05/26/2026
Thank you to Amy Kinney, Executive Director and Marrisa Orzechowski, Community Outreach Coordinator from First Step Domestic Violence Services presented for presenting to us at our meeting in March!
First Step’s mission is to provide safety, shelter, and services to victims of domestic violence through community resources and collaboration. They serve men, women and children in Seneca, Wood, Wyandot, and Sandusky counties and are based out of Fostoria. Since 1980 First Step has provided victims of domestic violence and their children with shelter, a 24-hour support line, advocacy, and outreach and support programs.
The First Step shelter provides a home-like atmosphere with communal living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, laundry room, playroom and bathrooms. There is a secure outdoor playground with 365-degree cameras on the exterior and resident doors are electronically secured. First Step services include: shelter, 24/7 Hotline support, court accompaniment and advocacy. They provide a licensed counselor on site, life skills support, and Safe at Home Program.
Other services provided are a therapy dog, outreach program, housing assistance and education. First Step’s Employer Outreach Program is designed to equip HR and management personnel with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to effectively support employees who may be experiencing abuse or secondary trauma. First Step accepts donations of items which are listed on the page. TWIA President Kellie Hartsel presented First Step with a monetary donation.
