First Step was incorporated in 1977 as a shelter for victims of family violence. Today, our mission has expanded to include services to victims of sexual assault, including an abuse prevention program. First Step also owns our First Step Family Store that offers clothing and household items to our clients at no charge and is open to the public two and one half days a week.

First Step’s services include:

• Emergency shelter
• Crisis hotline
• Confidential counseling – both individual and group
• Accompaniment through the legal system or hospitals
• Parenting education
• Information, referrals and advocacy
• Emergency transportation
• Food and clothing

First Step is the only organization in the 12 county North Texas area that provides free comprehensive services to survivors of family violence and sexual assault. This is important in our community because without our program, victims would have no other alternative for assistance.

Our Vision

First Step is a safe and secure haven for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We are honorably committed to providing a caring, respectful, nurturing, professional, non-violent and client-centered environment. We believe this work takes place on many levels and each is equally valuable. Our ultimate goal is to end domestic and sexual violence both in this generation and in the generations to follow.

Our Philosophy

First Step, Inc. is committed to:

Providing services to victims of family violence and sexual assault without regard to sex, race, national origin, age, disability, religion, religious practices or lifestyle, with safety being our first priority.

Providing emotional support for survivors of family violence and sexual assault, which reflects the belief that these individuals have the right to make their own decisions about their future; and it is the role of First Step to assist them in identifying all possible options, therefore supporting them in making more knowledgeable decisions.

Assisting these individuals in creating and maintaining a violence free life by providing counseling, education and other supportive services.

Assisting other family violence shelters and sexual assault centers by sharing technical assistance and resource information.

Being a grassroots organization, evidenced by an active volunteer program, a local funding base, and active efforts to network with other community resources on behalf of our clients.

Educating our clients and the community regarding the dynamics of family violence and sexual assault in order to end this type of violence within our community.