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History
The continuing effectiveness of First Step, since 1978, as a change
agent in reducing domestic violence and sexual assault in Wayne
County is due to the widespread acceptance and support from the
35 communities that First Step serves. First Step has pioneered
and successfully managed innovative violence prevention and intervention
programs:
- January 1978: First Step incorporated as a
private-nonprofit agency, providing advocacy and short term shelter
- February 1983: First Step opens a 20 bed shelter
in Wayne County.
- January 1986: Non-residential counseling is
offered Downriver.
- December 1987: First Step purchases a new
building, increases capacity to 42.
- May 1989: Sexual Assaults services started,
later Assault Response 24-hour on-call teams respond to sexual
and domestic violence assaults
- July 1993: First Step develops a non-residential
Children’s Counseling program.
- April 1995: Legal advocacy for survivors expands
to in-court victim advocacy.
- October 1996: First Step becomes the leader
in the STOP grant initiative. The collaborative effort is a model
in the country.
- February 1997: Collaboration with Oakwood
Healthcare system is established to initiate a healthcare clinic
in the shelter.
- April 1997: An outreach office is opened in
Redford.
- May 1997: First Step expands the STOP initiative.
- July 1997: VOCA grant allows for community
based advocates in three additional communities.
- February 1999: An attorney is hired funded
by DOJ that specializes in family violence.
- July 1999: Peer Education Project begins,
funded by CDH.
- January 2000: “Keeping Kids Safe”
a third grade domestic violence prevention curriculum is initiated
in Wayne County, a funded by BSBSBCN
- January 2001: “Keeping Kids Safe”
evolves into a statewide train-the-trainer project funded by BCBSBCN
to reach thousands of children statewide.
- March 2001: An aftercare advocate is hired,
funded by HUD, to assist shelter residence with transitions towards
economic and emotional dependence.
- February 2002: A United Way special grant
is awarded to proved parent-child interaction groups to families
impacted by domestic violence.
- March 2003: First Step celebrates 25 years
of providing services.
The comprehensive services that First Step provides are consistent
with the Mission and vision for the future. First Step’s evolution
has been remarkable and reflects the dedication, passion and determination
of both individuals and communities. First Step finds solutions
to the complex needs of those we assist, ranging from shelter to
legal advocacy. The constant challenge requires sound fiscal management,
creativity, initiative and compassion. First Step, in the past and
in the future, will meet the challenges and work diligently in the
best interest of the survivors and the communities that we serve.
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