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26 • The Beacon April 17, 2025
First Step has served Coshocton County for 30 years
Editor’ s note: Over the next couple months, the Beacon will be looking at the various United Way of Coshocton County agencies.
First Step Family Violence Intervention Services, Inc. joined United Way as a partner agency in January 1996.
First Step Family Violence Intervention Services, founded by
Vicki Laudick, is the sole agency in Coshocton County that provides direct services to victims
LETS CELEBRATE
of domestic violence and sexual assault. Since 1995, First Step has served both female and male victims, children, elderly, developmentally disabled, LGBTQI and teens.
The agency’ s Hope House Shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking provides a safe
WITH MILWAUKEE DEALS & BREAKFAST BURRITOS MAY 5TH • 8:00-11:00 GREAT DEALS- FOOD TRUCK
ALL ARE INVITED
place to live temporarily from an environment of family violence, including physically, emotionally and / or sexual abuse. The house is equipped with a handicapped accessible bedroom and bath located on the first floor. The shelter is unique in the state of Ohio having a pet shelter on its premises.
Residents of Hope House have their basic needs met, such as shelter, food, clothing and personal products. Services include case management, individual support services, legal advocacy, referral and networking to appropriate services and agencies.
Hope House is always staffed. The case-manager addresses the individual needs with each resident, such as housing, employment, financial, transportation, school, physical / mental health to network and refer to the appropriate agency. A 24-hour helpline is answered by the Hope House shelter. On-call services are available during after-hours, 5 p. m. to 8 a. m. weekdays, and weekends for emergencies. The on-call worker may meet with victims at the sheriff’ s department or hospital.
Individual support services for non-resident survivors focus on victimization issues such as safety planning; empowerment; self-esteem, self-value; healthy relationships and red flags of unhealthy relationships. Legal advocacy provide support to individuals in need of a civil protection order, which includes domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault
Submitted
First Step Family Violence Intervention Services, Inc. joined United Way as a partner agency in January 1996.
and juvenile protection orders. The advocates accompany the victim to the court hearings, refers and networks as needed. Free clothing is available every Tuesday from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. First Step facilitates the quarterly domestic violence / sexual assault and human trafficking coalition.
“ Coshocton County has always been very supportive of First Step and Hope House,” Laudick said.“ If it wasn’ t for the donations for Hope House, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dish liquid, laundry detergent, towels, sheets, and the list goes on, it would be difficult financially to meet the need. If it were not for the generosity, it would be difficult for Hope House. We provide a household for four to five families.”
First Step could always use financial donations to help with Hope House bills, but another way to show your support is to become aware of what domestic violence, sexual assault violence and human trafficking is, then educate your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and anyone that will listen.
“ Financial support is a large part of First Step’ s relationship with United Way,” said Laudick.“ The funds received are used as match funding for federal grants. Therefore, for every 20 cents received from United Way, the agency receives 80 cents through grant funding.
“ The United Way has also been a promoter of services provided to Coshocton County from First Step. It has been a collaborate relationship for the past 30 years.
“ Also, when a victim of violence trusts you enough to confide in you regarding the violence, listen, don’ t judge, don’ t tell them what they should do, instead believe the person,” Laudick said.“ Then ask them‘ what do you want to do? What can you do to be safe? How can I support you?’ The greatest support is your voice.”
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COSHOCTON LUMBER COMPANY 1201 WALNUT ST. COSHOCTON, OH 43812 jsellers @ alonovus. com