| 1991 |
Through a connection to Mayor Theodore Mann, the founders procure appropriate space in Newton. The first fundraiser for The Second Step is held at the Newton War Memorial. |
| 1992 |
Rep. Barney Frank helps the founders secure their first federal grant. Elisabeth Kirsch is hired as Executive Director. The National Council of Jewish Women sponsor an adopt-a-room to furnish the residence. The first residence opens with a staff of three and a budget of $250,000 to work with eight survivors and their children. |
| 1995 |
The first Celebrating Success annual benefit is held at the Charles River Museum of Industry in Waltham to honor the “graduates” of the program. |
| 1995 |
The Second Step receives a second federal grant, which increases the staff by two and begins a continuing relationship with CAN-DO (Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization) and The Louis Garfield House for supportive, subsidized housing for Second Step graduates. |
| 1996 |
The Second Step creates an After-School Program to give more specialized attention to the children of the residents. |
| 1998 |
The Second Step receives the Audrey Nelson Community Achievement Award from the National Community Development Association in Washington D.C. |
| 2000 |
The Board of Directors, as part of its strategic plan, votes to expand the program in order to assist more families. The building that is to become the second residence is purchased. |
| 2001 |
The Second Step launches a $3 million dollar capital campaign to fund a total renovation of this residence and a doubling of the program. |
| 2002 |
The Capital Campaign raises $1.9 million dollars in state and federal funds and $1.2 million from private sources. |
| 2002 |
The Second Step is awarded the Family Advocate of the Year award by the Boston Parents Paper for being an Outstanding Program. |
| 2002 |
Opening of the second residence, TSS II.
Program doubles to serve sixteen survivors and their children. |
| 2004 |
The Second Step presents The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler’s award-winning theater piece, to a sell-out crowd of 1,100 attendees at John Hancock Hall. |
| 2006 |
A major grant from the Department of Justice allows The Second Step to formalize its Community Program to reach out to domestic violence survivors who do not need transitional housing but do need other services and resources. The Community Program offers case management, advocacy, legal assistance, financial literacy training, employment counseling, parenting classes, referrals, and financial advocacy as well as an innovative Mentoring Program. |
| 2007 |
The Second Step celebrates its 15th anniversary; Massachusetts First Lady Diane Patrick is keynote speaker at Celebrating Success. The organization has a staff of 26 and a budget of over $1.8 million dollars; it is financially stable and has achieved a reputation for excellence. Longtime Executive Director Liz Kirsch announces her retirement. |
| 2008 |
Roberta Rosenberg is hired by the board of directors as the new Executive Director. The board and staff enter into a strategic planning process to create a vision for The Second Step’s next chapter. |
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