About Us

First Steps To Heal was founded in 2020 by a 2nd Survivor(an individual who witnessed abuse against a parent, grandparent, or caregiver) who wanted to be an advocate for change for domestic violence survivors. So she created an organization laser-focused on saving survivors while decreasing mental and emotional trauma to the children involved.

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Our mission is to provide immediate access to safe shelter for Domestic Violence Survivors and their children who need to escape a violent situation while empowering them to rebuild their lives and regain their independence. We are committed to offering survivor-focused advocacy, easy-to-navigate resources, and healing supportive services that fosters hope in every family we serve. We envision a world where every DV Survivor can access life-saving shelter, essential services/resources, and opportunities they need to heal and thrive.

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We aspire to be a leading force in eliminating homelessness due to domestic violence by increasing the amount of available DV-specific shelter beds and build upon strategic partnerships in the community to increase pathways to services such as housing assistance, legal services, mental health counseling, economic empowerment programs, work readiness programs, and child care assistance.

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First Steps To Heal aims to break the cycle of abuse and put an end to childhood trauma as a result of witnessing the abuse of a loved one by promoting healing with dignity through a trauma-informed lens ensuring that every family has the opportunity to build a future free from violence.

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A Peaceful Night's Sleep

Info Session

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Board of Directors

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Ayana Woods - President

Jaquetta Jenkins - Vice President

Althema Goodson - Secretary

Davene Beckett - Treasurer

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Advisory Board Members

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Melveria Williams

Jamal Jenkins

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