First Step Family Support Center

“Form 990 will be given to all board members. The finance committee will review and make recommendations to the board and allow for discussion and then board approval before filing with the irs.”

“The executive directors annual performance review is conducted by the board of directors.”

“Tax returns are available upon request”

“To promote the healthy development of children and families on the north olympic peninsula (of washington state) through building family strengths. We primarily serve clallam and jefferson counties. First step utilizes the solid research that has been done on risk and protective factors and resiliency to inform its work with families. All of the programs that we provide are intended to build protective factors into the lives of families, many of whom have multiple stressors in their lives. Therefore, all of our programs seek to 1) build parental resilience, 2) build social connections for families, 3) increase parent's knowledge of parenting and child development, 4) increase families' access to concrete support in times of need, and 5) promote the development of social and emotional competence of children. We provide a variety of programs for both parents and children thus focusing on a two generational approach to family wellbeing. Our programs include center based activities such as parenting classes, support groups, drop in centers, kaleidoscope play and learn groups, free books/literacy building programs, kindergarten readiness activities, safety programs including safe sleep and safe car seat programs and cooking classes that utilize fresh locally grown foods. We also offer several home visiting programs including: the parents as teachers home visiting program, the parent child assistance program for families with substance abuse issues, the promoting first relationships home based programs, maternity support services for pregnant women and their infants and a home visiting program designed to meet the needs of developmentally delayed parents who are parenting young children. First step also hires former clients as professional parent educators, health workers and social service providers when they become qualified to provide these services though higher education and experience. First step served approximately 3,917 unique adults and children in 2021. Organization's website: firststepfamilysupportcenter.org”

“Parents as teachers program expenses (pat): the parents as teachers' model is an evidence-based home visiting program designed to ensure young children are healthy, developmentally on target, safe and ready to learn. The program consists of twice a month home visits, group connections meetings, child screenings, family assessments, goal setting and referrals to needed resources. These components create a cohesive package of services with five primary goals: 1) to increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices, 2) to increase early detection of developmental delays and health issues and get children the needed services to get and keep them developmentally on target, 3) to prevent child abuse and neglect, 4) to increase children's school readiness and school success, and 5) to provide parent and child behavioral health services. The pat curriculum is designed to identify and build on family strengths and to build these protective factors in the families' lives. Visits in the home are an integral part of the model. Our target population is: at-risk, low-income families with children 0-5 with a special emphasis on serving teen parents, first time parents, non-english speaking families and families experiencing health/mental health issues. First step received the "blue ribbon" status by pat national for excellence in our work. We serve 121 families a month in pat.”

“Parent child assistance program expenses (pcap): prenatal alcohol and drug exposure puts children at risk as a result of prenatal exposure and because of the likelihood of a compromised home environment. We help mothers with substance use disorders to build and maintain healthy, independent, alcohol/drug free lives and work towards preventing future births of alcohol and drug exposed children. Well trained and well supervised case managers provide advocacy and intensive case management services for these families for three years. Case managers provide extensive practical assistance such as helping to find housing, treatment services and legal services. They also provide long term emotional support which is so important to women who are making fundamental changes in their lives. We serve up to 91 women each month through the pcap program. Pcap client expected outcomes include: a) client completion of treatment programs, b) abstinence from alcohol/drugs for more than 6 months during the program, c) regular use of family planning methods, d) children living with their own families (avoidance of out-of-home placement) and e) securement of permanent, stable housing.”

“All other program expenses: first step delivers a vast array of innovative and family-centered programs. In addition to the above three programs first step maintains a maternity support services program, infant case management, drop in centers, kindergarten readiness camp, kaleidoscope play & learn groups, perinatal and infant mental health support groups and education, parenting classes, and other educational opportunities for parents and families. In 2021 both the executive director and the deputy director were actively involved in the wcfc (washington communities for children) peninsulas early childhood coalition, whose purpose is "connecting local and statewide efforts to improve the wellbeing of children, families, and communities". Additionally first step chairs the perinatal mental health task force which seeks to build community capacity for perinatal mental health services through collaboration and educational events for professionals serving pregnant and postpartum families. First step staff makes referrals to needed resources and services for our clients, whether these resources and services are offered by first step or other agencies and providers.”