First Step expands outreach

For 45 years, First Step has provided shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, a 24-hour support line, advocacy, and outreach and support programs for men, women and children. First Step takes great pride in its history as the first domestic violence shelter built in Ohio from the ground up, and the fourth in the nation. The year 2025 proved busy but rewarding for the shelter. Foremost, there was a sharp increase in crisis calls; the shelter answered 595 calls, up from 275 in 2024. These calls covered a range of needs, from people seeking shelter to those asking questions or looking for services. Marrisa Orzechowski, community outreach coordinator at First Step, said 2025 was particularly difficult because of the ongoing housing crisis. According to First Step's annual report, the shelter served 49 survivors—27 adults and 22 children. These stays totaled 3,847 nights of shelter. Compared to previous years, the total number of people served decreased because the shelter could not move survivors into permanent housing quickly, resulting in longer shelter stays. Unfortunately, First Step had to turn away 113 individuals seeking shelter. Orzechowski explained that while they are fortunate to be part of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and can connect callers to other facilities, those shelters often face the same capacity issues. "We are constantly turning away people and it's disheartening because where do they go? Where are they going to receive services?" Orzechowski said. Despite these difficulties, First Step demonstrated its passion for providing help through an increase in outreach clients. Orzechowski explained that for people who cannot come to the shelter, the organization can set up hotel stays until a room at the facility opens. Other achievements in 2025 included improved transportation. Within the last two years, First Step purchased a van to transport survivors to appointments, grocery trips or other shelters. Additionally, the shelter saw an increase in clinical counseling clients, more than doubling from 11 in 2024 to 24 in 2025. Staffing adjustments included adding another counselor to assist with this increase. The organization also focused on community awareness, presenting 18 educational sessions to increase knowledge about domestic violence. First Step participated in several events throughout the counties it serves, reaching over 2,400 community members. In addition, the organization launched its Employer Outreach Program. Orzechowski described it as an initiative designed to help local employers create healthier, trauma-responsive workplaces. The program strengthens employee well-being and retention by equipping employers with tools to support individuals experiencing trauma. First Step visited eight employers throughout Seneca County to provide onsite training and educational resources. Orzechowski noted that many survivors do not disclose abuse due to fear of losing their employment. This program helps remove a critical barrier to seeking support, ensuring survivors can access resources without risking their livelihoods. In October, First Step placed a renewed focus on Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Through the "purple pumpkins" initiative, 27 businesses in Seneca County displayed pumpkins hand-painted by shelter survivors. This signaled to the community that those businesses were safe, supportive allies. Orzechowski said she hopes to expand this initiative in 2026 to the other counties they serve: Wood, Wyandot and Sandusky. The overall goal for 2026 is to reach as many people as possible. Orzechowski noted that she often encounters people who do not realize they are in domestic violence situations because they think their experience is normal. "These conversations are really near and dear to my heart because I'm able to provide that support to people that don't even know they are experiencing domestic violence or assault," Orzechowski said. This reach includes entering schools to speak with children. "That's where it starts and that's where the cycle of abuse stops—meeting them when they are young and saying this is not okay behavior," Orzechowski said. While First Step has faced funding obstacles and closure fears in recent years, it continues to flourish. The shelter encourages activities for survivors, including a garden and an updated, fenced-in playground. Orzechowski noted that funding has stabilized and donations increased from 9.7% to 16%. Donations of physical items are also vital. Orzechowski shared that one individual donated makeup, which the survivors were thankful for as they often lack funds for such items. Another volunteer stores clothing donations at their house for survivors to access. Because the shelter often lacks storage space, Orzechowski encourages donors to call ahead to ensure the facility can accept the items. With the shelter consistently full, one of the organization's long-term goals is to expand its space.