First Step

06/10/2026

06/04/2026

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mary Kate Waggoner, Director of Victim Services for the Human Trafficking Initiative within the Attorney General's Office, to our shelter!

We are grateful for opportunities like these to share information about the services and support we provide to survivors in our community. Meaningful conversations and collaborative partnerships help strengthen our collective efforts to address violence, support victims, and ensure individuals and families have access to the resources they need.

Thank you for taking the time to visit and learn more about our mission and the work we do every day!

06/02/2026

A huge thank you to Madilyn, Juelene, Donna, Amera, and Presten for their hard work both inside and outside our shelter during KeyBank's "Neighbors Make the Difference" volunteer outing! Their dedication and effort provided our shelter with some much-needed care and attention, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to one of our wonderful neighbors who generously stopped by to weed-whack our property. Acts of kindness like these truly make a difference.

Finally, thank you to the Church of the Nazarene in Fostoria for providing sack lunches for our residents. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated.

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such an amazing, compassionate, and supportive community. Thank you all for helping us continue our mission of serving survivors and their families!

05/27/2026

Our Child Advocate and the children in our shelter took advantage of the beautiful weather this week by planting fruits and vegetables in our raised garden beds!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Fostoria United Way for their generous grant last year that made these raised beds possible. We are excited to watch our garden grow and look forward to harvesting fresh produce to create delicious meals alongside our residents. Opportunities like this help create healing, connection, and a sense of home for the families we serve!

05/26/2026

This past weekend, Amy and Marrisa had the opportunity to provide a training on Understanding Trauma and the Role of Spiritual Support, focused on helping church leaders build compassionate, safe, and trauma-informed ministries.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to New Life Assembly of God in Findlay for welcoming us into your church and for your active participation throughout the training. We truly appreciate your hospitality, engagement, and commitment to supporting survivors in our community!

If you or your church is interested in learning how you can support survivors, email us at [email protected] or call our shelter at 419-435-7300 to get your training scheduled today!

05/26/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Tiffin Women in Action for allowing us to speak with their group about the vital services we provide to individuals and families in our community. Thank you to this amazing organization for your continued support, compassion, and dedication to empowering women and strengthening our community. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share our mission with such an inspiring group!

Thank you to Amy Kinney, Executive Director and Marrisa Orzechowski, Community Outreach Coordinator from First Step Domestic Violence Services presented for presenting to us at our meeting in March!

First Step’s mission is to provide safety, shelter, and services to victims of domestic violence through community resources and collaboration. They serve men, women and children in Seneca, Wood, Wyandot, and Sandusky counties and are based out of Fostoria. Since 1980 First Step has provided victims of domestic violence and their children with shelter, a 24-hour support line, advocacy, and outreach and support programs.

The First Step shelter provides a home-like atmosphere with communal living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, laundry room, playroom and bathrooms. There is a secure outdoor playground with 365-degree cameras on the exterior and resident doors are electronically secured. First Step services include: shelter, 24/7 Hotline support, court accompaniment and advocacy. They provide a licensed counselor on site, life skills support, and Safe at Home Program.

Other services provided are a therapy dog, outreach program, housing assistance and education. First Step’s Employer Outreach Program is designed to equip HR and management personnel with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to effectively support employees who may be experiencing abuse or secondary trauma. First Step accepts donations of items which are listed on the page. TWIA President Kellie Hartsel presented First Step with a monetary donation.

05/12/2026

At First Step, we are more than just a non-profit organization. We are a safe haven for survivors leaving abusive situations. We understand that healing is not one-size-fits-all, which is why our team is trauma-responsive and committed to walking alongside survivors every step of the way.

We also offer counseling services at no charge for victims of crime, providing a safe space for healing and hope. We even have our certified therapy dog, Gracie, who helps bring comfort and smiles to those we serve.

Our community’s support allows us to continue being a source of safety, advocacy, and healing for individuals and families in need. We truly could not do this work without each and every one of you!

Hope is available. You do not have to navigate this difficult time alone. Call us at 419-435-7300 for assistance, or confidentially chat with an advocate through our website at firststepfostoria.org

05/11/2026

We are excited to announce that our 24/7 live chat service is now available. Individuals can visit our website at firststepfostoria.org to connect in real time with a trained advocate.

We understand that calling the shelter may not always feel safe or possible. This new live chat option provides a secure and confidential way to reach out for support and assistance.

You may still contact us by phone at 419-435-7300 to speak directly with an advocate, or message us through Facebook.

05/02/2026

04/29/2026

Today is Denim Day for Sexual Assault Awareness Month!

Denim Day is a powerful reminder to stand with survivors, raise awareness, and speak out against sexual violence. Today, and every day, we are here to support survivors, advocate for healing, and work together to break the cycle of violence.

We believe survivors. We support survivors. We stand with survivors.