At First Step, 2008 will probably be remembered as a year of “firsts”. By February of 2008 the agency was just preparing to launch a brand new service called “The Bridge”, a shelter for men and fathers. First Step opened The Bridge as a part-nership with the Fostoria Church of the Nazarene, rec-ognizing the need in our community for equitable do-mestic violence services for

ANNUAL R EPORT some of these exciting things to life, we plan to develop a capital campaign, our first in more than 10 years. As we move forward, First Step hopes to be joined in our ef-forts by a community of peo-ple who believe giving a fam-ily a place to lay their heads is the first step of a journey home. We thank you for your support and invite you to join with us once again as we open our hearts, our doors, and our hands to serve those in need.

None of the growth we have experienced over the past three decades could have hap-pened without the generous support of our community. Every step of our journey has been an exercise in faith; faith in our clients to make positive change, faith in our abilities as an agency to facilitate that change, and faith in our com-munity to support us. Currently we are undertaking some very exciting projects which will once again move First Step in new directions. To help bring

January 2009

L E T T E R FROM T H E D I R E C T O R First Step began more than 25 years ago as an open bed for a woman in need. Con-cerned citizens saw women scared and without a place to go and opened a door. Since then the agency has main-tained that tradition. When we see a need, we look for ways to fill it. Our mission has evolved from simply wanting to remove women from im-mediate danger to helping families of all kinds create safe, healthy homes in which violence is not an option.

First Step’s Mission:

To provide resources that empower individuals and families to make healthy relationship choices.

2008: A YEAR OF CHANGES men. Since opening it’s doors, The Bridge has pro-vided shelter to six men and thirteen children. As an agency we have been very encouraged by the commu-nity support for this service and are exploring the possi-bility of building a facility for men’s shelter on First Step’s property (more on that later). In addition to The Bridge, First Step has also improved its children’s program, called Operation Starshine. Operation Star-shine provides children of First Step’s PASSAGES pro-gram participants with ac-tivities and lessons so that PASSAGES becomes a total family experience. Along with the improvements to the PASSAGES program First Step has also estab-

lished new relationships with our community part-ners to make First Step ser-vices more accessible to our clients. Through a part-nership with WSOS’s Father-hood Program, First Step is now able to offer Passages to fathers in our communi-ties without charge. These new program initiatives are part of our agency’s dedica-tion to providing services that remain relevant, effec-

tive, and family-centric.

But it wasn’t all hard work in 2008. In Septem-ber, First Step held the 13th annual Soul Shine Blues Festival. And what a party it was! First Step welcomed blues legend Hubert Sumlin to the Soul Shine stage for

the first time.

Continued on p.2

Page 2 January 2009

Hubert, along with blues piano man extraordinaire Henry Gray, summoned up the ghost of Howlin Wolf at the Meadowbrook Park Ballroom in Bascom. This year’s festival, billed as a Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf, had over 400 people in attendance and helped to raise money for essential First Step programs and

services.

2008 will be a notable year for many reasons, but perhaps most unfortu-nately, it will be remem-bered for the sharpest eco-nomic downturn in a gen-eration. Many businesses and organizations have

2008: A YEAR OF CHANGES been affected by the eco-nomic environment and First Step is not immune to these circumstances. In fact, we had felt the conse-quences of a struggling economy before the reali-ties of its scope had even hit the mainstream. Our budget has been reduced by almost 30% going into FY 2009 due to cuts in funding. As an agency we have always been forward looking, which is why in 2007 we created a busi-ness plan that focused on better service implementa-tion and financial viability. We are happy to report sig-nificant progress on every single one of our action

the problems in our com-munities. Most of the is-sues we deal with are complex and require a reasoned and thoughtful approach. Our philosophy is deliberate in its attempt to give holistic solutions. As a result, we have de-veloped comprehensive program services that em-power our clients to make lasting, positive change. What 2008 has taught us is that the work of devel-oping our philosophy is an ongoing process. If we as an agency are to be hon-est and relevant in our approach to problems in our community, we must

first be willing to change.

steps. However, in the face of such unprece-dented financial circum-stances, we are finding ourselves having to re-visit our business plan and redirect our priori-

ties.

Looking back, it’s ob-vious that First Step has grown over the past year. Some of that growth has been programmatic, some of it has been in staff, but the most sig-nificant growth has been in the development of our philosophy. First Step has always prided itself in providing well-considered solutions to

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE In our 28 years as an agency, First Step has seen some significant changes. As we look ahead to 2009, however, First Step is preparing for some of the most significant changes in the agency’s history. As we began our strategic planning process almost 2 years ago, First Step realized that to remain sustain-able for the long-term, our approach to serving families in our communi-ties would have to be more inclusive and comprehensive. As our clients and community have changed, so have we. Having started as an agency that primarily, if not exclu-sively, provided shelter services for female domestic violence victims, we have come a long way towards expanding the breadth of our pro-gram services. In recent years our client demographic statistics have revealed an interesting paradigm shift in both the nature and scope of our clients’ problems. Part of the

reason we have grown the way we have, is because of the types of problems our clients present. As illustrated by the graphs on the facing page, the only program category to see an average de-crease in client numbers has been our shelter services. All other pro-gram categories (which are out-reach categories, incidentally) have seen significant increases over the past four years. These facts suggest to us that there is a fundamental shift in the services being sought out by victims of do-mestic violence and their families. They also suggest, perhaps, that an entirely different type of client is using our services and, there-fore, presenting an entirely differ-ent type of need. Whatever the case, First Step has made deliber-ate steps towards accommodating these new client trends. Several new initiatives demonstrate this

shift.

In the fall of 2007 First Step opened the first stand-alone shelter for male victims of domestic vio-lence and disenfranchised fathers. By February of 2008 we had offi-cially launched “The Bridge” and by the end of the year we had sheltered four men and nine children. As the program grew, First Step realized that to efficiently maximize staff-time we needed to have a facility on site for male shelter clients. Now we are on the verge of launching an ex-ploratory committee consisting of board members and community leaders, which will be discussing the possibility of building a men’s shel-ter facility on our site. Our initial talks have produced some exciting ideas already. Perhaps the most promising and exciting opportunity is a partnership with Architecture for Humanity, a non-profit firm that helps with design and development

Annual Report Page 3

of projects that serve communities in need. (read more about them on the next page) Most of the work being done right now is meant to gather information and create a vision, but even in the preliminary stages we are very excited with the progress. The im-ages to the right are based on a rough sketch from the first meeting we had with the people from Architecture for Humanity. Our initial brainstorming included ideas about green architecture, expanding our capacity for fa-cilitating new services, and creating a space that is warm and inviting. As things develop, our plan is to unveil our vision in phases and enlist community members to take part in a campaign that promotes not only the new building, but also a renewed concept of ser-vices for families. In the midst of all this change, we know how important it is to main-tain our perspective. That is why we post our mission throughout our facility, to remind us that in everything we do, our goal is to pro-vide vital services that empower our clients to make healthy choices for themselves and

their children.

9576

153 163

212

0

50

100

150

200

250

Clients

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Advocacy Clients 2004-2008

35

3033

22

17

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Clients

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Adult Shelter Clients 2004-2008

1422

6457 55

0

20

40

60

80

Clients

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Passages Clients 2004-2008

21

31

54

40

62

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Clients

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Outreach Clients 2004-2008

Architecture for Hu-manity is a non profit or-ganization that brings architectural expertise and services to commu-nities in need. They have projects all over the world and strive to make ethical, environmental, and aesthetic considera-tions a fundamental part

of the design process.

FIRST STEP DISCUSSES BUILDING CAMPAIGN

We have already begun receiving preliminary designs from our initial meetings and conversations with

Architecture for Humanity. You can see a 3-D mock up of the potential addition above. Hint: it’s circled.

When Chico came to First Step he was deal-ing with several difficult situations in his life. He was unemployed and living with a friend. He had no transportation, and had not had any contact with his children for several years. After completing our Pas-sages program, Chico took advantage of other First Step services and was soon participating in a rigorous case plan. With help from First Step Chico was able to find employment and transportation. Through

legal and support advo-cacy, Chico was able to navigate the child sup-port system and get himself back on track. But even as these ser-vices were being pro-vided, Chico suddenly found himself home-less. Fortunately, it was at this time that the Fostoria Church of the Nazarene called to meet with us about a facility they had avail-able. That meeting led to the opening of The Bridge shelter for men and Chico became its first resident. Because

Queenie’s Letter

Dear Friends,

I came to First Step with my two girls and two bags of clothes. In my short time here I’ve realized that there are still good people in the world that care for no rea-son, not for glory or fame, just because. While I’ve been here First Step has gone beyond the call of duty to make sure my girls and I had everything we needed, be it transporta-tion, clothes, shelter, or just a caring ear. All of this was done with dignity and respect. I also had the op-portunity to attend Pas-sages, a class that teaches about yourself and the re-lationships in your life. Re-

lationships between you and your children, and you and your significant other. In this class I’ve learned how to care about myself and my relationships. I attended art therapy and they also helped me with financial planning. Now it’s time for me to say goodbye. I have a home for my girls and I have to say this is one of the hardest goodbyes I’ve ever had to say, because even though this is a “shelter” I felt at home. Thank you eve-ryone at First Step for mak-ing one of the hardest times in my life such a positive

experience.

Sincerely,

Lost...but now found.

Q

of his hard work and de-termination, Chico has made significant pro-gress towards self-sufficiency. Because of community partners such as WSOS and Fos-toria Nazarene Church, he has found the neces-sary tools to get back on his feet. He now has his own apartment, keeps regular contact with his children, and is working to get his GED. Chico’s story is the story too many men and fathers who find themselves struggling to move from just surviving to thriving.

What we can learn from him is that many of these peo-ple, given the right opportu-nities, will become positive contributing members of society and positive role models in their families. Teaching them to be better men and better fathers is a crucial step in raising the overall quality of life in our

community.

Every family First Step serves is different. Each one has a different his-tory, different strengths, and different needs. The success of our program services depends on our ability to adapt to our cli-ents’ different circum-stances. To help give some insight into the lives

CHICO’S STORY

of the clients we serve we are including this letter from Queenie. Through the stories of clients like Queenie, we are given access into the living rooms and kitchen tables of those in our service area who are the most vulnerable. As we interact with these families we receive new information, and with that knowledge comes an obligation to ensure that we as an agency are doing our best to meet the needs of our commu-nity and help families remain happy, healthy,

and safe.

2008 STATISTICS

Page 6 January 2009

FIRST STEP: A FAMILY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION CENTER

PROVIDING RESOURCES THAT EMPOWER PEOPLE TO MAKE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP CHOICES

PASSAGESPASSAGESPASSAGESPASSAGES PROGRAMPROGRAMPROGRAMPROGRAM STATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICS

Total PASSAGES participants……………………………………………………………………..40

Total Successful Completers……………………………………………………………………...21

Completion Rate for Outreach Passages Participants………………………………….64%

Total Court Ordered Passages Participants………………………………………………...23

Total Court Ordered Successful Completers………………………………………………..17

Success Rate for Court Ordered Passages Participants……………………………….74%

Total Passages Hours of Service………………………………………...………………………1230

HOTLINEHOTLINEHOTLINEHOTLINE STATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICS

(all hotline call statistics are duplicated numbers)

Total Hotline Calls……………………………………………………………………………………..811

Hotline Calls Where the Caller is the Victim…………………………………………………512

Total Call Hours Logged……………………………………………………………………………..247

CALLCALLCALLCALL TYPESTYPESTYPESTYPES

Crisis Calls…………………………………………………………………………………………………91

Information and Referral…………………………………………………………………………….466

Advocacy…………………………………………………………………………………………………...424

Counseling/Case Management…………………………………………………………………...26

CALLERCALLERCALLERCALLER TYPESTYPESTYPESTYPES

First-Time Caller………………………………………………………………………………………….118

Outreach Client…………………………………………………………………………………………..255

Repeat Caller……………………………………………………………………………………………..139

CALLSCALLSCALLSCALLS BYBYBYBY COUNTYCOUNTYCOUNTYCOUNTY

Seneca……………………………………………………………………………………………………….336

Sandusky……………………………………………………………………………………………………251

Wood………………………………………………………………………………………………………….114

Wyandot……………………………………………………………………………………………………..30

Hancock……………………………………………………………………………………………………..28

Other………………………………………………………………………………………………………….52

ADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACY PROGRAMPROGRAMPROGRAMPROGRAM STATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICS

Total Advocacy Clients.…………………………………………………………..…………...…….212

Total Hours of Advocacy………………………………………………………..…………………..805

CASECASECASECASE TYPETYPETYPETYPE

CPO……………………………………………………………………………………..………………………16

Court Advocacy.………………………………………………………………..………………………….109

CPO Drop (Petitioner)………………………………………………………..………………………….36

CPO Drop (Respondent)…………………………………………………..……………………………28

Case Management Consult…………………………………………..………………………………29

Advocacy Consult………………………………………………………..……………………………….45

ADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACY CLIENTSCLIENTSCLIENTSCLIENTS BYBYBYBY COUNTYCOUNTYCOUNTYCOUNTY

Seneca…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………….87

Sandusky……………………………………………………………..………………………………………96

Wood………………………………………………………………..………………………………………….17

Hancock…………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..6

Other……………………………………………………………..…………………………………………….6

SHELTERSHELTERSHELTERSHELTER PROGRAMPROGRAMPROGRAMPROGRAM STATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICS

Total Adult Shelter Clients……………………………………………………………………………..17

Total Children Shelter Clients………………………………………………………………………...26

Total Adult Shelter Hours of Service ……………………………………………………………..20806*

Total Art Therapy Hours………………………………………………………………………………….81

Total Education Hours…………………………………………………………………………………….173

Total Transport Hours…………………………………………………………………………………….65

Total Childcare Hours…………………………………………………………………………………….125

Total Shelter Client Hotline Calls (DV)……………………………………………………………..87

Total Shelter Client Hotline Calls (Homeless)…………………………………………………..33

Average Shelter Clients Stay (days)………………………………………………………………….39

Total Transitional Shelter Clients…………………………………………………………………….10

* Includes nights of care

SHELTERSHELTERSHELTERSHELTER CLIENTSCLIENTSCLIENTSCLIENTS BYBYBYBY COUNTYCOUNTYCOUNTYCOUNTY

Seneca…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..17

Sandusky……………………………………………………………………………………………………….11

Wood……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Wyandot…………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Other………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….6

Annual Report Page 7

FIRST STEP SERVICES Advocacy Narrative Advocacy Narrative Advocacy Narrative Advocacy Narrative - The number of advocacy clients receiv-ing services in 2008 represents a 30% increase over the last year. This uptick can mainly be attributed to new partner-ships with the court system in Sandusky county. In addition to the increase in client numbers, there has also been an increase in hours of service utilized by advocacy clients. The total hours of service provided by the advocacy program in-creased by over 60% this year with the average advocacy cli-ent receiving over 3 hours of service. This trend is consistent with the past few years as the advocacy program grows, and as more clients begin to use outreach services either as a preventative measure, or in lieu of shelter. Developments are in the works to beef up the agency’s CPO drop service, and new collaborations with the Common Pleas courts could

mean even further increases in client numbers next year.

PROGRAM NARRAT IVES

Passages NarrativePassages NarrativePassages NarrativePassages Narrative————First Step’s Passages Program has ex-perienced a steady stream of clients for the past few years. This year’s numbers dipped slightly (from 57 to 55) but we anticipate higher numbers for the upcoming year because of a partnership with the WSOS Fatherhood Program. Through a state level grant, fathers in First Step’s service area will be able to go through Passages free of charge. This year’s Pas-sages participants were demographically similar to the previ-ous year’s except that they seemed to reflect the economic times with a higher percent of clients being unemployed or underemployed. This in turn meant a significant reduction in our client fees collected. Passages referrals from the courts were also similar to last year’s numbers. While we value court referrals, our hope is that more and more self-referred and agency referred clients will participate in Passages and

learn the tools to create and maintain healthy relationships.

Shelter NarrativeShelter NarrativeShelter NarrativeShelter Narrative - This was the first full year of providing shelter for The Bridge, which served a total of 4 men and nine children for a total of 1,200 nights of care. Female shel-ter clients received over 20,000 units of service during the same time period. Towards the end of 2008 First Step also began to offer space in our shelter for homeless individuals and families after discussions with local community partners about the need for homeless services. We anticipate that this new demographic will boost shelter client numbers in the upcoming year. In 2008 First Step also introduced new program guidelines for the shelter which created a more streamlined and comprehensive case plan process. Clients had typically been referred to services as needed. In an ef-fort to be pro-active, however, First Step is now plugging cli-ents into the full array of our comprehensive services so they

are given the necessary tools for success.

FIRST STEP SERVICES F IRST STEP STAFF AND BOARD

Shelter Services

Mary Jacquot

Shelter Services Coordinator

Jesse Kauffman

Case Manager

Shirley Keels

Client Services Aide

Mariah Mercer

Agency Monitor

Katy Gallant

Agency Monitor

Barbara Kukla

Art Therapist

Administration

Terri L. Mercer

Executive Director

Jennifer Schindler

Administrative Assistant

Esuga Abaya

Community Resource Coordinator

Advocacy

LuAnn Berry

Victim Advocate

Cristy Allen

Victim Advocate

Tonya Camden

LSW

First Step Board of Directors

Tammy DrukenmillerTammy DrukenmillerTammy DrukenmillerTammy Drukenmiller

President

Lynn Harlow Lynn Harlow Lynn Harlow Lynn Harlow

Vice President

Mary Ward Mary Ward Mary Ward Mary Ward Treasurer

Barry BordenkircherBarry BordenkircherBarry BordenkircherBarry Bordenkircher

Secretary

Carol WanglerCarol WanglerCarol WanglerCarol Wangler

Dan Fasko Dan Fasko Dan Fasko Dan Fasko

Roger FisherRoger FisherRoger FisherRoger Fisher

Kathy OliverKathy OliverKathy OliverKathy Oliver

2008 Revenues

Grants

47%

United Way

19%

FEMA

2%

Marriage

License Fees

15%

Donations

3%MISC.

1%

Foundations

2%

Client Fees

3%

Fundraising

4%

2008 Expenses

Personnel

79%

Occupancy

Expense

7%Food &

Household

1%

Direct Client

Services

7%

Indirect Client

Services

8%

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Revenues and Expenditures

Revenues

Expenditures

UUUUNAUDITEDNAUDITEDNAUDITEDNAUDITED F F F FINANCIALINANCIALINANCIALINANCIAL S S S STATEMENTTATEMENTTATEMENTTATEMENT

RevenueRevenueRevenueRevenue

ExpensesExpensesExpensesExpenses

Grants $170,109

Fundraising $13,684

Client Program Fees $7,505

Donations $10,279

United Way $65,308

Marriage License Fees $39,964

Interest Income $2,453

Total Total Total Total $325,580$325,580$325,580$325,580

FEMA $5,778

Foundations $10,500

Personnel $271,308

Occupancy Expense $21,990

Food & Household $3,716

Direct Client Services $12,319

Indirect Clients Services $28,718

TotalTotalTotalTotal $338,051$338,051$338,051$338,051

Current Assets $263,700

Property/Equipment $300,077

Total AssetsTotal AssetsTotal AssetsTotal Assets $564,161$564,161$564,161$564,161

AssetsAssetsAssetsAssets

Other Assets $384

Current Liabilities $103,693

Net Assets $460,468

Total Liabilities & Net AssetsTotal Liabilities & Net AssetsTotal Liabilities & Net AssetsTotal Liabilities & Net Assets $564,161$564,161$564,161$564,161

Liabilities and Net AssetsLiabilities and Net AssetsLiabilities and Net AssetsLiabilities and Net Assets

2008 F2008 F2008 F2008 F INANCESINANCESINANCESINANCES

2008 D2008 D2008 D2008 DONATIONSONATIONSONATIONSONATIONS First Step would not be able to provide essential programs and services without the help of our dedicated commu-nity financial contributors. The gifts given by these individuals, families, and organizations mean the enhancement

of the lives of numerous women, children, and men throughout our service area. Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of donor names. We apologize for any errors.

St. Wendelin Parish & Schools, Jeffrey and Rebecca Crawnerm, Kathryn Gallant, Amy Reinhart, Ruth Saxton, Jane Bragg, Shirley Keels, Arcadia Garden Club, Lynn Tucker-Roberts Patrick and Teresa Magers, Ayeesha Harrington, Amy Carles, George Petre, Derek Van-Hoose, Torri Williams, VFW of Ohio, Alpha Iota Sorority, Catholic Charities, Angela Hahn, Joyce Kepke, Kim Kerschner, Nancy Rubenstein, East Side Presbyterian Women, Alpha Zeta, Daniel Saygers, St. James Choral Group, First United Church of Christ, Daniel and Deb-orah Saygers, St. Paul's United Methodist Women, Robert Fast, Eugene and Elizabeth Schalk, Andrew Althan, Clyde Career Women, Fostoria Church of the Brethren, Trinity United Church of Christ, Bellevue United Selective Fund, Keith and Carol Collier, Bowling Green Ki-wanis, Fostoria Emblem Club, Schwab Charitable Fund, Deborah Mercer, Susan Jenkins, Kohl's of Findlay, Terry Molineaux, Judy Corner, John and Joan Stoner, Evelyn Marker, Hope-well Church of God, Brenda Taylor, Carmen Sanchez, Ronald Fauls, Jean Lundy, Mary Go-mez, Jeffrey Berner, Terry and Sandy Cassidy, Dona Wyant, Lorraine Bores, Nancy Mull-holand, Nancy Dillon, Mariah Mercer, Brenda Hernandez, Roxanne Roddy, Angela Welly, Jeff Baxter, Tammy Reinhart, Carol McDonald, Darlene DeLaRosa, Mark Custer, Amador Gon-zalez, Todd Miller, Joye Romig, Kilie Smith, Linda Weller, Gary Stearns, Clinton P. Clouse, Wanda Magill, Kalpana Agrawal, Betty Miles, Union United Methodist Church, Peter Dice-sare, Barth King, Bob Haver, Celinda Scherger, Darlene Hohman, Diana Mesnard, Frances Schnepp, Frank Iannantuono, James Oglesbee, Janis Reinhart, Jeanette Overmyer, Joseph Smith, Laura Evans, Peg Wenner, Rita Kin, Robbi Conner, Steve Musil, Susie Viau, Debra Lyons, Marathon Petroleum Company, National Machinery Foundation, Tom Guernsey, Kim-berly Norris, Amy Morelock, Angelic Martin, Audra Stull, Carlos Romero, Carmelita Yeisley, Carolyn Leonard, Cheryl Bruggeman, Christina Camarata, Connie Gnepper, Dana Dearsman, Evvy Flahiff, Fred Harris, Gary Cool, Herman Geisel, Janie Lee, Jennifer Winning, Judy Wil-liams, Julia Coon, Julie Esparza, Karen Barnett, Kearra Stockmaster, Kimberly Clevinger, Kimberly McDole, Linda DeRan, Luann Berry, Marianne Myers, Maxine Collins, Michelle Gentile, Mick Wolf, Pamela Schube, Rosa Hickam, Samantha Lewis, Susan Strausbaugh, Thomas Ziebold, William Ansted, William Hasselbach, Sharon Kessler, Whitta Construction, Knight Templar Ladies Club, Brian Wolfe, Krogers of Tiffin, Prebyterian Church Women of Fostoria, Seneca County Job and Family Services, Robert E. Humberger, Derek Vanhoose, Morgan Sheets, Angie Lofton, Sharon Kessler, Joanne Bish, Kathy Yost, Delores Herbert, Fostoria Moose Lodge, Jane Schroeder, Tammy Druckenmiller, Alonzo Shutlz, Shirley Smith, Amy Carles, Norma Bomer, Karen Durst, Scott and Lynn Harlow, Donna King, Debra Sendel-bach, Carrie Molyet, Old Fort Church, Margaret Hastings, New Riegel Elementary Student Council, Margaret Reinhart, Jackie Schiefer, Elmwood Schools FFA, Amy Stultz, Pam Rich-ards, Wood County Chapter Project Linus, Sharon Etchen, Karen Eatmon, Dee Dillon,

Thyssenkrupp, Micah Mercer, Charon Kline, James Harder

PO Box 1103

Fostoria, OH 44830

Phone: 419-435-7300

Fax: 419-435-5510

Crisis Line: 800-466-6228

Email: firststep@firststepweb.org

www.firststepweb.org

First Step’s Mission:

To provide resources that empower individuals and families to make healthy relation-

ship choices.

First Step’s Vision:

For every home in our community to be a happy and healthy home that is nurturing of

children and their development.