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.