PLU faculty directly involved in the program are Howard Butcher, assistant professor of nursing, who helps clients with therapy and assessments one day a week, and retired philosophy Professor Gunnolf Mybro, who offers guidance and wisdom to the staff in addition to his paid role as billing manager. The state's First Steps program began in 1990 and covers medical expenses for pregnant women without medical insurance. First Steps at PLU is divided into two teams, each with one nurse and one case manager. Together, the teams serve more than 200 women each year. The maternity support nurses work with women until two months after the baby is born.
Case managers work with the moms until the baby's first birthday.
First Steps at PLU has so many clients, it must turn away up to 25 women each month. First Steps accepts clothing, food and monetary donations, and is also looking for volunteers.