"First Step laid the foundation for my success as not only a mother, but an individual.” ~First Step parent
First Step Programs & Services:
• Drop-In Centers – Located in Port Angeles and Sequim, Drop-In offers free clothing and equipment closet, information and referrals, a children’s play area, emergency diapers and formula, access to phones, computers, fax and copier, healthy snacks, and free children’s books, and play and learn groups. 5,553 visits provided in 2012.
• Infant Case Management – Monthly home visiting program for at-risk, low-income parents with children two months to one year of age. Provides advocacy, linkages, information, and referrals. 154 families served in 2012.
• Maternity Support Services - Community Health Nurse, Registered Dietician, Social Worker, and Community Health Worker actively support low-income women to encourage a healthy pregnancy and healthy birth outcomes. Services are provided from beginning of pregnancy through child's first two months. 394 families served in 2012.
• Parent-Child Assistance Program - Home visiting program for mothers who abuse alcohol and/or drugs during pregnancy. We provide intensive case management services to help stabilize families and prevent future babies being born compromised due to substance abuse. 68 families served in 2012.
• Parents As Teachers Home Visiting Program - Home visiting program promoting healthy child development, problem solving skills, and healthy parent support networks for families with children zero to three years of age. 115 families served in 2012.
• Supported Parenting Program – Provides intensive advocacy program to help parents with cognitive limitations raise their children. Four families served in 2012.
• Readiness to Learn Program - Family Support Workers bridge the gap between home and school for families with children entering kindergarten and first grade by working with parents, teachers, and children. 540 families served in 2012.
• Summer Food Service Program for Youth – Providing a nutritious lunch daily in the summer for children ages one to 18. 7,800 lunches served in 2012.
• Parenting Classes – “Make Parenting a Pleasure” and “Love & Logic” are two classes offered. Most classes provide childcare on site, food, and transportation. 641 adult class contacts in 2012.
• Play & Learn Groups – Parents and children play in a variety of activities designed to promote positive parent and child interaction. The groups help demonstrate to parents that they are their child’s first teacher, even during playtime. 107 adult visits and 147 child visits in 2012.
To provide for the healthy development of children and families.
