Stop Family Violence

Growing up in a violent family, Monica swore to herself that she’d never let the family she created become that way. She just wanted her son to have a happy childhood, but conflicts with her husband were escalating beyond her comfort level. With a second child on the way, she worried that it was too late to make a change. “If only I had a place where I could feel safe talking about my problems,” she thought, “then I could get my family the help it needs.”

First Step is a safe place to bring concerns of family violence. We believe that the greatest opportunities to serve the community First Step believes that the greatest opportunities to serve the community lie in helping families that wish to resolve issues of power and control before they escalate to violent crises.

Emergency Shelter Services

First Step also offers emergency shelter accommodations for individuals who feel their safety is in jeopardy due to family violence. With a separate facility for male and female victims, First Step can provide shelter for up to 30 days with continuing assistance as needed. While in shelter, individuals have the opportunity to participate in nutritional education classes, employability and finance management training, and Reiki.

Advocacy Services

First Step will assist individuals in need of advocacy services with filing paperwork for protection orders and applying for victim's assistance. Advocates are also available to provide emotional support through court proceedings. First Step's advocates are registered with the State of Ohio.

Passages

Through our Passages class, individuals can discuss relationship dynamics in a controlled environment and learn healthy ways to manage conflict. Passages is an eight-week course that takes place four times a year with morning and evening classes available to accommodate differing schedules. Previous Passages graduates have reported greater levels of self-confidence, increased self-awareness, and a better ability to communicate with their partners. Childcare is also available for Passages participants. We provide a nurturing, safe, and fun environment for children while Passages is taking place. Our loving and caring childcare staff listens to the children and provides them with space and respect while also facilitating games and activities. We are interested in childrens' opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Children will be able to express themselves and interact with each other through art, music, drama, and play.

First Step provides...

• Individualized case management
• Legal advocacy
• Emergency shelter
• Life skills training
• Nutrition education
• 24/7 support phone line
• Parenting and relationship classes