DCCCA Inc - First Step at Lake View

Residential Recovery That Keeps Families Together

The Lawrence, Kansas facility is one of the few residential treatment programs in the state that allows mothers to live on-site with their children. This family-inclusive model is supported by licensed childcare, a playground, and a partnership with Positive Bright Start to provide early childhood education and mental health services for kids. The facility itself is warm and practical, with shared rooms, communal dining areas, and outdoor spaces designed to give residents a sense of safety and stability. It’s a place where women can focus on recovery without having to separate from their children.

Trauma-Informed and Dual Diagnosis Care

Programming serves women with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and histories of domestic violence and other traumas. Treatment is trauma-informed from the very beginning, with licensed counselors, peer mentors, and group therapy built around safety and empowerment. Services include on-site detox beds, comprehensive mental health assessments, and case management to help clients address root causes while building toward stability.

Rebuilding Economic and Housing Stability

Beyond therapy, First Step is focused on what happens after treatment. Case managers help clients secure housing, apply for jobs, and pursue education, recognizing that long-term recovery depends on more than sobriety alone. Clients also participate in life skills and employment readiness workshops, preparing for daily life with tools they can use right away. These resources reduce real-world barriers like income instability and housing insecurity, two of the biggest reasons people fall out of care.

What Patients Say

Reviews highlight the transformative impact of First Step’s structure and staff support. Many former clients describe regaining custody of children, finding employment, and achieving long-term sobriety. The early days of treatment can feel strict, but clients often reflect on how these boundaries contributed to their growth. A few noted rough experiences at intake or with communication, but overall, the sense of support and community stands out as a defining strength.