2006 annual report | faces of recovery

Ms. Geraldine Aaron • Mr. Peter Abbott • Ms. Marjorie Achbar • Ms. Eve Adelman • AIG VALIC • Mr. and Mrs. Robert Albert • Ms. Marian Allen • Anonymous • Aon Consulting

Ms. June Apisdorf • Ms. Maureen August • Baskerville/Swirles/Ward • Bahia Vista Estates Women’s Club • Ms. Margie Barancik • Ms. Susan Bassett-Klauber

Mr. and Mrs. Jose Basurco • Mr. and Mrs. William Beall • Mr. and Mrs. David Beesley • Mr. Jack Begy • Mr. Tobey Belmont • Benchmark Blueprinting • Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Bendit

Beneva Flowers • Mr. Bernard Berkman • Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bisca • Mr. and Mrs. Barry Black • Harold C. and Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation, Inc. • Ms. Patricia Blasiola

Ms. Lucia Blinn • Bouchard Insurance • Ms. Susan Brainerd and Mr. Alan Quinby • Ms. Sandy Brandt • Ms. Shannon Buckley • Mr. Bill Byrne • Byron Family Corporation

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Cardamone • Mr. and Mrs. Richard Carlson • Mr. John Cerepack • Ms. Susan Chapman • Charles & Chase • Chelsea K Distributors • Mr. Lenny Chew

Children First • Christopher’s on Lido • Mr. and Mrs. Dave Christophy • Church of the Palms • Circle Books • City of Sarasota • Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Clayton, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Trent Cole • Mr. Thomas Coler • Community Foundation of Sarasota County • Community of Hope Lutheran Church • Community Presbyterian Women

Mr. Robert Coppenrath • Ms. Mariana Cotton • Council on Alcohol and Drugs • Cove Cleaners • Ms. Betty Danto • DaSaka Salon • Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Day

Mr. and Mrs. Laurence DeLynn • Ms. Kathy Dent • Ms. Harriet Deutch • Diva Angels • Ms. Sue Doherty • Mr. and Mrs. Dave Donofrio • Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Donohoo

Mr. James Doyle • Mr. Marshall Dranetz • Ms. Miriam Edlin • Ms. Rebecca Eger • Ms. Barbara Eisenstein • Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eklund • Elizabeth’s Consignments

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford English • Evolution Health and Fitness • Mr. Ken Fallon • Mr. and Mrs. Mark Famiglio • Fawcett • Ms. Nancy Feehan • Fifth Third Bank

First United Methodist Church • First Watch • Fleming’s • Ms. Anne Flinter • Ms. Liz Flower • Forty Carrots • The Ruth M. Foy Charitable Foundation, Inc. • Franklin Lighting

Mr. and Mrs. A. James Freeman • Mrs. Beatrice Friedman • Ms. Carolyn Garvey • Ms. Marilyn Gerkin • Ms. Natalie Gibson • Ms. Patricia Gondelman • Ms. Bernice Gourse

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Granholm • Mr. and Mrs. Donald Green • Mr. and Mrs. Donald Grierson • GTR Foundation • Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice • Mr. Mort Haas

Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation Trust • Mr. Eugene Halsey • Mr. Bruce Hamilton • Mr. Jack Handel • Mr. Jack Hansen • Ms. Madelyn Harris and Mr. Peter Wilson

Mrs. Shirleyann Haveson • Mr. and Mrs. Allan Heffron • Mr. Chuck Hofelich • Ms. Marlene Horwitz • Ms. Renae Hosey • Ms. Genevieve Jackson • Ms. Joan Jacobs

Ms. Stacey Jacobs • Ms. Christine Jennings • JKL Design Group • John Carl Spa and Salon • Junior League of Sarasota • Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kadison • Ms. Janet Kaplan

Ms. Peggy Kaplan • Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kartoz • Mr. Gerald Keane • Ms. Susan Kerstan and Mr. Nick Devito • Ms. Madeline Kestenbaum • Ms. Alene Kilpatrick

Kirkwood Presbyterian Women • Ms. Alice Kondrat • Mr. Arthur Korney • Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kostroun • Ms. Pat Kralis • Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kretchmer

KSC Advertising & Public Relations • Ms. Darlene Kunkle • Mr. and Mrs. Mark Lair • Mr. and Mrs. Roger Lampton • Ms. Jennie Lascelle • Ms. Marilyn Lee

Ms. Shirley Levine • Cheryl M. Loeffler Charitable Foundation • Longboat Key Democratic Club • Looks Hair Design • Mr. and Dr. Wilfred Lorry • Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Maass

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Malkin • Manasota Flooring, Inc. • Marker 4 Oyster Bar • Mary’s on Main • Ms. Lydia McIntire • McIntyre, Ewell and Strammer • Mr. John McNamara

Ms. Lillian Meckler • Mediserv Pharmacy • Mr. Richard Melson • Mr. and Mrs. Norman Menell • Merrill Lynch • Michael’s On East • Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mintzer

Ms. Sharon Moody • Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Moorman • Mr. Florist Plants n’ Things • Mr. and Mrs. Irving Naiditch • Nail Capitol • Knox Family Foundation

National Temperance Society • Northern Trust • Ms. Shirley Oscn • Paradise Gallery • Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Parker • Parties by Rodi, Inc. • PattiGeorge’s • Peace River Presbytery

Pelican Cove • Ms. Marjorie Peter • Mr. and Mrs. Mark Peters • Mr. and Mrs. Robert Peterson • Pivot Point International, Inc. • Mr. Dave Porter • Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Preiser

Presbyterian Women of Church of the Palms • Presbyterian Women of Community Presbyterian Church • Presbyterian Women of Siesta Key Chapel

Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch • Ms. Carolyn Primus • Mr. and Mrs. Terance Purcell • Dr. and Mrs. Murray Renfrew • Ms. Karen Reuter • Ms. Marilyn Rhein Kollar

Ms. Janet Ricker-Whitehead • Robb & Stucky • Mr. and Mrs. Karl Rohlen • Lynne D. Ross Design Associates • Mr. Robert Rowe • Leonard Rubenstein, MD PA

Mr. and Mrs. Burton Sack • Saks Fifth Avenue • Ms. Julie Salzman • Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Sande • Sarasota Baptist Church • Sarasota Commercial Management • Ms. Betty Schiff

Mr. and Mrs. Norm Schimmel • Ms. Elaine Schlanger • Mr. and Mrs. Harold Schneider • Ms. Betty Schoenbaum • Mr. William Schwartz • Ms. Helen Schwan • Mrs. Sondra Seidman

William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation • Ms. Barbara Sengelmann • Ms. Mary Anne Servian • Ms. Dawn Sharp • Siesta Key Chapel • Ms. Barbara Sigurdson

Mr. Ron Silva • Mr. John Simon • Sir Speedy • Ms. Jody Sloan • Ms. Jean Slocum • Ms. Victoria Smart • Ms. Beverly Sommer • Ms. Anne Spurge • Ms. Maxine Stabins

State of the Arts • Ms. Ruth Steel • Ms. Claire Stern • Ms. Tracey Stogel • Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation • Sun Hydraulics Corporation • Sun-N-Fun Resort

Sunny Day Soap • SuperChem • Ms. Becky Titus • Mr. Bob Trumpy • Ms. Anne Tsigournis • Ms. Mary Ann Turcotte • U.S. Home • U.S. Lec • The Upholstery Shoppe

Vamo United Methodist Church • Venice Little Theater • Venice Presbyterian Women • Mr. and Mrs. William Vernon • Mr. and Mrs. Archie Walker • Wal-Mart

Ms. Susan Warrington • Ms. Jane Webb • Mr. Sheldon Weinstein • Welch Foundation • West Family Tree Video • Ms. Ruth Wexler • Ms. Alice Williams • Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wolcott

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wolski • Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wright • Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Zaccone • Ms. Gabrielle Zawacki

First Step thanks these donors whose generosity demonstrates a commitment to our mission.

This list includes donations received between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If an error has been made, please accept our apology and call 941-552-2476 with the correction. Thank you.

Although First Step has energized and inspired me for more than six

years, this year has been the most challenging and satisfying. As our

fiscal year came to a close, First Step was preparing to open its new

Addictions Receiving Facility (ARF). The ARF and the 10-week VIP-ER

program represent two parts of the three-phased Community Alterna-

tives Residential Treatment (CART) initiative, a collaboration involving

First Step, the judicial system, law enforcement and other social service

agencies. CART wraps a network of support around some of our

community’s most needy individuals by facilitating their access to detox and assessment, addiction

recovery programs, mental health care, temporary housing, jobs and family counseling.

Even in Sarasota County, one of America’s most affluent, the number of homeless and helpless

continues to grow. The third phase of the CART initiative, providing safe, sober, and affordable

housing, will make a difference for many. Together, we must find a way to provide a mix of transitional

and independent housing for the men and women who confront their addictions. Our community

shares a responsibility to provide those in recovery a haven from the lifestyle they have left behind.

First Step changes lives and saves families. Please join us in our efforts.

David J. Beesley, MPH

President/CEO

president’s letter

2

Since I entered a recovery program,

my entire life has changed. I’ve

given birth to a chemical-free baby

girl, now seven months old and

very healthy. I have also been

reunited with my three sons.

I know now that as long as

I’m clean, what I thought was

impossible is possible.

One in five Americans say that an addiction to alcohol or drugs has

impacted their life, whether their own addiction, that of a child, par-

ent, spouse, or friend. And, while this statistic is based on national

data, we need to understand that Sarasota faces the same problem.

First Step served more than 7,500 clients this year – adolescents,

adults and families from Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties.

Unfortunately, as the number of people seeking First Step services

continues to grow, many lack adequate health insurance or other financial resources necessary

to support their recovery. Although some individuals benefit from public assistance or First Step’s

generous sliding fee scale, we need to recognize that substance abuse is an illness, and like other

illnesses, treatment is costly. We are grateful for the generosity of our friends, including those

recognized in this report, and we urge others to join with them in support of First Step’s efforts.

Mary Anne Servian

Chair, Board of Directors

board of directors’ letter

4

My life began October 18, 2000.

That day, for the first time

ever, I began to live life on

life’s terms, without the use

of any mind-altering drugs.

That was the day I began

the journey to being a

responsible worker, loving

wife, and a good mother

to my children.

6

board of directors

6

Mary Anne Servian, Chair

Gerald Keane, Esq., Vice Chair

Lynne Ross, Secretary

Richard Dobbyn, Treasurer

Peter Abbott

Steve Alexander

William Balkwill

Linda Christy

Craig Cranston

Christine Jennings

John Lambie

Kevin O’Neil, M.D.

John Scalzi

our mission

First Step of Sarasota prevents and treats

alcohol and drug addictions and associated

disorders. We foster fully functioning,

productive individuals by offering a full array

of services in partnership with our community.

I have so many things to

be grateful for and the most

important is that I’m free of

the old lifestyle as long as

I choose to be. This is only

the beginning of a new life

as long as I continue to

work hard.

First Step is dedicated to helping people under-

stand their addiction and experience recovery.

In fiscal year 2006, 7,612 individuals received

care from our residential, outpatient and

prevention programs in their efforts to live a

healthy, safe and sober life one day at a time.

When one family member suffers with an

addiction to alcohol or drugs, the whole family

is affected. We know that recovery is stronger

and more effective when family members are

involved with their loved one’s treatment

program. First Step helps people working

toward recovery restore balance and health

in their home, work, and personal life… by

changing lives and saving families.

This report shares the faces of people who are

enjoying recovery. Organizations working to cure

other diseases have people, often including a

celebrity spokesperson, who raise money, lobby

legislators, and promote awareness in their

search for a cure. Unfortunately, many people

consider an addiction a lifestyle choice rather

than an illness. First Step hopes this report

begins to eliminate the stigma of addiction.

changing lives, saving families

8

Though no one can go back and

make a brand new start,

anyone can start from now and

make a brand new end.

• Earned reaccreditation from the Commission

on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

• Hosted a conference on alcohol, chemical

dependence and relapse prevention for more

than 100 judges, attorneys and officers of the

12th Judicial Circuit

• Expanded the detox unit and opened the

Addictions Receiving Facility on time and

on budget

• Provided Marchman Act training for 120 law

enforcement officers, health care providers,

judges and other community stakeholders

• Detox Unit named Best Intervention Program

by Florida’s Department of Children and Families

and the Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association

• Graduated the first class from the Voluntary

Interim Placement-Enhanced Recovery (VIP-ER)

program for homeless, substance abusing

individuals

• Opened a new Court Services Office

• Opened a new Family Services Center

• Mothers & Infants program celebrated the birth

of its 167th substance-free baby

• Expanded outpatient services in Arcadia

• Approved to award professional CEUs in ethics

and addictions education

10

highlights of the year

Early in my recovery, I often found

myself asking, “Why did I end up

a person with an addiction to

alcohol and other drugs?”

But by the age of 21, I found

myself in my counselor’s office

on the university campus,

admitting I had a problem.

Adult Detoxification

Adult Outpatient Counseling

Anger Alternatives Program

Assessment and Referrals

Case Management

Co-occurring Diseases Program

Court-Mandated Offender Programs

Crisis Counseling

Crisis Stabilization

Drug Court

DUI & Drug Services

Early Intervention

Family Reunification & Support

Halfway House

Homeless Care

Marchman Act Referrals

Prevention Programs

Psychiatric Services

Residential Recovery Programs

School-Based Prevention and Intervention Services

Senior Outreach

Substance Abuse Education

Therapeutic Communities

Youth Outpatient Counseling

services

12

First Step provides services under contracts funded by the following:

Central Florida Behavioral Health Network

Florida Department of Children and Families

Florida Department of Corrections

Sarasota County

School Board of Manatee County

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

The Florida Center for Child and Family Development

United States Probation Office

United Way of Sarasota County

In 2006, First Step served a total of 7,612 individuals in its recovery and prevention programs.

client demographics

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

% 24 16 10 11 15 24 % 35 29 21 4 10 <1

% 53 17 28 <1 <1 <1 <1

% 9 18 36 32 5

Clients Served

Client ProfilesBy Age

% 60 40

Client ProfilesBy Gender

Client ProfilesBy Geographic Area

% 37 29 16 6 4 3 5

Client ProfilesBy Primary Drug of Choice

% 41 23 11 12 13

Expenses

Revenue

Revenue and Support

Awards and Grants $5,444,390 County and Local 1,710,643 Client Fees 2,818,617 United Way 40,935 Contributions 47,576 Interest and Investment Income 62,758 Other Income 56,487 Total Revenue and Support $10,180,406

Expenses

Program Services $8,426,473 Administration 1,258,758 Total Functional Expenses $9,685,231

Net Assets

Change in Net Assets $495,175 Net Assets, Beginning of Year 4,847,667 Net Assets, End of Year $5,342,842

Year ended June 30, 2006

Financial information prepared from the financial statements of First Step of Sarasota, Inc., as audited by Purvis Gray and Co., Certified Public Accountants.

First Step of Sarasota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We rely on the generosity of our donors and friends to help fund the new programs, services and capital improvements required to meet the need for recovery programs.

financial report

14

I grew up in an affluent neighbor-

hood, went to good schools, and

spent my summers on the beach.

I had everything a child could

want. These advantages did not

save me from the disease of

addiction. From my first drink

at age 14, I was hooked. My

drinking was a serious problem,

and then I began to use metham-

phetamines, prescription medi-

cine and finally heroin before

being arrested. Upon release

from jail, my mother convinced

me to go into treatment.

My life is full of hope.

16

Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way

As a First Step alum, friend or donor, you know the cost of addiction is high.

People seeking recovery are making an investment in their futures. Similarly, we

can all make an investment in the future of First Step. Leaving something behind

to help future generations is one of the most satisfying things we can do.

A bequest in your will is one of the easiest ways to accomplish this.

Your bequest can be a specific amount, a percentage of your estate or the

residue when all other bequests have been satisfied. If you already have a will,

you can add a bequest to First Step simply and inexpensively via a codicil using

language such as:

I give and bequeath $______ (or ___% of my estate or the residue of my estate)

to the endowment fund of First Step of Sarasota, Inc., a non-profit, charitable

corporation located at 1970 Main Street, Sarasota, FL.

Bequests do not have to be large to have a worthwhile impact. For instance,

a $10,000 bequest specified for endowment will provide (at 8% yield) a perpet-

ual gift of $800 per year to First Step. If you have already made arrangements

to include First Step in your will, we would appreciate knowing. If you haven’t,

please consider this important move soon to memorialize your commitment to

First Step. There is an unlimited estate tax charitable deduction for charitable

bequests. Please consult your attorney or tax advisor for details.

Bequest Interest Response FormConfidential

_____ I have already included First Step of Sarasota in my will.

_____ I would like to include First Step of Sarasota in my will.

_____ Please notify me about upcoming estate planning seminars.

Name______________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ______________________________________________

Phone______________________ Email__________________________

Please complete and return to:

Donna Wolski, VP of Development,

First Step of Sarasota, 1970 Main St.,

5th Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236

or call 941-552-2476.

18

Directory

www.fsos.org941-366-5333800-266-6866

Administrative Offices1970 Main Street, 5th FloorSarasota, FL 34236

Special Services & Addictions Receiving Facility1726 18th StreetSarasota, FL 34234

Residential Center4613 N. Washington Blvd.Sarasota, FL 34234

Outpatient Offices1970 Main Street, 3rd FloorSarasota, FL 34236

2210 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 10Venice, FL 34293

819 N. Mills Avenue, Suite EArcadia, FL 34266

Family Services Center1750 17th Street, Unit K-2Sarasota, FL 34234

Court Services2075 Main Street, Suite 2Sarasota, FL 34236

Family Emergency Treatment Center1404 14th Street WestBradenton, FL 34205

1970 Main Street5th FloorSarasota, FL 34236941-366-5333800-266-6866www.fsos.org

FSP6-034, 10/06, 2.7M