Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Vinson-O’Neal.
Hi Bridget, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2013, I separated from the last nonprofit organization for which I had worked for 5 years. I decided that I wanted to make an impact in the communities of color in which I go to church. I gathered a group of friends, colleagues, and people that was passionate about serving the communities that we represent. A few months later, First Choice Social Services were birthed. I have a passion for serving families affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and teen homelessness.
I had several family members living in violent homes, on drugs, and at times were homeless. I didn’t know how to help them as I was young, but I knew that they deserved to be safe, sober, and in a secure living space. This only made sense for me to open a business that addresses these needs.
As a licensed Social Worker, I have worked in the nonprofit space for 25 years working with domestic violence victims and perpetrators. I know nonprofits very well. I wanted to make sure that not only did we open an organization that would address domestic violence, substance abuse, and teen homelessness but also other wrap-around services such as anger management classes, crisis intervention, teen and adult case management, and parenting classes to meet the needs of the whole family. We wanted to ensure the whole family’s needs were met.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When you work within your passion, even the obstacles/challenges seem easier than usual. We have had our share of obstacles/challenges. Like many nonprofits, funding is always the primary challenge. Early years were that we hadn’t been established long enough to qualify for certain grants or other funding. Capacity building is the second challenge due to lack of funding meant I had to wear several hats for the first 5 years in business. I was lucky in that when I opened my doors, we already had a program that was fee-for-serve which allowed us to have some income coming in. I worked for free for the first three years but then was able to receive a small stipend until year five, in which I was able to receive a liveable salary. While our budget has grown significantly, we still have key positions open but no funding to fill the positions.
Other obstacles/challenges were:
– No office space
– Having other foundations believe that you would be here in 5-10 years
– Fundraising -lack of know-how, volunteers to assist, low attendance
– Lack of committed board & advisory members
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
First Choice Social Services’ mission is To be the First Choice in social services to provide treatment for families affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and teen homelessness. First Choice Social Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In 2013, a group of colleagues from diverse backgrounds decided to build an agency that would address the needs of their community. First Choice Social Services collaborates with other agencies to help fulfill its mission.
First Choice Social Services is fortunate to have Bridget Vinson-O’Neal as its Founder/ Executive Director. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal is a Licensed Social Worker and earned a master’s degree in sciences in Human Services from Capella University. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal has 30 years of experience working with diverse populations with her expertise in Domestic Violence.
First Choice Social Services provides three service areas:
• Domestic Violence treatment to offenders.
• Substance Abuse Outpatient services
• Residential Services to teens who are aging out of foster care -pending
Current Supportive Programs:
• A Better Way- Men Supporting Men’s Non-Violence Project
• Teen Talk- Education and awareness of Teen dating violence, bullying, gender equality
• Partner Advocate Program-Support Victims/Partners of abuse
• SISTAHS-Sister Inspiring Sister to Achieve Higher Success leadership program specifically for teen girls between the ages of 14-19, providing skills to reduce generational intimate partner abuse and create social change in their community.
• #GirlDad- is a movement designed to encourage men to protect, promote, and inspire girls
We receive funding from grants, fundraising, and individual donors. We partner with other organizations to fulfill our mission. We are housed in the heart of the communities in which we serve South Dallas/Fair Park.
We are known for our domestic violence treatment services for perpetrators of domestic violence. What sets us apart is that we work with the whole family. We have services for victims and children affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and homelessness, which are contributing factors to each other. Working with the whole family assists in healing everyone from these cycles of abuse and addictions. First Choice Social Services has accreditations, licenses, and certificates for the programs we offer.
I am most proud of the work we do in the community by healing families from generations of abuse. We give the perpetrator tools to assist him/her in replacing violent responses with nonviolent responses to stressful situations. Our work with the perpetrators of domestic violence will assist in eradicating domestic violence within families, communities, and society. I am also proud of the team we have, who are all passionate, committed, and dedicated to working with this population. Together, our team has over 60 years of experience in the field of dV, substance abuse, and homelessness.
I want your readers to know that First Choice Social Services has a leader with personal (family), and work experience and this is my life’s passion. We work hard to build working relationships with like-minded organizations that work to improve the lives of their clients, in most cases we share clients. If you call our organization, you will get the services you need, or we will refer you to someone who assists where we are limited.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest cheerleaders are my husband- Kevin L. O’Neal, and my sister, LaShandra Vinson-Appiah. My husband provided seed money and emotional support at the beginning of FCSS. My sister agreed to leave her job and come work with me. My father and one of my best friends also gave seed money to start the 501 c 3 paperwork and fee for service program. I have had great supporters along this ten-year journey- Allonia Taylor-Harry, Terrell Jones, Euwayne Jones-deceased (first board president), Nicole Benson, Debra Mitchell-Ibe, Verna Jones, Darlene Greene, Donna Clemons, past and present board members. My team, Charlotte Gilliam, started as an intern and worked her way to being our Case Manager. Larry Washington, Nicole Benson, Frasha Burton, Cheryl Jones, and Shannon Collin for the hard work they do to ensure that we provide quality, professional services to our clients. Martin Luther King Center for allowing us to use group and office space at no cost to provide our services. Paul Wiggins and Dr. Thomas for their contribution to mentoring, revamped website, and ongoing support. Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew for her ongoing support and mentorship through infrastructure, fundraising, board governance, and grant funding. Dr. John Buress, for being a mentor, supporter, and confidant to me.
My children: Savannah, Nevaeh, and Kevin Jr. for their “Mama you can do it” support.
Susan Garza (Ladenberger Family Fund) for her belief in our mission and their financial support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.firstchoicesocialservices.org
- Instagram: firstchoicesocialservices
- Facebook: Firstchoicesocialservices
- Linkedin: firstchoicesocialservices
- Twitter: FirstChoiceSoc1
- Youtube: firstchoicesocialservices
