First Step House

We’re honored to share that First Step House was selected for the Judge’s Choice Award at the 25 Squared Luncheon, co‑hosted by Square Financial Services and the Community Foundation of Utah

We’re grateful for this recognition and for partners who believe in recovery, housing, and long‑term stability. Congratulations to all the nonprofits who were recognized, and thank you to Square Financial Services and the Community Foundation of Utah for investing in community impact.

(Pictured: Grants Manager Abby Feenstra and Development Director Mary T. Calhoon, second and third from the left, during the award presentation with Square Financial Services and Community Foundation of Utah)

This Easter, we’re thankful for the resilience of the people we serve and the compassion of the community that supports them. 🌷

Your support makes hope and healing possible.

Wishing you a Happy Easter!

This April, we’re celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Month and all the amazing volunteers who show up for First Step House in so many ways.

In the past year, 175 volunteers contributed about 500 hours across 200 volunteer shifts – supporting our clients, programs, and spaces in ways that make a lasting impact.

Our volunteers help make recovery feel possible through:

🛠️ Home improvement and facility support
🥪 Food prep and meal service
💙 Hospitality and community‑building events
🌿 Health and wellness services
🗣️ Outreach, education, and direct support
📋 Organizational and committee support

Whether it’s painting a room or sharing a skill, every hour given created a more supportive and welcoming environment for people in our community.

To our volunteers: THANK YOU for your time and your generosity!

What started as ice cream turned into something much more. 🍨

A local youth group spent the evening with us, sharing dessert, conversation, and genuine connection. Our clients expressed how much community support like this means to them – and when the group left, everyone felt a little lighter. We’re so thankful for their kindness and presence.

🏆 Congratulations to Laurel Willoughby for receiving the First Step House Inclusivity Award! 🏆

One nominator shared: “There is one client who comes to mind who is very difficult to work with and lots of barriers in place... Despite these challenges, Laurel is relentless in her efforts to assist the direction and goals of her client while maintaining respect for herself, the client, and the space they are in.”

We are proud to acknowledge Laurel for her commitment to compassion. Thank you for all that you do, Laurel! ❤️

We’re honored to recognize LB Charitable Foundation as a generous supporter of First Step House’s Valor House.

With their partnership, Valor House continues to offer safe transitional housing and the wrap‑around services veterans need to stabilize, heal, and move toward independence. Residents at Valor House receive comprehensive support including case management, health and wellness services, therapy, employment assistance, life‑skills development, and pathways to secure long‑term housing.

Thank you, LB Charitable Foundation, for standing with Utah’s veterans and investing in their future.