First Step

First Step Our mission is to provide safety, shelter and services to victims of domestic violence. Comments that are abusive or harassing may be removed

This page is a safe space for survivors, advocates, and community members.

Make sure you come see us at the Friday Fun Fest at Harrison Park in Upper Sandusky from 4p-7p! Tons of free prizes, act...
08/07/2026

Make sure you come see us at the Friday Fun Fest at Harrison Park in Upper Sandusky from 4p-7p! Tons of free prizes, activities for the kids, and resources for the family! We hope to see you here!

At First Step, we recognize that healing from trauma is a journey, and counseling can play an important role in that pro...
07/23/2026

At First Step, we recognize that healing from trauma is a journey, and counseling can play an important role in that process. We also understand that finding safe, compassionate, and trauma-informed mental health services can be challenging.

Thanks to the support of the Ohio Attorney General's Office, First Step is proud to offer trauma-informed counseling services at no cost to adult survivors who have experienced trauma!

If you or someone you know is an adult seeking support on their healing journey, we encourage you to contact us to get your counseling scheduled today!

We are incredibly grateful to Lori Brodie, Northwest Ohio Regional Director for Senator Jon Husted's office, for taking ...
07/22/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Lori Brodie, Northwest Ohio Regional Director for Senator Jon Husted's office, for taking the time to visit our shelter and learn more about the services we provide, the barriers our organization faces, and the experiences of the survivors we serve.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Maria York, Policy Director at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, for always traveling to First Step and supporting ongoing conversations about policy initiatives that strengthen protections and improve services for survivors in our community.

These opportunities to come together, share perspectives, and discuss solutions are invaluable. Meaningful collaboration between community organizations, policymakers, and advocates is essential to creating lasting, positive change for survivors of domestic violence.

Thank you both for your time, your partnership, and your commitment to supporting First Step's mission. Together, we can continue building safer, stronger communities for survivors and their families!

First Step is reaching out to our community for support as we work to complete several much needed improvements around o...
07/22/2026

First Step is reaching out to our community for support as we work to complete several much needed improvements around our shelter. We are currently seeking Lowe's gift card donations to help purchase materials needed for these projects!

If you are able to donate a Lowe's gift card in any amount, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. Our community's generosity continues to make a meaningful difference, and we are thankful to have such compassionate individuals who help us provide a place of safety and healing.

Thank you for helping us continue to make our shelter feel like home!

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Brian Shaver for Congress for taking the time to visit First Step a...
07/21/2026

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Brian Shaver for Congress for taking the time to visit First Step and learn more about the services we provide to survivors of domestic violence in our community!

We are grateful for the opportunity to share our mission, discuss the critical needs survivors face, and highlight the impact of the programs and services our dedicated team provides every day!

Thank you, Brian, for your time, your willingness to listen, and your interest in the work we do. We appreciate your visit and the opportunity to showcase the life-changing services First Step provides to individuals and families seeking safety, hope, and healing.

We are excited to welcome Laura as our new Second Shift Shelter Monitor at First Step!Laura brings three years of experi...
07/21/2026

We are excited to welcome Laura as our new Second Shift Shelter Monitor at First Step!

Laura brings three years of experience as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate, where she provided compassionate, trauma-informed support to survivors during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Her passion for helping others and commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment make her a wonderful addition to our team.

As our Second Shift Shelter Monitor, Laura will play an important role in providing a welcoming, safe, and supportive atmosphere for the survivors and families staying in our shelter.

Please join us in giving Laura a warm First Step welcome! We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and look forward to the compassion and dedication she will bring to the survivors we serve. 💜

We are excited to welcome Wendy Tong as our new Community Outreach Coordinator at First Step!Wendy brings more than 10 y...
07/20/2026

We are excited to welcome Wendy Tong as our new Community Outreach Coordinator at First Step!

Wendy brings more than 10 years of experience as a case manager in the Findlay area and has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances. She is passionate about supporting survivors of domestic violence and believes that no one should have to face such a traumatic experience without a helping hand.

In her new role, Wendy will be working throughout our communities to build partnerships, provide education, increase awareness, and connect survivors with the resources and support they need.

If you see Wendy out in the community, please take a moment to introduce yourself and give her a warm First Step welcome! We are thrilled to have her on our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make for survivors and our community! 💜

07/17/2026

Thank you, CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties for inviting us to speak about domestic violence today!

Are you or your organization interested in expanding your knowledge on domestic violence and supporting survivors? Give us a call at 419-435-7300 to get your next free presentation booked!

A mother and her two young children are preparing to move into their very first home after leaving an abusive situation,...
07/14/2026

A mother and her two young children are preparing to move into their very first home after leaving an abusive situation, and we are asking our amazing community to help make this fresh start possible.

If you are able to donate any of the items listed below, you can help transform an empty space into a safe, welcoming home where this family can begin to heal and rebuild!

Donations can be dropped off at First Step during our regular business hours. If you have questions or would like to arrange a different drop-off time, please contact us at 419-435-7300

Thank you for helping us turn a house into a home. Together, we are making a meaningful difference, one family at a time!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to one of our incredible volunteers, Vinnie, for always being willing to l...
07/09/2026

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to one of our incredible volunteers, Vinnie, for always being willing to lend a helping hand when we need it most. Thanks to his quick response and generosity helping put together our new grill. Our residents were able to enjoy a wonderful 4th of July cookout together yesterday evening!

Creating opportunities for residents to gather, share a meal, and celebrate special occasions helps foster a sense of comfort, connection, and home during what can be a difficult time in their lives.

We are truly grateful for dedicated volunteers like Vinnie and for the unwavering support of our community. Your kindness and generosity help us create a warm, welcoming environment where survivors and their families can begin to heal. Thank you for making a meaningful difference!

Address

1099 Columbus Avenue
Fostoria, OH
44830

Telephone

+14194357300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First Step posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to First Step:

Shortcuts

Share

Category