The Faces Behind Our Mission
At First Step, we serve a vibrant array of adults living with developmental disabilities. We are helping improve quality of life by focusing on independence and integration through work opportunities as well as emphasizing dignity and fulfillment through employment and community living. Our adult population are supported to meet their goals of:
- Finding employment opportunities
- Living independently in their own home
- Learning skills to improve their quality of life
These adults may confront substantial functional limitations that can turn everyday tasks such as seeking, learning, and retaining jobs into formidable challenges. Each beneficiary brings a unique set of talents, interests, and dreams to our community, bound by a shared need for dedicated support to navigate life’s common hurdles.
Comprehensive Services for Independence and Growth
Our services are carefully designed and curated to address the unique challenges faced by our clients.
Supported Employment Services
“For those seeking meaningful employment and personal growth.”
The Supported Employment Services program inspires connection, achievement and confidence. With the proper match, a certified Job Coach will assist in training and job placement. Employee skills, progress, and relationships are monitored as well as maintained with the employer and employee.
Meeting employment needs of businesses while enabling individuals to locate, secure, and thrive in their jobs and community is our goal. The support continues even after employment is secured, guaranteeing the development of job skills, good work habits, and independent working capability.
This program not only boosts self-confidence and personal satisfaction but also promotes societal contribution. After all, having a job is an integral part of a person’s identity.
REDI Program
The Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative (REDI) is Walgreens in-store retail and customer service educational training program for people with disabilities.
The purpose of REDI is to empower individuals through person-centered services focusing on home, community, and employment services that supports full inclusion in the community. Participation in the REDI Program serves as a great opportunity to increase the skills of people with disabilities so they can join the pool of qualified and diverse talent making them more employable.
Through this program, people with disabilities can learn and acquire skills at an individualized pace. The materials and curriculum developed for REDI are based on the assumption that the training will last 20 to 24 hours per week for approximately 3 weeks. However, the curriculum is flexible and can be adapted to the situation that best serves the store and the individuals.
To be considered for the REDI Program, you must complete the following two items:
On Our Own Residential Living
“Empowering independent living and personal choice.”
The freedom to make simple choices and live independently is not a luxury, but a basic right. On Our Own Residential Living program provides this opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities.
Offering group homes and individual apartment living, we help residents with daily chores such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, and budgeting. For those not interested in living in First Step’s group homes or apartments, we can also support clients with these needs in their own home.
More importantly, our program fosters a sense of self-worth and independence, something that adults with disabilities would want for themselves.
Representative Payee Services
We have a dedicated accountant who manages funds and bill payments for clients living in our facilities. Clients retain full control of their finances without the burden of maintaining their bills.
Adult Developmental Day Treatment (ADDT)
“Enriching everyday life skills.”
The Adult Developmental Day Treatment (ADDT) program is a comprehensive solution designed to enhance the quality of life for adults with special needs.
The program teaches participants various daily living skills, enabling them to handle activities like dressing, mailing letters, cooking meals, managing finances, and more. We also foster social skills and community participation and provide education about community safety, health, nutrition, and technology.
Our ultimate goal at First Step is not just to provide services, but to create an environment where adults with developmental disabilities feel empowered, respected, and valued. We strive to make each individual we serve feel seen, heard, and most importantly, capable of leading their own lives.
Your Needs, Our Services
We are honored to serve a diverse range of individuals who inspire us with their strength, wisdom, and vibrant spirit. They represent the resilient heart of our community, each with unique needs and inspiring stories that drive our mission. These are individuals who wish to remain active and integrated in their communities. They benefit from our community inclusion services, which provide avenues for them to engage, contribute, and connect with others.
Personal Care Services
The Personal Care program at First Step is designed to help families with special needs. We can provide help for those who need assistance with at least two of the following personal care tasks:
- Eating
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Dressing
- Mobility and Transfer
For those who need assistance in two of the areas listed above, we can also help with meal preparation, housework, laundry, and shopping.
Home Care Services
We offer comprehensive home care services designed to assist with activities of daily living. Our caregivers help with bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, medication management, and light housekeeping, all in the comfort of one’s own home.
Medical Care
Our medical care services include regular check-ups, monitoring of chronic conditions, assistance with medication management, treatments, and coordination with healthcare providers. With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, we partner with our client’s Primary Care Physician (PCP) and other healthcare specialists to ensure comprehensive and continual care for these individuals.
Adults and Their Families in Need of Temporary Relief
These individuals and their families often need a break from their caregiving duties or daily routines. Our respite care services provide them with that relief. We ensure that their loved ones are in safe, compassionate hands while they take the necessary time to rest and rejuvenate.
The Perfect Blueprint for Adult Empowerment
Our approach is rooted in a deep respect for the individuality of each person we serve, their unique skills, interests, and aspirations.
Person-Centered Approach
Understanding that each person we serve is unique, we adopt a person-centered approach. This means we start by understanding each individual’s strengths, weaknesses, passions, and goals. We respect and validate their personal experiences and aspirations and tailor our services accordingly.
Skills Development and Job Placement
We focus on enhancing the employability of adults with developmental disabilities. Our trained Job Development Specialists and Job Coaches work hand-in-hand with individuals to match their interests and skills to suitable jobs.
Our support doesn’t stop at securing employment – we stay engaged to ensure they continue to grow and succeed in their roles. Our ultimate goal through the Supported Employment Services is to fade the job coaching component of the program as the client becomes capable of independent work.
Promoting Independence in Living
First Step champions the freedom and independence of the individuals we serve. The On Our Own Residential Living program facilitates adults with developmental disabilities in making simple life choices and living more independently. We support them in their day-to-day tasks while instilling a deep sense of self-reliance and self-esteem.
Holistic Development
Beyond practical skills and employment, we believe in holistic development. Our Adult Developmental Day Treatment program teaches life skills, fosters social interactions, and encourages community participation. And as part of their well-rounded growth, we also stimulate creativity and promote health and wellness education.
Collaboration for Better Outcomes
We see ourselves as partners in the journey of our clients and their families. This collaborative approach means we work closely with them, understand their perspectives, and jointly make decisions that enhance the well-being and happiness of the individuals we serve.
Join the Movement
The journey to independence for adults with developmental disabilities is filled with triumphs, big and small, and every one of these milestones matters. By supporting First Step, you’re not just donating – you’re contributing to real stories of growth, achievement, and the discovery of every person’s potential.
Donate
Your financial contributions make a world of difference. They enable us to continue offering crucial programs and services that positively change the lives of each individual we serve.
Volunteer
Time is a priceless gift. By volunteering with First Step, you can make a profound impact on the lives of our clients. From helping with daily activities to assisting in our job training programs, your involvement can help transform lives.
Work for First Step
Come work for us! We have flexible hours and competitive benefits through our full-time and part-time positions. First Step offers career opportunities in Early Childhood Development, Adult Direct Care, Therapy Services, and Transportation Services.
Spread the Word
Sometimes, the most powerful help is simply raising awareness. Share our mission with your family, friends, and social network. The more people know about the work we do at First Step, the greater the impact we can make together.
Connect with First Step: We’re Here to Help
If you or a loved one could benefit from our services, or if you have questions about our programs, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you soon.
Remember, reaching out is the first step to a journey filled with potential and achievement. We’re here to guide you along the way. Let’s take this journey together, with First Step.
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