News & Events | Press Releases, Newsletters & Annual Reports

Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Desoto counties are working together to end prescription drug abuse in 2011. Watch this ABC7 news broadcast for more information.

Please click the links below to read First Step press releases, view television interviews, read quarterly newsletters, "Stepping Stones," or our annual report.

First Step In The News
February 3, 2012		MySuncoast.com: Oxycodone purchases down locally, but abuse still a problem
April 18, 2011		Herald-Tribune: First Step helps pregnant women with addictions

Press Releases
August 11, 2011		First Step of Sarasota Receives Grant
January 12, 2011		First Step Caring Hearts Luncheon
May 11, 2010		Balls Drop From Helicopter As First Step of Sarasota Raises Over $27,000 Through 6th Annuals Golf Tournament.
April 21, 2010		First Step Recognizes 100 Volunteers for Over 3,000 Hours As Part of National Volunteer Month.
March 8, 2010		Newly Drug-Free Mother Shares Emotional Story at First Step’s Caring Hearts Luncheon Fundraiser.
February 19, 2010		Helicopter Golf Ball Drop to Benefit First Step of Sarasota.
December 23, 2009		First Step of Sarasota’s Caring Hearts Luncheon
October 15, 2009		First Step of Sarasota’s Youth Outpatient Program Receives Grant from Eluned and Edward Russell Charitable Foundation
October 5, 2009		First Step of Sarasota’s Youth Outpatient Program Receives Grant from Kiwanis Club of Downtown Sarasota
September 29, 2009		First Step of Sarasota’s Educational Forum on Prescription Drugs and the Disease of Addiction - A Success
August 31, 2009		First Step of Sarasota Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice
August 20, 2009		Sarasota’s Young Professionals Group Makes a Difference at First Step of Sarasota, Inc.
August 4, 2009		Young Professionals Group to Team Up with First Step of Sarasota, Inc.
July 21, 2009		First Step of Sarasota’s Crossroads Program Receives Best Practices Award
April 28, 2009		First Step of Sarasota Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice
February 26, 2009		First Step’s 6th Annual Caring Hearts Luncheon Sets Attendance Record
January 27, 2009		First Step of Sarasota Receives Grant for Youth Outpatient Program
January 27, 2009		First Step of Sarasota Holds Sixth Annual Caring Hearts Luncheon
June 19, 2008		Halfacre helps with First Step project - Sarasota Herald Tribune
June 2008		First Step Golf 4th Annual Golf Classic - Sarasota Downtown & Beyond Magazine
May 13, 2008		First Step Golf Classic Raises Funds for Addiction Recovery
May 2008		Vital Signs - Sarasota Magazine
May 2008		Caring Hearts Mom of the Year - Sarasota Magazine
February 2008		First Step’s 5th Annual Caring Hearts Luncheon Sets Attendance and Fund-Raising Records
January 2008		SunTrust Sponsors Fifth Annual Caring Hearts Luncheon
January 2008		First Step Reaches Milestone with 200th Baby Born Into Mothers & Infants Program
May 2007		First Step Third Annual Golf Classic, Presented by Manasota Flooring
May 2007		First Step Welcomes New Board Members
April 2007		First Step Receives Grants
April 2007		First Step Honors Volunteers at Annual Luncheon
September 2006		ARF Grand Opening

Television
November 12, 2009		SNN 6 Television Story: First Step's P.J. Brooks on perscription medication addiction, Operation "Medicine Cabinet"
July 14, 2009		SNN 6 Television Story: First Step of Sarasota offers addiction help for soon to be moms
February 21, 2008		Sarasota County's youth have highest alcohol consumption rate in Florida John Scalzi, ABC 7 & P.J. Brooks, V.P. Outpatient & Youth Services, First Step
February 14, 2008		New Age of Drug Abuse John Scalzi, ABC 7 & P.J. Brooks, V.P. Outpatient & Youth Services, First Step
February 7, 2008		Treating Addiction John Scalzi, ABC 7 & P.J. Brooks, V.P. Outpatient & Youth Services, First Step

Stepping Stones Newsletters
August 2007
May 2007
January 2007
July 2006

Annual Reports (These are large files. Please allow sufficient time for download.)
October 2010
October 2009
October 2008
October 2007
October 2006

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.