name Adam's Way?

Adam’s Way is named in honor of TNS participant Adam Sklar, who was a Bucks County resident and lived with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Adam’s life and presence within the TNS community reflected the very values this project is meant to uphold. He was known for his kindness, his ability to form meaningful connections, and the way he brought people together. His story highlights both the power of inclusive community and the need for long-term, supportive housing that allows individuals with disabilities to live full, connected, and independent lives as adults.

The Next Step Programs celebrates the acquisition of 180-190 South Clinton Street.