First Steps Together
FIRST (Families In Recovery SupporT) Steps Together is dedicated to serving and empowering families on their parenting and recovery journey.
How can FIRST Steps Together help?
FIRST Steps Together understands that pregnancy and parenting young children can be a hopeful and exciting time, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially for those parents struggling with substance use or working on their recovery.
Our program offers specialized support in navigating this complicated experience from peer support specialists and specially trained mental health counselors.
What makes FIRST Steps Together different from other programs?
We understand that each family has their own story and that building relationships takes time. We work hard to meet each parent “where they are.”
Our Family Recovery Support Specialists are parents in recovery themselves, with specialized training that allows them to use their experience to walk with participants, as they navigate their recovery and parenting journeys.
We serve parents who have current custody of their children, those who are working towards reunification, and those who identify as non-custodial parents.
Who is eligible for FIRST Steps Together?
FIRST Steps Together is open to any person 18 years of age or older, who has used opioids, stimulants, alcohol, cannabis and/or other substances, and who is pregnant or expecting a child, or has at least one child who is 5 years old or younger. Participants do not have to have custody of their children or be actively parenting to participate in the program.
What services does FIRST Steps Together offer?
Our program offers:
- Strength-based peer recovery support and coaching from someone in recovery who has been there and understands
- Parenting support and resources
- A space to connect with other parents working on their recovery
- Care coordination with outside services providers including the Department of Children and Families, Early Intervention and substance use treatment providers
- Connections to resources and agencies to help with housing, benefits, childcare, and other concrete needs
- Support groups and the option of working with a mental health counselor
- Flexible services at home, in the community, and/or online
Contact Us
Funded by the Mass dept. of public health and SAMHSA
“It feels good to talk to someone that’s been there. I don’t feel alone and I have hope for my future”
Mom in recovery
(First Steps Together)