What Happens If I Reach Out?
You will be asked for enough information to help First Light understand what you are looking for and whether the program appears to be an appropriate next step. Participation is voluntary. If First Light is not the right fit, we will make the next step as clear as we can and point you toward other resources when appropriate.
You do not need to tell your entire story simply to ask for help.
Start Where You Are
First Light Support
If you are beyond immediate crisis and looking for structured help with patterns, boundaries, relationships, coping, self-trust, or simply figuring out what comes next, learn about First Light Circles.
Immediate Help
If you are in immediate danger, need emergency assistance, or need active crisis support, First Light is not an emergency service. Use our Crisis & Immediate Help page for appropriate crisis and safety resources.
Other Resources
If therapy, victim services, mental health support, community services, or another kind of help may be more appropriate, explore our resource directory.
Is First Light For Me?
First Light is designed for women impacted by domestic or sexual violence who are beyond immediate crisis and ready for structured, non-clinical support.
It may be worth exploring if:
- You feel safe enough to focus on what comes next.
- You recognize patterns you want to understand or change.
- You want practical support with boundaries, relationships, coping, decision-making, or self-trust.
- You want accountability and connection without being judged for how you survived.
- You are in therapy, have completed therapy, cannot access therapy, or want additional structure for applying what you are learning to everyday life.
What you’re applying for
First Light Circles is a free, non-clinical six-month peer-support program for women who are beyond immediate crisis. Small, consistent groups meet every other week with a practical focus on regulation, healthier patterns, identity, and what comes next.
Six months of Circle support
Meet every other week in a small, consistent group for structured, non-clinical peer support over six months.
Up to six therapy sessions
Eligible participants may access up to six individual sessions with a licensed therapist in First Light’s referral network.
Career support
Free career coaching is available throughout the program, with interview opportunities through community business partners when there is a fit.
Partner experiences
Additional experiences may include equine therapy and partner-provided wellness and confidence-building support.
Partner experiences are subject to availability and are delivered directly by participating partner organizations. First Light coordinates eligibility and scheduling. After you apply, First Light usually follows up within 24 hours to talk through fit and next steps.