First Step Staffing

Launched 2026

About

First Step Staffing is a nonprofit employment agency working to help individuals facing barriers to employment secure stable jobs within 72 hours of orientation to achieve self-sufficiency. Through its proven model, First Step Staffing connects participants to immediate work opportunities by leveraging employer staffing contracts. In addition to rapid job placement, First Step Staffing provides critical wraparound support such as transportation and housing assistance to promote long-term workforce success and upskilling certification opportunities.

Through extensive community engagement led by GreenLight Fund Baltimore, economic mobility emerged as a priority focus area for the city. Baltimore’s unemployment rate is 5.6%, notably higher than the Maryland average of 4.3% (MOED, 2025). At the same time, since 2023, there has been a 19% increase in homelessness amongst families with children in Baltimore City, displaying the connected challenges residents face in securing employment and, in turn, maintaining stable housing (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 2025). These trends ultimately led to the selection of First Step Staffing as a high-impact solution. Over the next five years, First Step Staffing aims to employ 1,100 Baltimore residents, generating an estimated $15.9 million in wages.

Founded in Atlanta, First Step Staffing has grown into a nationally recognized organization, currently operating in six cities and employing an average of 8,000 individuals annually. Its innovative approach to job placement, retention, and workforce advancement was recently highlighted by Forbes, affirming its impact in the economic mobility space and its readiness to support Baltimore’s workforce needs.

First Step Staffing’s pathway to economic mobility

First Step Staffing’s Local Goals

1,100

participants will be employed over the next 5 years

$15.9

million in wages will be earned by participants over the next 5 years

100%

of employees will earn above the Maryland minimum wage

What Our Community is Saying

“First Step Staffing’s proven approach complements Baltimore’s existing workforce development ecosystem. I was impressed by the First Step Staffing team’s enthusiasm and the number of exploratory conversations they had with prospective employers in the Baltimore area.”

Stacey Van Horn

Senior Program Director, T.Rowe Price

“Truist Foundation is thrilled to support GreenLight Fund and is excited that they will be working with First Step Staffing. First Step’s proven wraparound approach, from reliable transportation to ongoing job coaching, will help employers fill critical roles while creating pathways to long term stability for communities throughout Baltimore.”

Lynette Bell

Head of Philanthropy, Truist and President, The Truist Foundation

“We’re proud of the momentum happening across our city – new schools, libraries, parks, programs, and pathways to homeownership that residents can see and feel. At the same time, we’re clear-eyed about the work that still needs to be done. Real progress requires public leadership working in partnership with grassroots organizations, businesses, and philanthropy – focused on outcomes for residents. GreenLight Fund Baltimore’s investment in First Step Staffing reflects that kind of intentional collaboration, creating real job opportunities and pathways to stability for people across the city.”

Cory V. McCray

Maryland State Senator

“I’m encouraged by their commitment and look forward to the positive impact they will have for families and businesses throughout our community. “

Mark Anthony Thomas

President & CEO, The Greater Baltimore Committee

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