First Step is a fully licensed and accredited recovery center offering an array of services from detoxification to outpatient. First Step has been providing substance abuse treatment since 1968.  It strives to treat all clients in the least restrictive environment available, while considering human values and respect for personal dignity.

Our mission is to prevent and treat alcohol and drug addictions and associated disorders.  We foster fully functioning, productive individuals by offering a full array of services in partnership with our community.

 

Significant Dates in First Step History
     
1967   Founded as the Sarasota Rehabilitation Program
1968   Chartered as a non-profit organization
1970   Renamed First Step.  Counseling services and Driving While Intoxicated program created
1975   Received state funding to establish a substance abuse center on 18th Street in Sarasota for Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
1976  
  • Opened the first Detox program
  • Expanded to Arcadia with opening of Outpatient Services office
1977   Opened an Outpatient Services office in Venice
1983   Acquired site for the Residential Campus on North Washington Boulevard in Sarasota
1984   Developed the Women’s Early Intervention Services program
1994   Opened a new clinical building at the Residential Campus
1995  
  • Opened Sarasota Outpatient Services office and the Mothers and Infants program
  • Created a Day Treatment program, in partnership with The Salvation Army, for substance abusing indigent individuals
  • Received first 3-year CARF quality accreditation from the Rehabilitation Accreditation Committee
1997   Broke ground for a Medical Unit at the 18th Street Special Services Campus
1998   Received $250,000 gift from the Women’s Ministry Division of the Presbyterian Church, USA, for construction of a new building for the Mothers and Infants program
1999   Received second 3-year CARF quality accreditation from the Rehabilitation Accreditation Committee
2000   Opened new Medical Unit on the 18th Street Special Services Campus for the Detox Unit and the Mothers and Infants program on the 18th Street Special Services Campus
2001   Opened new Mothers and Infants building
2002   Established Youth Outpatient Services program for adolescents ages 13 -18
2003   Received Best Practices Award from Department of Children and Families for the Mothers and Infants program
2004  
  • Awarded $1.5 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA) for a Transitional Living Center (TLC) program for post-partum women and their children
  • Received funding from Sarasota County to expand the Detox facility from 15 to 30 beds and open a Addictions Receiving Facility to provide services for those admitted under the Marchman Act
2006   Opened the Addictions Receiving Facility (ARF)
   

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First Step of Sarasota, Inc. is CARF Accredited, licensed, comprehensive, not-for-profit alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation center. ©2011 First Step of Sarasota, Inc.

First Step of Sarasota, Inc. complies with state and federal non-discrimination laws and policies that prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion or sex. It is unlawful to retaliate against individuals or groups on the basis of their participation in a complaint of discrimination or on the basis of their opposition to discriminatory practices.

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