We help alcoholics and addicts in the Tampa Bay Area take their First Step toward sober and productive lives.

Re-entering the “real world” after treatment is an extremely vulnerable time in recovery.

The First Step Foundation provides financial assistance for sober housing as alcoholics and addicts in the Tampa Bay Area leave treatment and continue their journey in recovery.

Our Mission

Our Story

Almost 24 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs. The effect addiction has on families and loved ones multiplies the problem exponentially. The First Step Foundation, Inc. was formed in 2017 as a Florida not-for-profit and 501 c3 Federally tax-exempt corporation to help newly recovering alcoholics and addicts move into Sober Living after treatment by paying for rent, security deposits, and administrative fees. We require that the client have a job and we cover the basic costs of shelter until they receive their first paycheck and take their “first step” back to a productive and sober life. Through your generous support, we can help provide much-needed financial help that can mean the difference between success and further heartbreak in the lives of those affected by alcoholism and addiction, as well as in the lives of their families and loved ones.

Since 2017, we’ve helped over 450 addicts and alcoholics continue their path to recovery with almost $400,000 in assistance.

  • "I am grateful to the First Step Foundation for believing in me, giving me the courage, guidance, support, and most of all, relieving me of the financial burden of treatment. They were my “First Step” to recovery. I will forever be grateful. There are no words… Thank you FSF!”

    Kara T.

  • "Over the past year and a half, I have worked as a treatment professional in Tampa. One of my roles is to assist clients who would like to get into a sober living home after residential treatment. As many clients struggle to get their feet back on the ground, we have partnered with the First Step Foundation. First Step has scholarships available for deserving clients experiencing financial hardships that help with their first month's rent and fees. The joy I have seen in clients when they receive this scholarship is indescribable. It offers them a new beginning and HOPE. I am very grateful for the work the First Step Foundation has done and continues to do to battle the disease of addiction. Thank you for your service! "

    Riverside Recovery Center

  • "First Step Foundation gives a woman in early sobriety a real chance at achieving a sober independent life. Your grant gives them a chance to have a stable environment and support system where real growth happens. Every woman that comes to our sober house has a real chance to achieve their goals thanks to your generosity."

    Tamara Kurfiss, Better Beginnings Sober Living

  • "This foundation gave me the ability to get the help I needed, and at the time, the help I didn’t even know I wanted. I’ve been given a second chance at life and have a new perspective of the world around me and how I view myself. Doors have opened for me that would not have been opened without the help I received. I’ve been given the opportunity to create a life beyond anything I ever thought was possible. Today, I am thankful for my addiction because of the abundance it has brought me when I decided to ask for help through the First Step Foundation and get sober."

    Kelsey C.

  • Two years ago you provided me with a sober living scholarship when I was released from PHP. I want to let you know that I just picked up my two year key tag and I'm running a sober living house in Bradenton, I have a full time job at Publix that I got shortly after I got your scholarship (where I have never missed a day) and I attend and volunteer at church (I've also never missed there either.). Thanks to God and your organization for giving me what I needed. I truly appreciate you.

    Brandon S.

A person reaches out to touch a rain-covered window, with an apartment building visible outside.

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
info@firststepfoundationinc.org