The First Step

The First Step is a nonprofit organization situated in Belvidere, Illinois, which primarily focuses on promoting and fostering the overall development of children from low-income families in Boone County, Rockford, and McHenry City. The organization offers an educational environment for children starting at six weeks, continuing up until pre-K. To ensure the children's well-being, they provide nutritious meals, including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks, along with an added morning snack. In addition, The First Step offers before and after school care, setting up an e-learning environment during school closures due to COVID-19 and being ready to activate it again if needed. They also assist school-age children in searching for resources in specific classes. The organization strives to provide extra-curricular activities, such as music, art, and social experiences, to enrich the children's lives. With a mission to be a supportive agency for working parents whose children come from low-income families, The First Step encourages developmental growth in children between six weeks and eleven years by offering them the necessary tools to foster their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Creating a safe, secure, and nurturing environment allows the children to thrive, learn, and grow. The nonprofit currently employs 34 individuals.

The First Step is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The First Step submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.

Here are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $55,068
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $609,306

For more financial information, click here

The mission of The First Step, as a supportive agency, is to cater to the needs of working parents whose children originate from low-income families or single-parent households. They aim to foster the developmental growth of children aged six weeks to eleven years by equipping them with the necessary tools to enhance their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The organization provides a safe, secure, and nurturing environment, encouraging the children to explore freely, thereby enabling them to thrive, learn, and grow effectively.

Sue Wilson is the Executive Director of The First Step.

The First Step's revenue in 2022 was $891,652.

The average compensation at The First Step during 2022 was $19,540. There are 34 employees and 6 volunteers at The First Step.

Here are 7 key members and their salaries:

The The First Step’s most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here