First Step A Response To Domestic Violence Inc

Domestic violence support services: first step provides supportive services to victims of violence and their children (both residents of the shelter and non-residents). These services include; crisis hotline, safety planning, domestic violence adult support group, children's activity and homework groups, individual counseling, court accompaniment/legal advocacy services and assistance finding and obtaining community resources, employment and housing. First step also offers follow-up support services. First step services are free of charge and confidential. For year ended june 30, 2024 first step provided supportive advocacy services to 223 adult survivors of domestic violence and 52 children, 30% of direct service expenses went to domestic violence support services.

Rapid re-housing program: financial assistance for rent deposits, utility deposits, rental application fees, and/or short-term rent to assist victims of domestic violence to assist victims of domestic violence sheltered by the program to exit to permanent housing. Assistance can continue for no more than 24 months and is paid directly to the landlords, property managers and/or utility company. Rapid re-housing program services include staff time on the project. For the year ended june 30, 2024, the organization assisted 14 households (14 adult victims of domestic violence and 8 children) through this rental assistance program. 13% of direct service expenses went to housing advocacy services and rapid re-housing program assistance.