First Steps

Thank you to Jessica Shepard and her daughter Madelyn, for their thoughtful donation. They purchased two diaper bags and then filled them with lots of new items for baby!

First Steps throws a baby shower for each of our expectant mothers. These items will be used for upcoming baby showers.🍼💗

Last week, Natalia, one of our Second Steps Coordinators, had the pleasure of taking Jean on her first grocery shopping trip to help her get settled into her new second steps apartment. 🛒🏠❤️

Together, they worked on creating a grocery list, choosing the essentials, and making sure Jean had everything she needed to start feeling comfortable in her new home.

Starting a new chapter can be both exciting and overwhelming, and having someone there to provide support along the way can make all the difference. We’re so happy to be part of Jean’s journey and help her take these important steps towards settling into her new home. 💕✨

🎉💙 Celebrating 5 Wonderful Years! 💙🎉

Last week at our Annual General Meeting, we had the joy of celebrating three very special members of our team who have reached an incredible 5-year milestone with us! ✨

💙 Mallory – Executive Director
💙 Jessica – Finance & Marketing
💙 Sheila – Nutrition

We are truly grateful for everything you each bring to our team and to the people we have the privilege of serving.

Thank you, Mallory, Jessica, and Sheila, for being such an important part of our work and our team. We’re so lucky to have you, and we’re grateful for every year, every laugh, and every moment shared along the way. 💙

❤️ FIRST STEPS COAT DRIVE ❤️

Winter is coming, and no one should have to face the cold without a warm coat.

We’re collecting NEW & GENTLY USED WINTER COATS for BABIES TO ADULTS! 👶🧒🧑🧓

📅 OCTOBER 22, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 KENT EAST SAINT JOHN, 85 Consumers Drive!

✨ Have a gently used winter coat ready for a new home? Want to help someone stay warm this winter?

BRING IT TO THE COAT DRIVE! 🧥❤️

Every coat donated can make a difference for someone in our community.

🧥 DONATE A COAT.
❤️ SHARE THE WARMTH.
❄️ HELP KEEP SAINT JOHN WARM.

Did you know that First Steps offers low-barrier, FREE onsite counselling for the residents in our programs with a licensed clinical therapist?

We know that true forward momentum starts with trust. Traditional care often means starting over from the beginning with a new counsellor time and time again, retelling your story and rebuilding trust from scratch. At First Steps, we remove that barrier.

By establishing a consistent, long-term relationship with our onsite therapist, mothers have a safe, familiar space to share their vulnerabilities and focus on deep, lasting healing. When we support mom’s mental health, we support the whole family. 💙

Every Child Matters. 🧡

💡 Collaboration in Action! 💡

Last week was filled with learning and connection as First Steps hosted an Advanced Grant Writing Workshop for 7 amazing local non-profit organizations. A huge thank you to our incredible facilitator, Katie Buckley, for sharing her expertise and helping us strengthen our collective impact. When non-profits collaborate, our entire community wins! 🤝✨

💕 Welcome, baby girl! 💕

First Steps is so excited to welcome a beautiful new addition to the home. Congratulations, Mama! Wishing you both lots of love, cuddles, and precious moments. 👶🩷

🌟 Two Child Care Spaces Available! 🌟

First Steps Early Learning Center is currently accepting 2 children, ages 0–24 months! 💛

📍 120 Coburg Street, Saint John
🕣 Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

If you’re looking for a caring and welcoming environment for your little one, we’d love to hear from you! 🧸✨

📩 Message us at [email protected] for more information or to inquire about availability.

Last night, First Steps held our Annual General Meeting! 🎉

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of the past year alongside our incredible Board and administration staff. We’re so grateful for everyone’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to First Steps!

As we reflected on the past year, we were proud to celebrate the impact of our programs and the lives touched through First Steps.

First Steps provided housing and support for 24 women and 18 children, while welcoming 7 healthy newborns into the home. The Dr. Christine Davies Education Centre had 8 women attend the centre and graduated in June 2025, with two graduates continuing their education at NBCC in the Personal Support Worker Program.

These accomplishments represent more than numbers, they reflect women and families building brighter, more stable futures. We’re incredibly proud of what was accomplished together and deeply thankful to everyone who continues to support the work of First Steps.

Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and making a difference together! 💙