About Us

Our mission is to keep young men out of prison and help them build better lives. We’re proud to say our mission is working.

92% success rate. Our grads lead productive lives and don’t commit new crimes.

20-25 enrollees. Up to 50% are supporting a wife and children.

$3.3 M saved from 2017–2020. Saving Oklahoma taxpayer’s hard-earned money.

GuideStar-recognized. An independent watchdog ensuring donations are well spent.

OKCNP-certified. Part of Oklahoma’s statewide network for nonprofits.

Our success has only been possible thanks to our supporters and donors. Proudly, we are faithful stewards of our supporter’s generous donations, and have the record of success to prove it. We’re just getting started.

Help us advance our mission, save Oklahoma taxpayer’s money, and keep non-violent offenders out from behind bars and teach them to become better husbands, fathers, citizens—and men. 

Here’s how your support can change lives.

Expanding Residences Help us grow our mission and give young men a place to call home as we help more people in need.

Van Provide the means to safely transport young men, so they don’t have to risk relying on bad influences just to get a ride to and from work.

Security System Keep the young men in our program, their families or guests, and our team safe. 

House Furnishings Create a welcoming place for young men to call home, so they can focus on improving their lives in comfort and dignity. 

In 2016, Oklahoma imprisoned more people than any other state in the nation per capita. Many young men sat behind bars due to non-violent criminal offenses, but with  guidance could go on to lead better, more productive lives. 

But only if someone gave them a chance.

Tulsa Chief Public Defender Rob Nigh, Tulsa Assistant Public Defender David Phillips, and retired Judge William Kellough saw the same young men going from school to prison to probation and back to prison, time and time again. This prison cycle was unsustainable and the problem was only going to get worse. They committed to stopping “the school to prison pipeline” that has plagued our state and destroyed families for decades. 

That same year, 1st Step was founded.

1st Step’s purpose is to provide young men, ages 18-25, who have committed nonviolent offenses a way out of prison, by providing them counseling, therapy, career training, job placement, mentoring, life skills, and a safe, sober place to call home.

Under the supervision of a professional staff and a Tulsa County felony judge, 1st Step welcomed its first candidate on July 1, 2017. Since then we have enrolled dozens of young men, and achieved a 92% success rate. Young men who otherwise would have gone into an overcrowded prison for a nonviolent crime are able to make a home to support their families, and going to work as contributing members of society. 

We are currently able to support 20-25 enrollees, but have plans to expand our mission to 45 enrollees. From enrollment to graduation, the 1st Step Program costs just $18,000 per participant which is paid for mostly by private donations. And each one is taught valuable skills that reduces recidivism and breaks the cycle of criminal behavior. 

1st Step’s mission is helping young men stay out of prison and take control of their lives. You can be a part of this mission too. Join us, and help us break Oklahoma’s prison pipeline, one step at a time.

1st Step is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is part of the Oklahoma Center For Nonprofits and is recognized by independent watchdog group GuideStar. We pride ourselves on our organization’s success, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. To find out more about our governance, please download the forms below.