ABOUT MEN’S FIRSTEP
A coordinated partnership between the Oklahoma City Police Department and OKC Metro Alliance, FIRSTEP offers gender-specific rehabilitation programming as an alternative to incarceration. The facility provides long-term residential treatment for men struggling with chemical dependency. Although FIRSTEP is a treatment facility, the program is focused on work-related recovery. FIRSTEP also offers a women’s program.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
According to FIRSTEP’s website, the organization’s goal is to divert clients from incarceration by providing recovery assistance. Based on a work-therapy model, clients do various jobs around their community, including meal preparation, building reconstruction and painting, and others.
The website does not specify other types of treatment offered, though feedback collected by Best-rehabs.com suggested family events and 12-step meetings are available. Clients unable to lift 40 to 50 lbs, diagnosed with severe mental health issues, or charged with violent felonies or sexual offenses are not eligible for the program.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The men’s FIRSTEP have program directors, but staff personnel are not listed on the website. Seven individuals polled by Best-rehabs.com to date rated staff’s level of experience and training an average 2.9 out of five stars.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
According to the center’s website, the center is located on the west side of Lake Stanley Draper in Oklahoma City. FIRSTEP serves up to 70 male clients. Pictures depict clients working outside either painting or constructing houses.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Six alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com to date left mixed ratings of FIRSTEP. Four of those alumni rated the facility highest in exercise and leisure options, connectivity and visitor policy, cleanliness, and affordability at 3.5 out of five stars each. They rated it lowest in holistic treatment offerings at just two stars. The other two alumni rated the facility highest in its level of staff support at five and four stars, and well enough in exercise options and cleanliness at three and four stars, but lowly in other metrics such as connectivity, holistic treatment offerings, and opportunities for leisure.
In feedback, alumni praised the work therapy model but noted its lack of individual or group therapy options. Alum K.C. wrote: “It’s a work facility so we didn’t receive alot of one one treatment or much group but it worked for me because I wanted it!”
On Google, seven individuals to date rated the men’s FIRSTEP program an average 3.3 out of five stars, with three one-star ratings and four perfect five-star ratings. On Facebook, where the facility’s can manage their reviews, 17 reviewers to date rated the men’s FIRSTEP an average 4.6 out of five stars, with 15 perfect ratings, one three-star rating, and one one-star rating. In comments, clients praised the staff, with alum Jeremiah writing: “the people I met here became my family and friends for life every blessing I have now I owe to the Lord almighty and firstep men’s program.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Three loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave FIRSTEP slightly more positive ratings, rating the facility highest in cleanliness and affordability at an average four out of five stars and lowest in holistic treatment offerings at an average 2.7 stars.
In comments, one loved one described the facility’s atmosphere as “relaxed,” but another detracted the facility for a lack of other treatment options. Loved one T.G. wrote: “No aftercare, limited services, no inclusion of family in the recovery process.” On third-party sites, two loved ones disapproved of FIRSTEP’s supervision practices. Loved one Dana wrote on Google: “At first it seemed like a great place. After visiting for 3 months, I have found that the men can walk out at anytime.”
FINANCING
Treatment costs approximately $45 per day per client. According to FIRSTEP’s website, “No one is turned away because of their inability to pay.”
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