First Step House

04/01/2026

This April, we’re celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Month and all the amazing volunteers who show up for First Step House in so many ways.

In the past year, 175 volunteers contributed about 500 hours across 200 volunteer shifts – supporting our clients, programs, and spaces in ways that make a lasting impact.

Our volunteers help make recovery feel possible through:

🛠️ Home improvement and facility support
🥪 Food prep and meal service
💙 Hospitality and community‑building events
🌿 Health and wellness services
🗣️ Outreach, education, and direct support
📋 Organizational and committee support

Whether it’s painting a room or sharing a skill, every hour given created a more supportive and welcoming environment for people in our community.

To our volunteers: THANK YOU for your time and your generosity!

03/30/2026

We checked the forecast for April 1: 100% chance of skiing… for a good cause. 😎❄️

Join us this week for Snowbird's Play Forever Wednesday. Your lift ticket automatically supports people rebuilding their lives.

See you on the mountain! ⛰️✨

03/27/2026

We’re honored to recognize Morgan Stanley as a supporter of First Step House’s Medical Integration Program.

Access to basic medical care is essential for our clients’ success in treatment and long term recovery. With Morgan Stanley’s support, our Medical Integration Program enables clients to take charge of their health by connecting them with trusted community providers, offering immunization education, ensuring vaccine access, and providing onsite testing and medication support.

Thank you, Morgan Stanley!

03/25/2026

Save the date.

First Course for First Step House is our annual morning of meaning and connection. Each year, nearly 300 business and community leaders come together in support of Utahns rebuilding their lives through recovery, housing, and stability.

📅 Wednesday, May 6, 2026
📍 Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House

We hope you’ll join us!

03/24/2026

What started as ice cream turned into something much more. 🍨

A local youth group spent the evening with us, sharing dessert, conversation, and genuine connection. Our clients expressed how much community support like this means to them – and when the group left, everyone felt a little lighter. We’re so thankful for their kindness and presence.

03/23/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Laurel Willoughby for receiving the First Step House Inclusivity Award! 🏆

One nominator shared: “There is one client who comes to mind who is very difficult to work with and lots of barriers in place... Despite these challenges, Laurel is relentless in her efforts to assist the direction and goals of her client while maintaining respect for herself, the client, and the space they are in.”

We are proud to acknowledge Laurel for her commitment to compassion. Thank you for all that you do, Laurel! ❤️

03/20/2026

Happy Spring Equinox! 🌸

Today, day and night are in perfect balance, and light begins to outpace darkness.

The equinox reminds us:
Balance is possible.
Light returns.
Growth follows dormancy.

As spring begins, may you find balance, light breaking through, and hope in new beginnings.

Happy first day of spring! 🌱

03/20/2026

We’re honored to recognize LB Charitable Foundation as a generous supporter of First Step House’s Valor House.

With their partnership, Valor House continues to offer safe transitional housing and the wrap‑around services veterans need to stabilize, heal, and move toward independence. Residents at Valor House receive comprehensive support including case management, health and wellness services, therapy, employment assistance, life‑skills development, and pathways to secure long‑term housing.

Thank you, LB Charitable Foundation, for standing with Utah’s veterans and investing in their future.

03/20/2026

Eid Mubarak! 🌙

To everyone in our community celebrating the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr: May your day be filled with joy, peace, and blessings.

Wishing you a beautiful celebration with loved ones!

03/19/2026

We’re grateful to be featured in today’s Church News highlighting collaboration between Church Military Relations, Transitional Services, First Step House, and Valor House in support of veterans.

As Development Director Mary T. Calhoon shared, “First Step House is committed to healthcare housing and wrap-around holistic support for folks who are facing some of life’s biggest challenges.”

That commitment is strengthened through long‑standing partnerships, including support from the Church through the Bishop’s Storehouse, Deseret Industries, and area humanitarian programs.

Matt Kimmel, a specialist with Church Transitional Services, observed, “Those experiencing homelessness… need more than one resource or one organization to fill all of the gaps that they have in their lives. [First Step House] is so comprehensive… and very compassionate in the way they go about it.”

We’re thankful to the members of The Church who joined us on the tour and took time to learn more about how we can better serve veterans together.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/hE8C50YwqeO

Church Military Relations and Transitional Services toured First Step House facilities to learn how they could provide greater care for those in need.

03/18/2026

We had a great conversation with Phil O’Bryan on K‑LOVE about the work happening at First Step House.

In this interview, Development Director Mary T. Calhoon shares how First Step House supports people rebuilding their lives after incarceration, homelessness, and substance use disorder – and why housing, medical care, and mental health support all matter in recovery.

Thank you to K‑LOVE for helping amplify conversations about recovery and stability in our community.

🎧 Listen here: https://bit.ly/4b9q46F

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from First Step House! 🍀

Today's fun fact: St. Patrick’s Day was historically a day of renewal and community gathering in Ireland. This holiday symbolized hope, resilience, and new beginnings after long winters.

Here’s to fresh starts and the community support that makes change possible! 💚