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FIRST Steps Together 

Peer recovery support designed for parents of young children. FIRST Steps Together offers mentoring, parenting guidance, and connections to community resources—helping families in recovery build stability, strengthen relationships, and create healthy futures.

About FIRST Steps Together

At Making Opportunity Count, FIRST (Families in Recovery SupporT) supports parents of children ages 0–5 who are in recovery from substance use. The program is designed by and for parents with lived experience, creating a compassionate space where families can find support, connection, and practical resources.

Through peer mentoring, parenting groups, and referrals to services such as counseling, housing, and healthcare, FIRST Steps Together empowers parents to strengthen recovery, nurture their children, and build stable, healthy lives.

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Our Services

FIRST Steps Together provides peer mentoring, parenting support, and community connections for parents in recovery with children up to 5. 

Peer Recovery Coaching

One-on-one support & counseling from trained peer mentors who have lived experience with recovery and parenting.

Parenting & Family Support 

Guidance and encouragement to help parents strengthen relationships, develop routines, and nurture children’s growth.

Groups & Community Connections

Parenting groups and recovery-friendly activities where families can connect, share, and build supportive networks.

Referrals & Resources

Connections to counseling, referrals to medication management, housing support, healthcare, and other community resources to meet family needs.

Get Started

Connect with a Peer Mentor:

Call us at 978-870-7639  or email FIRST@mocinc.org to get started. Eligibility is open to pregnant women and parents in recovery with children ages 0–5. A peer mentor will reach out to talk about your goals and how we can support your journey.

Join Groups & Activities: 

Ask about upcoming parenting groups, recovery-friendly activities, and family events happening in your community. These are open to parents in recovery and provide a chance to connect with others while building supportive networks.

Helpful Resources

FIRST Steps Together: Program Overview

Recovery & Parenting Toolkit

Real Stories of Recovery & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnant women, parents or caregivers of children ages 0–5 who are in recovery from substance use.

No. FIRST Steps Together is a peer support program. We connect families to treatment services if needed, but the program itself focuses on mentoring and family support.

No. Parents at any stage of recovery are welcome.

Peer mentors can connect you to local services that fit your family’s needs.

Our Impact

Last year, FIRST Steps Together supported over 150 families, providing peer mentoring, parenting groups, and connections to essential resources.

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Location Information

FIRST Steps Together is coordinated through our main office and serves families across North Central Massachusetts. Parents can contact the main site to connect with a peer mentor and learn about local groups and resources.

FIRST Steps Together

49 Nursery Lane, Suite 201
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Tel:  978–870-7639
Email: FIRST@mocinc.org

Services Provided

  • Peer recovery mentoring for parents with children ages 0–5
  • Parenting groups and family support activities
  • Referrals to counseling, housing, and healthcare services
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First Steps Together is funded by a grant from the substance abuse and mental health services administration to the Massachusetts department of public health. The program is administered by the bureau of family health and nutrition.

Have questions? Need help?
Let’s get in touch.

We’re here to answer any questions you have. Just reach out and a Making Opportunity Count employee will be happy to chat about how our organization can support you.

Phone: 978-870-7639 
Email: first@mocinc.org

Fill out the form and someone on our team will get back to you shortly.

Contact Us – FIRST