First Step opens in Tiffin

TIFFIN — First Step Domestic Violence Services is expanding its presence in Seneca County with a new secure location in downtown Tiffin, giving people experiencing domestic violence greater access to criminal justice support and resources closer to the county's courts. The location is expected to begin serving individuals Oct. 1, coinciding with the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. First Step has provided domestic violence services from its Fostoria location for 46 years. The downtown Tiffin location will expand access to house those services and provide a private setting where individuals can meet with Criminal Justice Liaison Marrisa Orzechowski to discuss protection orders, divorce proceedings, court processes, paperwork and navigating the criminal justice system. Orzechowski said the move will help fill a significant need for legal and court-related assistance for survivors in the community. "Although I am unable to provide legal advice, I can help survivors better understand the court process and the criminal justice system, provide emotional support throughout the process, advocate for their needs, and ensure their voices are heard when they may feel unable to speak for themselves," Orzechowski said. First Step is partnering with Victim Assistance to provide additional resources at the Tiffin location. The agency can also help survivors file protection orders and can attend court hearings with them. "Our goal is to help bridge existing gaps in services and ensure survivors have access to the support, information and advocacy they need throughout the legal process," Orzechowski said. Orzechowski generally will be available in Tiffin on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during court hours. Individuals may use drop-in hours or contact First Step at 419-435-7300 to request assistance or arrange a meeting. She said that as need for the service grows and use of the office increases, First Step will consider expanding the available hours. Because the office is meant to serve as a secure location for people receiving domestic violence services, its address will not be publicly disclosed. First Step asked that individuals using the location and community members familiar with it respect the privacy and security of those seeking services. "The proximity of this new location to the courts, law enforcement and Victim Assistance will make it easier for individuals to connect with the resources they need as they navigate the criminal justice system," said Amy Kinney, executive director of First Step, in an announcement from Downtown Tiffin. "Having these services located close to our community partners creates a more accessible and coordinated environment for individuals seeking support." Orzechowski also spoke to the importance of maintaining a confidential and secure location in Tiffin. "When the opportunity arose to establish a presence in Tiffin, we knew it was important to make the community aware that additional support and advocacy services were available. But, at the same time, confidentiality and survivor safety remain our highest priorities. As we worked to expand our presence in Tiffin, we had to think creatively about how to increase awareness of these services without publicly disclosing the location of the office. Our goal is to ensure that survivors know support is available while maintaining a confidential and secure space for those accessing services," she said. Orzechowski said the confidential office space also will provide an opportunity to meet with survivors who may be unable to travel to Fostoria for advocacy services. To protect confidentiality and privacy, all meetings at the Tiffin office will be scheduled in advance. Donna Gross, Downtown Tiffin Main Street manager, detailed what bringing First Step's services to Tiffin means for the community. "Having First Step expand its services into Downtown Tiffin says a great deal about the kind of community we want to be," Gross said. "Downtown is the heart of our community, and it should be a place where people can find not only businesses and opportunities, but also important resources and support. It reinforces that Downtown Tiffin is a caring, welcoming place for everyone."