Children can be the smallest victims of domestic violence.

What happens to children when they move to First Step?

Do they see their father?

Children are the innocent victims caught in the crossfire of their parents' violence. To help children deal with their emotions and these traumatic experiences, First Step offers Operation Starshine, a series of activities and lessons that help children process their emotions and psychological wants and needs. We also offer some counseling services and can refer to one of our community partners to help children understand what is going on and cope with fears and confusion.

First Step also offers a children's toy room and several scheduled activities for the children. Each child that passes through our doors receives a stuffed animal through generous donors such as the Galaxy Zoo and the Salvation Army.