First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence

First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence First Step is a non-profit agency dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence through support and education. Abuse is not always physical.

Threats of violence, destruction of property and/or pets, name calling, humiliating you in front of family and friends, putting you down – all of these things are abuse. Abuse is not caused by alcohol. It is not caused by stress. Abuse happens when one person seeks to hold power over another. At First Step we believe that nobody should have to live with violence or the threat of violence in their

lives. All of First Step's services are free and confidential. They include:

• Hotline and Crisis Intervention Services •
A member of First Step staff is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

• Shelter •
We offer shelter to all persons fleeing from domestic violence situations regardless of gender. We also accept homeless women and children depending on space.

• Support Group •
Our support group meets every Monday from 5:00- 6:00. We welcome members of the community to come and participate in our support group.

• Legal Advocacy •
Many victims find going through the legal process to be a frightening and overwhelming experience. While we are not attorneys and can’t offer legal counsel, First Step’s Victim Advocate can accompany you to offer moral support and help to create a safe space around you as you go through the process to obtain a Protective Order and/or pressing criminal charges.

• Children's Services and Referrals •
We offer referrals for counseling for both children and adults who have been victimized.

• Case Management Services •
We offer case management services to assist our clients as they transition into an abuse free life.

• Teen Dating Violence •
We offer resources and support for teens who are involved in unhealthy or abusive relationships. Additional information about teen dating violence can be found on our website at www.firststepva.com.

The annual Glamp Out for First Step is happening Saturday, September 26 at White Oak Lavender Farm. Join us for an eveni...
09/04/2026

The annual Glamp Out for First Step is happening Saturday, September 26 at White Oak Lavender Farm. Join us for an evening of community, connection and support for First Step and the survivors and families we serve.

💜 Help us spread the word by sharing this post with your friends, and purchase your ticket at the link! https://givebutter.com/glamp-out-for-first-step-2026-ozdqay?s=JF2YNw

Glamp Out for First Step is one of the ways our community comes together each year to support survivors of domestic and ...
08/25/2026

Glamp Out for First Step is one of the ways our community comes together each year to support survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. ✨

Whether this is your first time hearing about Glamp Out or you’ve supported us before and are looking for a way to be part of this year’s event, we’d love to have you involved. 💜

Join us on Saturday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m. by purchasing a ticket, becoming a sponsor, donating a gift card or auction prize, making a donation, or simply helping us spread the word.

However you choose to participate, your support helps First Step continue providing critical services to survivors in our community.



🎟️ Tickets are available now: https://givebutter.com/glamp-out-for-first-step-2026-ozdqay

Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us for a beautiful evening in the lavender fields.

We’re hiring! First Step is looking for a Legal Advocate to join our team and help support survivors of domestic violenc...
08/11/2026

We’re hiring! First Step is looking for a Legal Advocate to join our team and help support survivors of domestic violence as they navigate the legal system.

If you’re passionate about advocacy and making a meaningful difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

🔗 Learn more about the position and apply on our website: https://www.firststepva.com/employment-opportunities

Save the date for First Step’s 4th Annual Glamp Out!Join us on Saturday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. at White Oak Lavende...
08/05/2026

Save the date for First Step’s 4th Annual Glamp Out!

Join us on Saturday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. at White Oak Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg for an unforgettable evening supporting First Step.

Enjoy live music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine or beer, and exciting live and silent auctions—all while helping further our mission of supporting survivors in our community.

🎟️ Tickets are available now: https://givebutter.com/glamp-out-for-first-step-2026-ozdqay

Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us for a beautiful evening in the lavender fields.

First Step provides safe emergency shelter and resources for survivors in Virginia. Help raise funds for survivors!

Urgent Shelter Need: Women's Sneakers & Walking Shoes 👟We currently have a client in shelter who is in immediate need of...
06/08/2026

Urgent Shelter Need: Women's Sneakers & Walking Shoes 👟

We currently have a client in shelter who is in immediate need of women's size 10 wide sneakers or walking shoes. We are also accepting donations of women's adult sneakers and walking shoes in sizes 7–12, including half sizes, medium widths, and wide widths.

New or gently used shoes are greatly appreciated.

If you'd like to donate, you may drop off shoes at First Step or coordinate a donation by:
📧 Emailing us at [email protected]
📞 Calling our 24-hour hotline at 540-434-0295

05/07/2026

Meet Miranda, our Director of Client Services at First Step. 💜

Miranda works closely with survivors every day to provide direct services and support during diffiShe also oversees First Step’s direct service staff to help ensure survivors seeking support are receiving the care, resources, and services they need.

04/29/2026

Meet Lily, one of our shelter managers. 💜

Ever wondered what a day in her role really looks like? Take a glimpse into her day.

For the Great Community Give, we set a goal to raise $20,000, and with your support we surpassed it - raising $22,030. W...
04/28/2026

For the Great Community Give, we set a goal to raise $20,000, and with your support we surpassed it - raising $22,030. We couldn’t be more grateful. 💜

This happened because of people like you! Showing up, giving, and sharing. Thank you!

04/22/2026

POV: You work at a domestic violence shelter. We could not do what we do without our amazing staff and the immense support from our community.

If you haven’t already, please, considering supporting a survivor through giving for the great community give.

https://www.greatcommunitygive.org/organizations/first-step💜

🚨 Power Hour starts SOON! 🚨From 9–10 AM, every donation helps increase First Step’s chances of winning additional fundin...
04/22/2026

🚨 Power Hour starts SOON! 🚨

From 9–10 AM, every donation helps increase First Step’s chances of winning additional funding during the Great Community Give.

$100 provides one safe night of shelter for survivors and their children.

Give as soon as the clock hits 9 and help us make every dollar count. Donate now + be ready → https://www.greatcommunitygive.org/organizations/first-step

SHARE this post with your friends, family, and community to help us reach even more supporters during this hour!

Address

129 Franklin Street
Harrisonburg, VA
22801

Telephone

+15404340295

Website

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