First Stop, Inc

ABOUT
First Stop is a non-​profit 501©(3) grant-​based organization dedicated in helping Madison County’s homeless folks transition into self-​sufficient productive lives.
They have a 4-​Tier approach in dealing w the local homeless, particularly the street chronic homeless folks — those that have been homeless for a very long time, each w their very own stories, disabilities, and mental health disabilities. This 4-​Tier program includes outreach care where they locate homeless persons in the camps and nearby tent cities, and they attempt to interest the homeless to their day center for expanded care. First Stop provides basic services each weekday in their day center where people can eat, take showers, and wash their clothes. First Stop also provides case-​management services in providing linkage to community services like mental health, health care, and substance abuse, while engaging the homeless to access benefits and other services as needed. Their long term solution is to transition each street homeless person to permanent housing and re-​entry into a self sufficient and productive life. This is their 4-​Tier program in a nutshell.
HISTORY
I won’t rewrite the interesting details here, but you can refer to their website for how First Stop got started.
MEALS
The meals that are served here are often brought in by local churches, businesses, and individuals who support the goal of ending the homeless situation in our County. So far, breakfast is served every morning Monday thru Friday, as well as lunch on Wednesdays.
BEING THE HANDS AND FEET
In an effort to get back into volunteering in the community, I found out about this place through my church’s Small Groups Summer Session. We show up every Wednesday afternoon just before they have Bible Study (12 noon). And while the homeless are getting fed the Word, we’re either in the kitchen helping prepare their lunch, sitting with them, and/​or helping out where ever the need is. Volunteering on Wednesdays usually consists of being in the kitchen preparing food, serving the food, being present w those in need, and quite frankly being the hands and feet of Christ to the hungry, homeless, hurting and lost. It’s been a blessing beyond words to give even a little of our time, energy, and resources to help others in our community. It’s amazing to hear some of their stories too. I met one gal in the program who is an Electrical Engineer. She is on her merry way back to the workforce! And if you think of it in the grand scheme of things, we’re all just one or two steps away from being in their position of homelessness. So being present w these folks, in my experience, can be quite humbling which puts things in perspective. It also causes me to count my blessings and appreciate what I often take for granted on a daily basis — roof over my head, food on the table, constant love and support of family and friends, and the unconditional love and forgiveness from God. So why not share that love w others? That’s where I’m at with this, and I’m grateful for the opportunity here to live that out in helping feed the poor and to offer an encouraging word, hug, and listening ear to those in need. Sure the needs go beyond that, but this is a good start to being a bridge to the other blessings ahead for them.
STAFF
The staff members at First Stop from the executive director, Tashaunda, to the case managers Jody, Warren, Natasha, and the rest of the team, are super friendly, approachable, and always so appreciative of those who help out here. There’s no question that’s out of the question, or no topic they’re not willing to discuss further w you. They’re schedules are busy, but their hearts are bigger. And you’ll know that immediately when you meet them.
HAVE A NEED? KNOW OF A NEED?
First Stop is a great cause and mission to support. If ever you’re in a position of need or know of some one in need, their doors are open to you.
MORE? LET’s TOUR!
If you’re interested in finding out more, or would like to volunteer some of your time, interested in becoming a sponsor, or would like to donate food or goods, the staff here would be happy to answer any of your questions and schedule you to come in for a tour. I can also forward you their current list of needs in a PDF.
HOURS OF OPERATION (detailed):
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday:
8:00am to 4:00pm (3:30pm close for client services/3:30pm to 4:00pm is staff paperwork/​meetings)
Wednesday:
8:00am to 12:00pm (12:00pm to 1:30pm is Bible study for all that want to attend; it’s not mandatory but the doors are locked during this time until service is over)
1:30pm to 4:00pm (3:30pm to 4:00pm is staff paperwork/​meetings)
Friday:
8:00am to 12:00pm (staff meetings and home visits)
CLOSING
Get involved in volunteering here or find a non-​profit organization near you to support. You won’t regret it! The blessings are often 3-​fold. ;)