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Winter can feel like a long, cold pause in the rhythm of life. The days are shorter, the air is crisp, and the landscape often lies under a blanket of snow or frost. For many, this season brings a sense of stillness that can sometimes feel heavy. Yet, within this quiet, there is a powerful hope—a promise that warmer days are on their way. Holding onto this hope can transform the experience of winter from one of endurance to one of anticipation. Embracing Hope as a Daily Pract

As the calendar turns to a new year, we at A First Step Towards Hope want to take a moment to share a message filled with gratitude, hope, and excitement. This time of year invites reflection on the past and anticipation for what lies ahead. It also reminds us of the importance of community support, and shared goals. Our team feels deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve and grow alongside you, and we want to express our commitment to continuing this journey together in

Warmest Holiday Wishes from Our Family to Yours. As we reach...

We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the incredible support we received at the ribbon cutting ceremony for our brand-new brick-and-mortar location. To everyone who came out—our community members, families, and friends— thank you for celebrating this meaningful milestone with us. Your presence made the day truly special. Seeing so many warm faces reminded us why A First Step Towards Hope exists: to create a safe, uplifting, and empowering space where individuals can

In the heart of Joliet, Illinois, a  beacon of hope is shining for families navigating the journey of autism and developmental disorders. A First Step Towards Hope ABA Services LLC, founded by Dr. Hope Merritt, BCBA, is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and teens in the community. Dr. Hope Merritt brings both expertise and heart to her practice. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with education from The Ch