Our Services

First Step provides a “home like” atmosphere. Communally there is living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, laundry room, play room and bathrooms. Each resident/family has their own separate bedroom. We also have an outdoor playground for children. The shelter area itself is highly secure with 365 degree cameras surrounding the building; resident only doors which are electronically secured and monitored.

First Step has a Victim’s Advocate and essentially when a case goes to court, she ensures they have
transportation, walks alongside them, listening and ensuring they are not alone in the overwhelming
situation. Though the VA has no “legal” rights; she is a very important support for victims.

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Going to court and facing the abuser is a trauma…on top of all the other traumas they have already faced. Our Victim's Advocate goes to court with survivors to be a support system during a very difficult and traumatizing time.

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The Safe at Home program was enacted by the Ohio General Assembly in 2016. This
program allows victims of DV, human trafficking, rape and sexual battery to shield their personal
information from public record. Any victim can request to be enrolled in this program. The client
continues to receive their mail and is able to register to vote.

The staff at First Step works with regularly with clients to determine what type of life skills support they might need. The Shelter Manager has a degree in Early Childhood Education and provides clients with parental support and skills upon request.  If clients are interested the staff refers them to other resources in the area such as the Fostoria Learning Center, programs provided by the United Way and other organizations that provide life skills. Though a client can never be required to participate; our staff encourages and assists those who wish to participate.

First Step maintains a hotline that is manned 24/7 (barring phone issues). Each staff member is fully trained in accepting these calls that range from someone looking for resources to those needing emergent shelter. We also work with local law enforcement through the hotline as needed.