STEPBYSTEP

1st Step Newsletter   |   March 2025

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Executive Director’s Letter

Portrait of 1st Step Male Diversion Program Executive Director David Phillips

The Year in Review

The 1st Step Male Diversion Program remains committed to preventing young men from entering the prison system by assisting them in building better lives. Despite facing various challenges over the past year, strategic adjustments were made to ensure continued impact and sustainability.


This year's key challenge was securing additional revenue after losing a major donor, necessitating an urgent reassessment of funding strategies. Through proactive engagement and strategic partnerships, new funding sources were secured. Contracts were established with the Career Employment Opportunity company through the SNAP E&T reimbursement program, and a new partnership was formed with the Cherokee Nation. These efforts have provided a more stable financial foundation moving forward.


Significant issues due to water damage and mold at the Rob Nigh House facility required extensive rehabilitation. These issues impacted our ability to house participants and led to a temporary reduction in program capacity. Necessary repairs have been initiated with a commitment to restoring full operations as soon as possible. The rehabilitation process aims to improve long-term infrastructure sustainability.


Another major challenge was turnover in the Development Director position. The initial replacement proved ineffective, resulting in revenue loss due to missed grant deadlines. Recruitment efforts have been refocused on finding a qualified leader for development initiatives. Moving forward, tighter oversight of grant management is being implemented to prevent similar issues.


Despite these challenges, the program's successes—evident in an exceptionally low recidivism rate—highlight the importance of our work. Efforts will continue to strengthen funding streams, improve operational infrastructure, and ensure competent leadership. The impact report section contains more accomplishments.


Gratitude is extended to the board, partners, and supporters for their assistance in overcoming these obstacles. With continued dedication, another year of impactful service and positive outcomes for the young men served is anticipated
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David Phillips

Executive Director and Co-Founder of the 1st Step Male Diversion Program

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Impact Statement


Empowering Change


2024 has been a year of transformation and triumph for 1st Step! In February, we proudly celebrated our 11th program graduation, and in August, another determined young man joined our ranks of graduates. Altogether, we have honored the incredible journeys of five men who have turned their lives around. With support, dedication, and resilience, they have achieved life-changing milestones—earning their GEDs, securing stable employment, and rebuilding family connections. Their success stories are a testament to the power of opportunity and the unwavering belief that change is possible.


Expanding Our Reach


A major milestone this year was the acquisition of a brand-new site in northeastern Oklahoma! This five-building property, secured on June 21, 2024, will soon become a residential treatment facility for 14 men. It will provide a structured, supportive environment rooted in Desistance Theory. This expansion will allow us to offer even more comprehensive services, empowering individuals to build lasting, positive futures.


The road to securing this site was filled with challenges, including zoning approvals. However, thanks to the perseverance of our team and the generosity of the Hardesty, Helmerich, Kaiser and Morningcrest Foundations, we made it happen! Now, we’re focused on the next steps: raising funds to change and prepare the facility for additional residents. To celebrate, we invited the community to our Open House on July 12, 2024, where we showcased the future of 1st Step and the hope it brings. The campus is named after one of our co-founders of 1st Step, retired Judge William Kellough.


Strengthening Lives Through Pro-Social Engagement

At 1st Step, we believe meaningful change happens through connection, encouragement, and shared experiences. This year, we continued to provide engaging, pro-social activities like airsoft, bowling, sports, and outdoor adventures at Smokey Valley. These activities foster teamwork, trust, and healthy fun—all of which are crucial for building confidence and reinforcing a crime-free lifestyle.


Our partnership with the Cherokee Tribal Nation has deepened, allowing us to provide culturally relevant support tailored to the needs of Cherokee participants. By integrating community traditions and values, we promote healing, belonging, and empowerment, ensuring that every individual feels seen and supported.


Building Community


Our mission is more than just transformation—it’s about bringing people together! This year, we’re excited to continue strengthening our community through events like the Unity Picnic  and Fall Carnival, where participants, families, and supporters can celebrate progress and hope. These gatherings aren’t just for fun. They’re about connection, encouragement, and the understanding that no one walks this journey alone.


By providing a strong support system, we give participants the tools they need to build stable and fulfilling lives. The stories of resilience we’ve witnessed remind us that with the right opportunities and encouragement, anything is possible!


Key Accomplishments


1st Step has made huge strides in reaching and empowering young men in northeast Oklahoma this year. While there is always more work to do, our impact continues to grow. Here are some highlights from our incredible year:


  • Six graduates who have embraced a brighter future.
  • New residential facility secured and preparing for launch!
  • Zoning approval obtained to turn the site into a treatment facility.
  • Launched a capital campaign to renovate and consolidate services.
  • Expanded partnership with the Cherokee Nation to provide even more tailored support.
  • Maintained an impressively low recidivism rate.
  • Submitted a research paper on Desistance Theory and the 1st Step program for publication.
  • Published three newsletters to keep our community informed and inspired.
  • Formed a new partnership with OSU’s Strong Dads Program.
  • Presented at the Zarrow Symposium for the second year in a row.
  • Secured a contract with CEO for SNAP E&T reimbursement.
  • Taught a CLE for Tulsa County Bar Association.
  • Participated in community celebrations like the Veteran’s Day Parade and Hicks Park Fall Carnival.
  • Hosted exciting pro-social events, including a Unity Picnic at the Zoo and a Tulsa Drillers baseball game.
  • Wrapped up the year with a heartwarming annual Christmas Party!


Looking Ahead with Hope


1st Step’s impact is growing, and we’re gaining recognition not just in Oklahoma but across the country. Our work is setting a new standard for alternative sentencing and rehabilitation, proving that when given the right opportunities, young men can build strong, successful lives.


As we move forward, we are excited to continue expanding our reach, deepening our research, and inspiring change in communities far and wide. Together, we are not just changing lives but building a movement of hope, healing, and second chances.


The best is yet to come!

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PARTICIPANT HIGHLIGHT

Jonathan C.

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Jonathan C. is 1st Step’s first Cherokee Nation client, setting a powerful example of resilience, leadership, and commitment to personal growth. Since pleading into the program on December 17, 2024, Jonathan has embraced every challenge with determination, proving himself to be a standout participant. His journey has been one of perseverance and responsibility, culminating in his well-earned promotion to Phase II on March 7, 2025.


A True Leader in the Program

Jonathan has consistently demonstrated strong leadership by mentoring Phase I participants, guiding them through their early recovery journeys, and leading by example. His ability to uplift and support his peers has made a lasting impact on the program, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. His dedication to self-improvement is evident through his involvement in both vocational training and academic pursuits. Currently, Jonathan is in his second week of a four-week forklift training program with Goodwill Industries while simultaneously preparing to take his real estate exam—a testament to his drive to build a successful future.


Giving Back to the Community

Beyond his personal achievements, Jonathan has shown a deep commitment to giving back. Every week, he volunteers with Food on The Move and Sandusky Ave Christian Church, embodying the spirit of service and generosity. His contributions extend even further—he has played a key role in launching 1st Step’s "Seed to Feed" garden, a program designed to promote sustainability and community nourishment. His hands-on efforts in this initiative help the program grow fresh produce and foster a sense of responsibility and teamwork among participants.


Commitment to Growth and Recovery

Jonathan remains actively engaged in Moral Reconation Therapy classes and the Strong Dads Parenting program, strengthening his personal and familial relationships. His dedication to learning and self-betterment has led him to successfully complete Work Readiness, Nutrition, and Financial Literacy classes, further solidifying his foundation for long-term success. His positive attitude and willingness to take the initiative have earned him numerous incentives, recognizing his hard work, honesty, and leadership within the program.


A Bright Future Ahead

Jonathan C.’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the transformative power of the 1st Step program. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to service make him a role model for his peers, setting a high standard for others to follow. As he continues his path to success, we have no doubt that Jonathan will achieve incredible milestones, making a lasting impact on both the program and the community at large. His story is just beginning, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish.
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program SPOTLIGHT

1st Step’s "Seed to Feed" Garden

Cultivating Growth, Recovery, and Community

On March 7, 2025, the 1st Step Male Diversion Program celebrated an exciting milestone with the official groundbreaking of the “Seed to Feed” garden. This initiative is more than just planting crops. It’s about sowing the seeds of responsibility, sustainability, and self-sufficiency within the recovery community. The garden represents a new chapter for 1st Step, reinforcing the values of hard work, teamwork, and nourishment—both physically and emotionally.


Planting the Seeds of Change


Participants have already begun planting a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables, including potatoes, onions, lettuce, rainbow carrots, spinach, kale, and broccoli. Each row cultivated in the garden symbolizes a step forward in their personal growth and healing. As they tend to the crops, they also tend to their own journeys by learning patience, discipline, and the rewards of dedication. The hands-on experience of nurturing a garden mirrors the recovery process: planting intentions, cultivating progress, and eventually reaping the benefits of perseverance and care.


Horticulture Therapy: A Future in Healing


1st Step has big plans for the “Seed to Feed” garden. Soon, the program will introduce horticulture therapy as a core component of its recovery approach. This innovative therapy will give young men a meaningful, hands-on way to process emotions, manage stress, and build confidence. Gardening has been shown to have profound therapeutic benefits, offering a sense of purpose and a productive outlet for self-expression. As participants nurture plants from seedlings to harvest, they will gain valuable life skills, strengthen their mental resilience, and develop a deeper connection to their own recovery.


Giving Back to the Community


Beyond personal growth, 1st Step envisions the “Seed to Feed” garden as a means to serve the broader community. The long-term goal is to produce enough fresh food to assist local families in need, fostering a culture of giving and mutual support. By sharing the harvest, participants will gain a sense of accomplishment and experience the profound impact of helping others, reinforcing the values of service and social responsibility.


A Growing Legacy


The “Seed to Feed” garden is more than just an agricultural endeavor. It’s a symbol of new beginnings. Just as the young men at 1st Step cultivate the land, they also cultivate new futures for themselves. With each plant that grows, so does their confidence, resilience, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.


As 1st Step continues to expand its offerings, the garden stands as a testament to the power of recovery, the strength of community, and the belief that with care, patience, and effort, anything can flourish, including the lives of those who have chosen a new path forward.


A heartfelt thank you to Oklahoma State University Extension Community Nutrition Education for the $1,000 grant that helped launch this initiative and to our Master Gardeners, Judge Martha Carter and Brian Jervis, for sharing their knowledge, passion, and dedication in making this vision a reality.


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STAFF Highlight

Lindy Myers

The Heart & Soul of 1st Step

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At 1st Step Male Diversion Program, our strength lies in our team's dedication and passion. One shining example of this commitment is our Deputy Director, Lindy Myers, whose journey within 1st Step is inspiring.


Lindy joined 1st Step on June 15, 2020, bringing with her an unwavering dedication to the mission of helping young men build better lives. From the very start, she exhibited a remarkable work ethic and a deep compassion for the participants. While working with us, she quickly earned her Behavioral Case Management 1 certification, setting the stage for her rapid professional growth.


Never one to settle for less than excellence, Lindy pursued and completed her master’s degree in Sociology while still fully committed to her role at 1st Step. Her academic achievements only fueled her desire to make an even greater impact. She went on to earn her Case Management 2 certification, further solidifying her expertise in guiding our participants toward successful futures.


Lindy’s dedication and leadership did not go unnoticed. She rose through the ranks, becoming Program Director before stepping into her current role as Deputy Director. Throughout her journey, she has remained a tireless advocate for our participants, working around the clock to ensure they receive the support and guidance they need. Her door is always open, and her passion for the mission is evident in everything she does.


Lindy Myers is more than just a leader—she is the heart and soul of 1st Step. Her relentless dedication, compassion, and drive inspire us all to work harder and dream bigger. We are incredibly grateful to have her on our team and look forward to seeing the continued impact she makes in the lives of those we serve.


Thank you, Lindy, for all that you do. Your commitment changes lives every day!


Lindy will start her fifth year with 1st Step in June of this year.
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our approach

Strengthening Our Impact: A Vision for Growth

Since its inception, the 1st Step Male Diversion Program has been committed to evolving and enhancing its effectiveness. Over time, we have gained critical insights into the primary drivers of criminal behavior: mental health disorders, substance abuse, and criminal thinking (Andrews & Bonta, 2016). While these factors play a significant role, we recognize that their influence is shaped by a participant’s social environment (Farrington, 2005). As a result, our approach has continually adapted to not only foster self-motivation for change but also help participants reframe their environmental outlook in a way that supports lasting transformation.


One of our most impactful successes has been the implementation of the STIK framework—Safety, Trust, Incentive, and Kindness—which effectively reduced self-termination from 33% to 0%. This milestone demonstrates the power of creating a supportive, empowering environment. However, despite this achievement, our overall program termination rate remains at approximately 30%. To further enhance retention and success, we propose a new strategic focus: the Three R’s—Rehabilitation, Repair, and Replacement—an approach designed to strengthen family relationships and reinforce external support systems.


Elevating Success Through Family Engagement


The 1st Step program has already proven its ability to foster internal change, as evidenced by the elimination of self-termination. However, external influences—particularly family dynamics—continue to be a decisive factor in determining long-term success. Research shows that family engagement is key to reducing recidivism and sustaining behavioral change (Laub & Sampson, 2003). By incorporating the Three R’s into our program, we aim to build an additional layer of support that fortifies each participant’s journey toward a better future.


The Three R’s: Strengthening Family and Support Networks


  1. Rehabilitation – Some family relationships require only minor intervention to improve. In these cases, structured conversations and guided support can rebuild trust and enhance family dynamics without intensive professional involvement.
  2. Repair – More severely strained relationships may need professional therapeutic intervention. Through counseling and structured support, families can address past trauma, rebuild communication, and create healthier, more supportive interactions.
  3. Replacement – In some cases, relationships may be too toxic or damaging to repair. When this occurs, it is essential to replace these negative influences with positive support systems, such as mentors, NA/AA sponsors, or the 1st Step community. Research highlights the power of pro-social bonds, including those formed with mentors and structured peer groups, in promoting lasting change and preventing recidivism (Maruna & LeBel, 2010).


A Bold Vision for the Future


By integrating the Three R’s and strengthening family engagement, we are confident that we can significantly reduce our overall termination rate to 10%—a goal we are striving to achieve in the coming year. Through a more holistic strategy that combines internal transformation with external support, we will continue making a profound impact, empowering young men to break free from cycles of incarceration and build brighter, more stable futures.


Our mission remains clear: to keep young men out of prison by helping them build better lives—and with these new strategies in place, we are more prepared than ever to make that vision a reality.

You can help change a life. Join our mission and help these young men take the 1st Step to a better future.

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