What services do you provide?

Our main service is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC) — hands-on help with daily living. We also provide HPC Transportation, plus additional services including Ohio Shared Living. Every individual we support has an individualized plan built around their goals.

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

We're based in Columbus, Ohio, and able to serve individuals across Ohio.

What is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)?

HPC is our primary service. It provides hands-on help with everyday life — personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and daily routines — so individuals can live as independently as possible.

What is HPC Transportation?

HPC Transportation provides reliable rides to waiver services, appointments, day programs, and community activities, alongside the individual's caregiver.

What is Ohio Shared Living?

Ohio Shared Living is in-home support where an individual lives with and receives care from a chosen caregiver in a family-home setting.

Who is eligible for your services?

We support individuals with developmental disabilities who are enrolled in an Ohio DODD waiver — children and adults alike. Your county board of developmental disabilities can help determine eligibility.

What waivers do you accept?

We accept all Ohio DODD waivers, including the Individual Options (IO), Level One, and SELF waivers.

How are services funded?

Our services are funded through Ohio's Medicaid (DODD) Home- and Community-Based Services waivers for eligible individuals.

Can I choose First Step Healthcare as my provider?

Yes. In Ohio you have free choice of provider — you can choose any qualified DODD provider willing to serve you. Let your SSA know you'd like to work with First Step Healthcare, or contact us and we'll help coordinate.

How do I make a referral?

You can reach us by phone at 614-256-6558, by email at info@firststepohio.com, or through the Make a Referral option on our Contact page.

How quickly will I hear back after I reach out?

We respond quickly — typically within 24 to 48 hours, and often the same or next business day.

Now enrolling · OhioRISE Youth Programming

Make this summer their best yet!

Fun. Friends. Growth. Our OhioRISE programming provides a safe, structured environment where youth ages 3–20 can learn, grow, and thrive all summer long.

Start enrollment Call 614-256-6558

PHOTO: kids playing & laughing outdoors in the sun

PHOTO: youth enjoying a summer activity

Covered by Ohio Medicaid

No out-of-pocket cost for families

OhioRISE youth programming and behavioral out-of-home services are fully covered by Ohio Medicaid — families pay nothing out of pocket. Not sure if your child qualifies? We’ll help you find out. Here’s what every child gets:

Behavioral out-of-home services
Transportation included
Breakfast, lunch & snacks
Positive social interactions
Community outings & adventures
Life skills & personal growth

A summer of possibilities

What a week looks like

We serve youth ages 3–20 and break activities and support down by grade level, to meet each child where they are.

Splash & Swim

Pool days and water play — safe, supervised, and the highlight of every hot week.

Sports & Games

Baseball, basketball, and team games that build confidence, coordination, and friendships.

Learning & Life Skills

Hands-on lessons and practical skills that keep young minds growing all summer.

Arts & Crafts

Painting, projects, and creative time where every child gets to make something their own.

Community Fun

Outings and adventures that connect youth to their community — transportation included.

Stronger Together

We collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to connect youth with opportunities, resources, and support for long-term success.

Start enrollment

Sign up for OhioRISE youth programming

Tell us about your child and the best way to reach you — our team will follow up quickly to complete enrollment. Prefer to talk? Call 614-256-6558 or email info@firststepohio.com.