First Step: A Family V iolence Intervent ion Center

Fal l I ssue : November 2008

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SOUL SHINE 2 008 RECAP !

On September 13, 2008 at the Mead-owbrook Park Ballroom in Bascom, OH, First Step welcomed two living legends of the blues pantheon to preside over a baptism. A holy ghost baptism that left tongues of flame to light the faces of every last man, woman, and child in the room. We really had no clue what we were going to behold that night although there was ample evidence to suggest something special would transpire. The event was billed as a tribute to Howlin’ Wolf and all accounts would suggest that perhaps the spirit of the great man himself was present at Soul Shine. Eve-rything began in familiar fashion with the superb Soul Shine Blues Band kick-ing things off, but this year’s festival was a less straightforward affair, featur-ing no less that six different arrange-ments of the same players. The result was a prolonged crescendo that culmi-nated in the Soul Shine 2008 Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf. First up was Mr. Henry Gray, 84 years young and blues piano player extraordinaire. Henry took the

stage with Mr. Andy Cornett on harp for a stripped down and informative walk through the history of the early blues sound. They were then joined on stage by Soul Shine veteran Sean Carney, who provided his usually dexterous guitar work. Before long, the trio had become a sextet with Columbus bluesman Willie Pooch playing standard favorites. And then it was time for Hubert. Now, we at First Step have a special place in our hearts for Hubert Sumlin. The fact that his music has had a lasting and far-reaching influence on the blues should be enough to endear him to any fan. But in addition, Hubert is also a genuinely warm and charming man. What showed at Soul Shine this year was the joy these guys get from playing music. The pres-ence of both Henry and Hubert at Soul Shine was not merely serendipitous. We had booked them because both had played together with Howlin’ Wolf in the midst of the 60s blues revival. - Continued on page 2

Letter From the DirectorLetter From the DirectorLetter From the DirectorLetter From the Director

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner. It is during the holi-day season that most of us take time to think about those less fortunate than ourselves and I want to en-courage that even more this year. The economy has taken a toll on all of us. First Step is facing major cuts in funding for 2009. Retailers are worried about holiday sales, purse strings tighten, and everyone is watching each penny they spend. Vice President elect Joe Biden said that a parent knows they are a success when they look at their children and they have turned out better than you. Well, when I look at my daughter Katy I understand exactly what Joe meant. Katy has a modest income but she has a huge heart. Each month she faith-fully donates to two home-less shelters, the humane society, Save Darfur, her church and, most recently, the United Way. Her life phi-losophy is that it is through giving that we receive. I hope all of us decide to fol-low in her big footsteps this holiday season.

Hubert Sumlin performs at Soul Shine 2008Hubert Sumlin performs at Soul Shine 2008Hubert Sumlin performs at Soul Shine 2008Hubert Sumlin performs at Soul Shine 2008

Henry Gray performs at Soul Shine 2008Henry Gray performs at Soul Shine 2008Henry Gray performs at Soul Shine 2008Henry Gray performs at Soul Shine 2008

Page 2 Fa l l Issue: November 2008

FIRST STEP: A FAMILY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION CENTER

PROVIDING RESOURCES THAT EMPOWER PEOPLE TO MAKE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP CHOICES

SOUL SHINE 2008 (CONTINUED )

experience. The crowd knew it too, staying on their feet for not one but two encores. And they were not disap-pointed, hearing old and new favorites from “Killing Floor” to “(You Gotta) Feed Me”. And that was just the music. As usual Soul Shine offered a full evening with the chance to win a Hubert Sumlin autographed guitar, a theme basket silent auc-tion, and the festival’s signa-ture Southern cooking. The ribs and chicken this year were so good that Henry asked if we had them air-lifted from Mississippi. True story. In all of the excitement, it might be easy to lose sight of what Soul Shine is really all about. Every September we give our community the opportunity to come out and support First Step as we celebrate the blues. This year we were a little appre-

Continued from page 1 - In that time period they laid a lot of the foundation for what we know as blues today. Both men have gone on to have solid careers since then, but at Soul Shine they picked up where they left off. It’s easy to for-get how rare authentic blues music is when you are in the company of peo-ple who make it look so easy. So much of what is passed off as blues these days is really just a crude facsimile. That is why Soul Shine prides itself in only having the real thing. We have to admit though, we were not prepared for the level of quality that we wit-nessed at Soul Shine this year. This is not frivolous hyperbole. The musicians at Soul Shine are always great players, no doubt. But every once in a while the stars align for a singular

hensive about turn-out in these tough economic cir-cumstances. But the crowd more than made up in quality and enthusiasm for what was lacking in quantity. And for that we are deeply grateful. The reason Soul Shine is our major fundraiser is be-cause the story of the blues is the story of hu-man resilience. It teaches a lesson that says perse-verance is virtuous even in circumstances that give no reason to hope. It is a prin-ciple on which agencies like First Step are built. We depend on the steadfast belief of our community in the value of our services, and the veracity of their underlying principles: hope, faith, and love. For everyone that helped make this year’s festival a success, Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

FIRST STEP CLIENT STORIES

“Marie” came to First Step after a long relation-ship marked by abuse and conflict at home. She had considered leaving the rela-tionship several times be-fore, but always felt things might improve. Finally, after a particularly bad fight, Marie and her son came to First Step. During her time in shelter she received ser-vices to help her get back on her feet. Because of her initiative, and with help from First Step, Marie was able to make positive changes for herself and for her son. As a shelter resi-

dent, Marie received ser-vices to help her find housing through collabo-ration with our commu-nity partners such as WSOS and Job and Fam-ily Services. She also par-ticipated in our PAS-SAGES program where she was given informa-tion about the tools for building healthy relation-ships. Her son partici-pated in our children’s program and She re-ceived help through advo-cacy in obtaining a Civil Protection Order and navigating the legal proc-

ess to keep herself safe. Now she is able to start over in her own place with the confi-dence of knowing that she has weathered a difficult chapter in her life and come out the better for it. Because of her own determination she can build a better life for her-self and her son. First Step deals everyday with people who just need the encourage-ment and support to make positive changes. Those posi-tive changes trickle up, im-proving our fami l ies, neighborhoods, and commu-nity. For people like Marie, First Step offers new hope.

Firs t Step Quar ter ly Page 5

First Step Services

• Crisis Intervention

• Safe Residency

• Advocacy

• Case Management

• PASSAGES Educa-tional classes

• Operation Starshine

• Marital Enrichment

• Community Presenta-tions

• Internship/Volunteer Opportunities

Are you happy? Do you want to make your mar-riage stronger? Do you want to become a better parent? First Step can help you! Call today and find out how First Step services can help you and your family.

This is our column allowing This is our column allowing This is our column allowing This is our column allowing

you to share the triumphs of you to share the triumphs of you to share the triumphs of you to share the triumphs of

our clients over their circum-our clients over their circum-our clients over their circum-our clients over their circum-

stances through their letters stances through their letters stances through their letters stances through their letters

to us; and to help you re-to us; and to help you re-to us; and to help you re-to us; and to help you re-

member that we serve real member that we serve real member that we serve real member that we serve real

people with real problems, people with real problems, people with real problems, people with real problems,

and we help them find real and we help them find real and we help them find real and we help them find real

solutions.solutions.solutions.solutions.

Dear First Step Supporters,

First Step has

really helped me get on

my feet again and out of

an abusive relationship.

While I have been here

the staff has helped

me with getting a pro-

tection order, filling

out forms for assis-

tance, and providing

me with options I did-

n’t even know were

available. They also

went with me to court,

which helped a lot.

Everyone has been so

helpful and kind in my

time of need. I now

have a house and a

fresh start. I would not

have been able to get

through this time in my

life without the help of

First Step and its staff.

“Marie”

LETTERS FROM THE HEART

“I would not have been able to get

through this time in my life without the

help of First Step and its staff.”

FIRST STEP KIDS !

First Step loves kids! We have always provided services that focus on creating environ-ments that are nurturing of chil-dren’s development. We have recently developed new chil-dren’s programs to correspond with our PASSAGES program and provide comprehensive, family-centered services to im-prove our communities. We are in need of materials and fund-ing for our children’s program. Please take a moment to read through our needs list and make a contribution to First Step’s Kid’s program. Help make a difference for children.

First Step PRSRT-STD

AUTOCR

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PAID TIFFIN, OH

PERMIT # 52

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“F IRST STEP NEEDS” L I ST

Children’s ItemsChildren’s ItemsChildren’s ItemsChildren’s Items Play dough New puppets Sidewalk chalk Washable markers Cookie cutters Sippy cups Small plastic cups Paint bibs or smocks Finger paints Rhythm Instruments for kids MiscellaneousMiscellaneousMiscellaneousMiscellaneous Windex Toilet paper Clorox wipes Liquid anti-bacterial soap Light bulbs – 40 & 60 watt Hair conditioner Fabric softener Murphy Oil Soap Detergent Bath Towels Gas Cards ($10 allotments)

Office Office Office Office File folders Large manila envelopes Binder Post-It notes Ink pens (blue) KitchenKitchenKitchenKitchen Ziploc Bags Heavy bottom pots and pans (not Teflon) Glass Baking Dishes Cascade Paper Towels Tall kitchen trash bags

Contact UsContact UsContact UsContact Us

PO Box 1103

Fostoria, OH 44830

Phone: 419-435-7300

Fax: 419-435-5510

Crisis Line: 800-466-6228

www.firststepweb.org

FIRST STEP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tammy Drukenmiller Tammy Drukenmiller Tammy Drukenmiller Tammy Drukenmiller President

Dan FaskoDan FaskoDan FaskoDan Fasko Vice President Mary WardMary WardMary WardMary Ward Treasurer Barbara Childers Barbara Childers Barbara Childers Barbara Childers Secretary Carol WanglerCarol WanglerCarol WanglerCarol Wangler Roger FisherRoger FisherRoger FisherRoger Fisher Barry BordenkircherBarry BordenkircherBarry BordenkircherBarry Bordenkircher Lynn HarlowLynn HarlowLynn HarlowLynn Harlow Kathy OliverKathy OliverKathy OliverKathy Oliver