OUR PASSION
First Step Options is a Christian charitable organization providing compassionate care to women, men and families facing pregnancy and early parenting-related challenges.
OUR VISION
We envision a community where the love and grace of Jesus Christ are reflected in how we care for those facing pregnancy or parenting-related challenges. Through compassion, practical support, and education, we seek to empower individuals and families to flourish, affirming the God-given value of every life and inspiring hope for the future.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ by offering compassionate support, practical help, and empowerment through education to anyone facing a pregnancy or parenting-related challenge. We walk alongside each person with kindness and understanding, affirming the value of every life and inspiring hope through faith and care.
OUR STORY Charitable Status #896363 116 R0001
In 1998, the idea of a Pregnancy Resource Centre was conceived by a group of caring individuals who recognized the need in our community to support women and men dealing with unintended pregnancy and pregnancy loss. A steering committee was formed and work began to develop our mission statement and core documents and to apply for incorporation status which was granted in October of 2000.
Our founding director Greta Landry-Masseau was hired in 2001 and we officially opened our doors on November 24th, 2006 under the name Pregnancy Support Services of the Upper Ottawa Valley. We were located in the basement floor of a building located at 203 Isabella Street, Pembroke.
We made what was to be a temporary move to 337 Murray street and changed our name to First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre to better represent the full scope of our services and the entire demographic we serve. We ended up renting this location for 13 years. We were grateful to our landlords - St John's Lutheran Church for keeping the rent at such a minimum that we were able to save funds for purchasing a new home.
In January 2024 we launched a capital campaign to raise funds for a permanent home for the Centre. . . On December 18th 2024 we officially purchased 362 Miller Street our current location.
Since our doors first opened we have had the privilege of serving over 1200 clients.
We are a faith based non-political organization and our work is an extension of our faith, - to love and serve others. While our faith motivates our actions, there is absolutely no expectation that those receiving our care must share or subscribe to these beliefs. Please know that although we are happy to talk about spiritual matters there is never any pressure to do so. Our only focus is on caring for each individual who comes to our door.
WHAT WE VALUE
Compassion
We meet every person with kindness, empathy and genuine care, recognizing that every story and circumstance is unique.
Hope
We encourage individuals and families to see possibilities for a positive future and to take their next step with confidence.
Truth & Integrity
We provide accurate, honest and relevant information while operating with transparency, accountability and integrity.
Empowerment
We equip individuals with knowledge, skills, resources and encouragement so they can make informed decisions and become the person they want to be.
Respect
We honour each person's story, values, beliefs and experiences and provide support without discrimination or condemnation.
Confidentiality
We protect the privacy of those we serve and provide a safe and confidential environment.
Community
We believe families thrive when communities come together to support them. We value partnerships, volunteers, donors and other community organizations.
Excellence
We strive to provide high-quality, professional and continually improving services to those we serve.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that every person has inherent value, dignity and worth because they are created by God and deeply loved by Him.
We believe in extending grace, compassion and hope to every person who walks through our doors. We seek to meet people where they are, listen to their stories, respect their dignity and walk alongside them as they take their next steps.
We believe that practical support can make a meaningful difference. Through material assistance, education, referrals, parenting programs and ongoing encouragement, we seek to help individuals and families build confidence and experience greater stability.
We believe families thrive when communities come together to support them. We value partnerships, volunteers, donors and other community organizations.
GET TO KNOW US
We are governed by a Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director.
We are 100% community funded .
Donalee
Executive Director
Donalee became a part of the FSO team in 2007 serving as Receptionist/Administrator then moving into the role of Client Services and currently serving as Executive Director. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 40 years and together they have been blessed with 3 wonderful children and 6 exquisite grandchildren. Her faith motivates her actions to love and serve others, helping them to find support and hope in their life circumstances.
Bev
Receptionist /Administrator
Bev is married to Rev Kevin Wilson, lead pastor at Wesley Community Church.
Together they have one daughter. Bev has taught for thirty plus years in Christian education.
She also served as Children's Ministry Director for ten years in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
In addition to her office duties, she applies her talents and experiences to facilitate and oversee our BrightCourse life skills program.
Mary
Client Services Worker
Mary joined the FSO team as a volunteer when her family moved to Pembroke in 2019. She enjoys hearing peoples stories and connecting with them. Since unexpectedly becoming a mother 16 years ago, to being a single mom 3 years later, it has been her passion to give support to other women through the joys and tough times, letting them know that there is hope, help and people who care.
Reverend Janet
Board Chair
Janet has been a supporter of FSO for many years. She is passionate, caring and loves the Lord. She is a proud mother of three daughters and has 9 grandchildren. Janet brings with her the experience of working with women who struggle due to circumstances out of their control. She also recognizes that it is only by the grace of God that we are able to continue on this journey of life set before us.
Esther
Treasurer
Esther considers it a privilege to work alongside First Step Options in Pembroke. As she works with clients, volunteers, and with the Board of Directors, Esther draws on many years of ministry, educational, and vocational experiences. Over time, Esther has learned that God will always be there to help you; giving comfort, strength, guidance, hope – even joy where and when they are needed. Esther and her husband have two adult children and they are full-time kinship parents to a third son.
Deborah
Board Member
Reflecting on my personal experience of a teenage pregnancy, I wish I would have had available to me the hope and support that First Step Options provides. I am a retired SSW, with 3 adult children and 7 grands. I feel blessed by the opportunity to serve on the board of a pregnancy care centre and I continue to rely daily on God's ever present amazing love.
Karl
Board Member
An employment opportunity brought Karl and his family to the Ottawa Valley almost 10 years ago. They joined a local church and quickly got plugged in to ministry there. Karl serves both as an elder in his church, and a co-leader of men’s ministry. Karl and his wife believe strongly in the ministry of First Step Options, and looks forward to serving on the board.
David
Board Member
David is thankful for the opportunity to serve at First Step Options. As he works with clients, volunteers and the Board of Directors, David draws on his many years of leadership in ministry and industry. David has learned over the years that while life can present many challenges, God can be relied on to meet our needs in ways that exceed our expectations. David and his wife have two adult children and one grandchild who all live locally.
MORE INFORMATION:
All services are free and confidential. First Step Options has staff and volunteers who have received training in client support and advocacy. We are not a medical facility and do not provide medical services, including, but not limited to, abortion referral or procedures and abortifacients, prenatal/ postnatal medical care, medical testing, or imaging. Our services are meant to complement, not replace, professional medical care. We provide lab quality urine pregnancy tests and advise all pregnancies should be confirmed by a doctor.
Although we provide support to women considering adoption, we are not an adoption agency.
FIRST STEP OPTIONS AFFILIATES:
Contact Us
Phone: 613-635-7440
Email: fsocentre@gmail.com
Address: 362 Miller St, Pembroke, ON
Hours of operation: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 4pm