First Step

The mission of First Step is to reduce the incidence of domestic and sexual violence and to provide services to individuals affected by these crimes. Prevention of domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy and appropriate intervention is the ultimate goal of First Step.

Description:
First Step believes that domestic and sexual violence are damaging to individuals and to society as a whole, and are crimes that cannot be tolerated. All individuals shall be provided safety and must be treated with dignity and respect. Support focuses on self determination and empowerment.

First Step provides a variety of services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Western and Downriver Wayne County. Our services include short-term counseling and support groups, assault response advocacy, a 24 hour help line, legal advocacy, and a shelter program. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a variety of areas that are fundamental to the success of First Step.

History:
First Step was formed in 1978 as an agency to assist survivors of domestic violence in Western Wayne County. We opened our first shelter in 1983, and expanded to a 40-bed facility in 1987. First Step responded to the needs of out-Wayne County by starting the only sexual assault program in the area, as well as a 24 Hour Help Line and assault response program in 1989. The 1990s saw First Step expand its programs further through the addition of legal and community-based advocacy. Additional funding opportunities allowed the agency to continue its expansion for its goal to provide comprehensive services to survivors across its service area.

Contact person: Sally Coder, Community Services Coordinator, (734) 722-1772, (email)

Office fax number: (734) 416-5555

Address:

44567 Pinetree Dr. Plymouth, MI 48170 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.firststep-mi.org

Directions:

From 275: Take the Ann Arbor Road exit. Turn right onto Sheldon Road. Turn left onto Pinetree Drive (after the CVS drug store and before the Remax Realty office). From 14: Take Sheldon Road south. Turn right onto Pinetree Drive (after the CVS drug store and before the Remax Realty office).

Last updated on June 26, 2009