FIRST Steps Together

FIRST Steps Together

Join a community of people parenting in recovery!

Pregnancy and parenting young children can be a hopeful and exciting time. It can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially while working on your recovery.

FIRST Steps Together is a home visiting program focused on empowering parents and families affected by
substance use. We match you with a family recovery support specialist who is a person in recovery with
specialized training. They will walk beside you on both your recovery and parenting journey.

FIRST Steps Together offers…

• A space to connect with other parents in recovery
• Help coordinating services and working with other providers
• Connections to resources and agencies that can assist with housing, benefits, childcare, and other needs
• Groups, care coordination, and the option of working with a mental health counselor
• Flexible services provided at home, in the community, and/or virtually

Eligibility:
Individuals may qualify if they are expecting a child or are a parent of at least one child age 5 or younger (even if the child does not currently live with them) and have a history of opioid or stimulant use. Please note: The current website references additional substances; however, opioid and stimulant use are the only qualifying substances assessed during the screening process. To ensure the website accurately reflects current program eligibility requirements, references to other substances should be removed.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please contact:

Judy Edwards, FIRST Steps Together Admin, (413) 426-2970, or jedwards@startatsquareone.org

Shalonda Nicholson-Mabry, FIRST Steps Together Coordinator, (413) 8585-3133, or smabry@startatsquareone.org 

www.mass.gov/first-steps-together

FIRST STEPS TOGETHER IS FUNDED BY A GRANT FROM THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION  TO THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. THE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTERED BY THE BUREAU OF FAMILY HEALTH AND NUTRITION.