Transforming care, support and access for people living with serious mental and physical health challenges through our

shared lived experience.

  • Cherie

    firsthand Guide
    Youngstown

    Cherie's empathy stems from her lived experience, giving her the ability to relate deeply to others experiencing similar challenges.

    View Bio

  • Lee

    Senior firsthand Guide
    Memphis

    Lee’s passion is to try and keep others who are struggling from falling through the cracks.

    View Bio

  • Essence

    Health Guide Associate
    Youngstown

    Essence loves working in the mental health field, and feels fulfilled in her role because has time to focus on each of the individuals that she serves in order to give them the level of support they need.

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  • Dave

    Community Resources Guide
    Knoxville

    Dave finds the work he does to be extremely gratifying, finding ways to improve the lives of individuals he serves.

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  • Rainier

    Senior firsthand Guide
    Chattanooga

    The most rewarding aspect of Rainier's work so far has been seeing the positive impact firsthand’s services have on the individuals they serve. It's a great feeling to know that he is making a difference in someone's life and providing them with the support they need.

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  • Julia

    Senior firsthand Guide
    Chattanooga

    Julia believes that everybody deserves to have the kind of life they want and that recovery is always possible.

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  • Kim

    Senior Community Resources Guide
    Memphis

    Kim recognizes that everyone has needs, and while some may be more complex than others, she wants to be a listening ear and a source of encouragement for those who need it.

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  • Carla

    Guide Team Lead
    Jacksonville

    Carla is grateful to be part of a team that not only supports her own mental health recovery but also strives to break down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health in society as a whole.

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  • Shanice

    Community Resources Guide
    Cincinnati

    Shanice’s role at firsthand allows her to empower others with the knowledge and resources she once sought herself.

    View Bio

We have a world-class team in your community, dedicated to delivering life-changing outcomes for individuals living with serious mental illness. View their bios to learn more about their lived experience.

The firsthand approach

Build
More Trust

Trust is the foundation to sustainable recovery for every individual.

Honor
Lived Experience

Personal, lived experience with serious mental illness is meaningful and valuable in mental health care.

Deliver
Better Care

Individuals living with serious mental illness deserve better care, support and access for their medical, behavioral and social needs.

Testimonials:

  • "My firsthand Guide gave me so much hope when I had none for myself"

    -Individual cared for in Nashville

  • "I really don't know what I would have done without firsthand all these months.

    I hope that others will let firsthand make their lives a little easier!”

    -Individual cared for in Cleveland

  • “Since receiving services from firsthand, my life has changed significantly, and for the better! I am 73 years old and have had two eye surgeries. I can’t see well, and I don’t have transportation. Before firsthand, I wasn’t able to make it to my doctor’s appointments, and sometimes I would go without my prescriptions because they would wait at the pharmacy for weeks before I could arrange for them to be picked up or shipped to me.

    My firsthand Guide is an angel, and a true blessing to me. I couldn’t believe that she could assist me with things like getting groceries, going to the doctor, or stopping by the post office. Not only does she help me get a lot of important things done, but she has really helped me emotionally”.

    – Anita (Individual cared for in Memphis)

  • “firsthand treats me like a person, not my illness. They are reliable and always show up to help with any problems I may be experiencing.

    My firsthand Guide assisted me in finding and securing housing, and helped me receive food and clothing boxes. My ex-wife had used my name for electricity and had an unpaid balance, so my firsthand Guide helped me get a divorce decree in order to get electricity turned on in my name.

    My Community Resources Guide and Health Guide helped connect me with outpatient mental health and rental assistant programs. My Health Guide also discovered my high blood pressure and got me on medication.

    Since meeting the firsthand team, I went from struggling with my mental health and living on my brother’s couch to living in my own apartment. firsthand it has been a helpful and consistent support system for me. My firsthand Guide has been an inspiration and mentor to me, and because of his example, I am considering a career in peer support.”

    – Charles (Individual cared for in Memphis)

  • "I finally feel like I have someone in my corner who really wants to help me, and because of that I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

    My firsthand Guide makes me feel like a friend who he’s known his whole life. By connecting me with local resources, he has helped me keep the lights on in our home, and even makes trips out to the house to make sure we have enough food during tough times.

    firsthand cares about the wellbeing of the individuals they serve and doesn’t treat me like just another number in the system.

    firsthand recognized that I needed help and sent someone to find me and show me the resources that were available to me, that I would have never known about otherwise. firsthand has been a blessing to me and my family”

    -Priscilla (individual cared for in Knoxville, TN)

  • “Since receiving services from firsthand, my life has changed for the better. My firsthand Guide is compassionate and genuine and was easy to open up to. She has taught me coping skills, ways to manage my anxiety and ways to practice self-care. 

    firsthand connected me to resources that helped me pay my past-due rent when I fell behind, and helped me create a resume and apply for a better job. I was hired two weeks later. I met with firsthand’s Nurse Practitioner for an assessment and we discussed a nutrition plan and taking small steps to change my eating habits. I am eating better and exercising more. I appreciate the help and support I've received from firsthand”.

    – Jennifer D (Individual cared for in Nashville)

  • "I didn't realize how much having a few crazy ladies (my firsthand care team) in my life would be this encouraging!

    I love you guys. Don’t leave me, or I will find you and run through your yards singing Randy Travis!!”

    -Deborah (individual cared for in Knoxville)

  • "firsthand is a wonderful organization.

    All the staff are great and knowledgeable. I am proud to be a client. They are truly a reliable resource.”

    -Paula (individual cared for in Dayton)

Contact Us:

[email protected]

(844) FST HAND
(844) 378-4263