First Step Programs and Services

Temporary Emergency Housing

When home is no longer a safe option, First Step provides emergency, short- term housing for victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and their children. Family Advocates work with residents to assist them in meeting their goals. Residents have the opportunity to participate in vital services, such as individual and group counseling, safety planning, medical attention, housing referrals, and educational and recreational activities for children.

24-Hour Help Line

The 24-hour help line is a core service at First Step. For many, it is literally a lifeline. In 2008, First Step staff and volunteers provided crisis intervention, support, information, and safety planning on over 14,000 24-hour line and crisis calls.

Information and Referrals

Critical information and referrals regarding housing, legal assistance, counseling, temporary emergency housing, transportation, and health care are a large part of First Step's work.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy
Programs

Individuals and families who live in the community have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one counseling and support groups. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence learn about the dynamics of abuse and how to advocate for their own resources and needs. They are given the space to discuss the emotional impact of their situations. Groups allow survivors to share their stories and find strength in connecting with others, who sometimes become life-long friends. Nonresidential sessions are available in three sites: Plymouth, Wayne and Redford. In 2007-08, 737 adults received nonresidential counseling and advocacy. A total of 26,751 hours of individual and 4,472 hours of group counseling/advocacy were provided agency-wide at First Step during the year.

Children's Advocacy and Prevention Programs

Children ages 3 through 19 are provided individual, family, and group sessions to deal with the effects of witnessing violence in the home and, in some cases, the effects of being victimized directly by physical or sexual abuse.

Volunteer/Intern Program

Volunteers are essential to the mission, philosophy, and day-to-day operations at First Step. In 2008, volunteers contributed over 11,000 hours to First Step programs. Community members of all ages and backgrounds painted rooms, answered the 24-hour help line, provided transportation, nurtured children, performed clerical duties, sorted donations, worked in the shelter, and more. First Step also mentored over 20 interns from area universities and colleges.

Assault Response

First Step staff and volunteers, on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responded to 134 survivors of domestic/sexual violence at local emergency rooms, police stations, and schools. Survivors received immediate crisis intervention, clothing, support, safety planning, and links to First Step and other vital services.

Community/Legal Response Project

In 2007-08, 4,100 clients were assisted by the Community Response Project Victim Advocates, who are located in some of the police departments and courts throughout Wayne County. In several communities, Victim Advocates work with a designated domestic violence prosecutor and detective to respond to the crimes of domestic and sexual violence. Victim Advocates contact the victims of these crimes just after the report is filed. They focus on assessing lethality, making safety plans, explaining the criminal justice process and the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence for the adults and children involved--throughout the prosecution process. Referrals are also made to other First Step programs, as well as pertinent outside resources. In addition, specially trained attorneys held 23 Legal Clinics, assisting 57 clients with free legal services.

Community Education

First Step believes that prevention is a key component to ending violence in our communities. In 2007-08, First Step staff presented to schools, businesses, religious organizations, medical personnel, police officers, and civic groups, totaling 9,000 participants. Topics ranged from the effects of violence on children, dating violence, date rape drugs, domestic/sexual assault myths & facts, how to help a friend, and community resources. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April), several special events were held, including a community-wide ribbon campaign and educational symposiums focused on educating youth at area high schools.