In support of our mission to eliminate the root causes of poverty, First State operates a variety of programs designed to educate, motivate, and support our clients on the road to self-sufficiency. We rely on funding from a variety of local, state, and federal sources. Some of our programs receive support from private donors who believe in us and trust us to use their funds in a way that will provide the best results.
Community Services
First State works passionately with low-income communities across the state to build strong leadership, increase resident involvement, and increase access to resources to address community issues and needs. Our goal is to continue to develop and foster consistent and sustainable community resources while increasing the opportunity for communities to network with other organizations and agencies.
Community-Based Youth Programs
Creating a safe environment for our children to learn and grow is at the heart of First State. Students are educated and enriched by activities designed to prevent use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. Our programs provide hands -on learning, after-school homework assistance, summer camps, physical fitness, and nutrition workshops.
Family Resource Development
For 53 years, First State has provided relief with emergency food, shelter and utilities, and assistance for those in need of emotional and physical support. Services also include life skills training, assistance in obtaining employment, income, education, and access to transportation.
Our programs include Emergency Services, Comprehensive Case Management, Promoting Safe and Stable Families, and Inside Outside Dad® Reentry Program.
Housing and Financial Literacy
Stable secure housing is vital to the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. First State provides comprehensive training that financially empowers lower-income families by way of Comprehensive Housing Counseling, First Time Home Buyers Education and Counseling, Mortgage Default Counseling, Credit and Budget Counseling, Homeless/Displaced Persons Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention Seminars, Financial Literacy Education Courses, Pre/Post Rental Tenancy Counseling, and Security Deposit Loan Programs.
Our Earned Income Tax Credit program assists household with statewide tax preparation for low-income households.
Professional Skills Training and Employment
First State helps those seeking livable wages with training and assistance in obtaining employment. We are proud of our graduates from Summer Youth Employment Program, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Culinary Arts Skills Training, and "Now We're Cooking" Vocational Foodservice Program including enrollment of students with disabilities.
Senior Companions & Senior Community Service
First State connects dedicated volunteers with our community's frail, elderly and handicapped, providing them with caring services, transportation to doctors, medical equipment and companionship. This allows recipients to continue living independently in their own homes, retain their dignity, and to make new friends.
Heating, Cooling, and Energy Programs
First State assists needy households with weatherization improvements, energy efficiency awareness, and cost-saving eco kits through Delaware LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Free home energy conservation workshops and energy-saving eco kits are available to improve quality, health, and safety.
Our Summer Cooling and Heating Repair programs help people to avoid dangerous health risks of excessive heat and cold.
