“First Step is dedicated to creating wellness and inspiring the first step toward a better tomorrow for those with mental health and addiction disorders.”
First Step of Sarasota, Inc. a non-profit, was founded in 1968. First Step provides detoxification and crisis services, as well as outpatient and residential programs for individuals with mental health and addiction challenges and is licensed by the State of Florida and Accredited by the Commission in the Accreditation of the Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
First Step’s commitment to the communities it serves is to provide a standard of excellence and comprehensive continuum of care for those with mental health and substance use disorders. First Step has 276 licensed beds, serves Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and De Soto Counties, has 7 outpatient offices, 4 Inpatient/Residential Campuses and provides services in 19 schools, 2 Hospitals and 1 Federally Qualified Health Center.
First Step’s mission: To inspire those with mental health and addiction disorders and to transform their lives. They are dedicated to maintaining a standard of excellence in a comprehensive continuum of care to the community they serve. Their pledge to their clients and their families is to provide a path to wellness with respect and compassion, helping them to take the first step toward a better tomorrow.
The Mothers & Infants program began in 1995 as part of the “Drug Free Babies Program”. The program is a licensed 26 bed, 6-12 month residential substance use treatment program for pregnant and postpartum women and their infants up to 12 months of age. Evidence based clinical practices are used to address substance abuse, mental health, gender-specific and trauma related issues. Women admitted to the program are addicted to opiates, benzodiazepines, alcohol, cocaine, and many times a combination of these drugs. They have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional trauma and have turned to drugs to cope. First Step has celebrated 487 babies born drug free since the inception of the program.
This donation from Catalist Realty will provide the mom’s in their Mothers and Infants Program the opportunity to therapeutically work with the earth by planting window boxes and a vegetable/herb garden.
Therapeutic programs are important for these Mom’s both to alleviate stress and help their mental and emotional wellbeing. Scientist have found that mycobacterium found in soil can improve brain functions while boosting moods, the vaccae found in the soil increases serotonin produced in the brain (serotonin is also known as the “happy” chemical).
First Step’s Mothers & Infants Luncheon celebration honoring their Caring Heart of the year, Dr. Washington Hill will take place Wednesday, September 15 from 11 am to 1 pm at Michael’s on East.
First Step’s collaboration with Sunshine from Darkness’s mental health symposium and Inspiring Hope “striking out the stigma of mental illness” dinner featuring keynote speakers Darryl Strawberry & Steve Ford will take place on Friday, November 12 and Saturday November 13th
For more information on First Step visit their website or reach out via the contact infomation below.
Email: mhauck@fsos.org
Phone: 941 552-2047.
Catalist Realty is proud to be a local partner and supporter of unrestricted donations for any and all non-profits.
Give us a call today at 941.777.2968 or reach us at INFO@CATALISTREALTY.COM
