Stories & Resources
What's happening at Stepping Stone and across the recovery community in San Diego.
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First Person Essays From Inside Stepping Stone: Recovery Glow - Louie Misagal
New this year · First edition This year we're starting First Person, a series where you hear straight from the people who are Stepping Stone. Counselors, alumni, the folks at intake. Their voices, their words. Louie Misagal opens the series, and we're grateful he said yes. More to come.
Newsletters 2025 End of Year Letter
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m reminded of what I love most about this community: we take care of our own. And because of you, Stepping Stone remains a safe, affirming place where we can provide a true safety net for our San Diego LGBTQ+ family.
News & Announcements The Journey of LGBTQ+ Recovery: From Shadows to Strength
Honoring LGBTQ+ History Month in San Diego with Stepping Stone of San Diego Part 1: Recovery in the Shadows In the early days of organized recovery — the 1930s through…
News & Announcements Dreamgirls Revue Fundraiser Raises Nearly $12,000 for Stepping Stone
On September 24, Stepping Stone partnered with Dreamgirls Revue—San Diego’s longest-running drag show—for our first-ever fundraiser together. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the event raised nearly $12,000 to…
News & Announcements Request for Proposals: CDBG Capital Improvement Project
Issued Date: September 3, 2025 Project Title: Stepping Stone Facilities FY25 – CDBG CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Bid Due: September 26, by 10:00am PDT Contract Type: Construction, Fixed-Fee Proposal Not-to-Exceed (“N.T.E.”)…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone Welcomes Aimee McCoy as New Program Manager of Residential Program
After an extensive and thoughtful search process, Stepping Stone of San Diego is proud to announce the promotion of long-time team member Aimee McCoy to the role of Program Manager…
News & Announcements We Condemn Trump’s Executive Order Criminalizing Addiction & Homelessness
At Stepping Stone, we serve exactly the population this order targets: LGBTQ+ individuals navigating addiction recovery, many of whom are also experiencing homelessness. This executive order tells our clients—people courageously working toward recovery—that cages are more…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone of San Diego Receives $50,000 County Grant for Critical Renovations at Enya House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 2025 San Diego, CA — Stepping Stone of San Diego is proud to announce it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the County of San Diego’s…
Newsletters May 2025 Newsletter
Dear Stepping Stone Family, May is Mental Health Awareness Month— and let’s be real—if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just straight-up angry lately, you are not alone. Between the chaotic headlines out…
Newsletters April 2025 Newsletter
Dear Stepping Stone Family, Every person who walks through our doors brings a story — of struggle, of courage, and of hope. And every one of you — our supporters, alumni, volunteers,…
News & Announcements New Partnership Alert: Career Opportunities for Stepping Stone Alumni with Options For All
Stepping Stone of San Diego is excited to announce a new partnership with Options For All (OFA)—an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities by creating meaningful career opportunities.…
News & Announcements Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Our Services—Together, We Stand Strong
Dear Friend – I am not going to mince words—the federal funding we rely on faces imminent and severe threats. 85% of Stepping Stone’s funding comes from federal grants, primarily…
Community Stories Josh’s Journey: From Recovery to Community Leadership
As the year draws to a close, we at Stepping Stone are reminded of the life-changing impact we can create together. Your support directly funds our mission to provide recovery…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone Welcomes Sarafina Scapicchio as New Programs Director
Sarafina Scapicchio Program Director Stepping Stone of San Diego is excited to announce Sarafina Scapicchio as our new Programs Director. Sarafina comes to us with over two decades of experience…
News & Announcements Celebration of Recovery
Please join us for a Celebration of Recovery on Friday, April 28th, to honor those who completed Stepping Stone Residential or Stepping Out programs between November of 2019 and April 2023.
News & Announcements Stepping Stone of San Diego Announces Andrew Picard as New Executive Director
Andrew Picard New Executive Director San Diego, CA – Stepping Stone of San Diego, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive alcohol and drug recovery services and support for…
News & Announcements The Search for a New Executive Director
ORGANIZATION & OPPORTUNITY: Stepping Stone San Diego (Stepping Stone) is a nonprofit drug and alcohol recovery center committed to serving the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities with inpatient, outpatient, and transitional…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone San Diego Executive Director Cheryl Houk Announces Retirement Date
San Diego – July 7, 2022 Stepping Stone San Diego’s Executive Director Cheryl Houk announced that she will retire on August 9, 2022. Houk, who has served in the chief…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone Launches Early Intervention Program: StepIn
New Early Intervention Program to Combat Drug-Related Deaths Launches in San Diego, Operated by Stepping Stone of San Diego June 24, 2022 SAN DIEGO – Stepping Stone of San Diego…
Recovery Resources Acute Alcohol Intoxication & Alcohol Detox
Do you have questions about acute alcohol intoxication and alcohol detox? Whether for its for you or a loved one, asking for help can be scary. We are here to…
Recovery Resources Drug Detox – How To Detox Your Body From Drugs
Table of Contents Drug Detox – How To Detox Your Body From Drugs What is Drug Detox? Can I Do A Drug Detox at Home? What Are Drug Detox Symptoms?…
News & Announcements Beginning 2021 With Gratitude
2020 was a challenging year for staff and clients alike. Staff risked their health to continue to provide life-saving services to people who undertook the daunting task of getting sober…
Community Stories The Light At The End Of The Tunnel
It finally feels like Spring in San Diego! The last year was a challenge none of us expected, but thanks to perseverance and solidarity, we’ve made it through and are ready…
Newsletters March 2021 Newsletter
Updates From Stepping Stone We all have been living in very trying times, and the day-to-day uncertainty can promote a significant degree of stress in our lives. Although the delivery…
News & Announcements Stepping Out Is Open and Ready to Help
The pandemic and resulting restrictions have been hard for everyone and people trying to get sober have been no exception. Addiction is a disease of isolation. Guidelines about social distancing…
News & Announcements Last Chance to Donate in 2020
The year-end campaign is a bit different this year. We know that many people are not in the position to give as have been in other years; the world has…
News & Announcements End Of Year Announcements
The End of 2020 First, I would like to thank you for your support throughout the years. Stepping Stone of San Diego and the programs and services we provide to…
News & Announcements Happy Holidays 2020 From Stepping Stone
Happy Holidays from Stepping Stone! Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season. A big “thank you” to the Stepping Stone alumni committee, who came to Stepping Stone this…
News & Announcements Join Us Today
Start a Facebook Fundraiser for GivingTuesday! Join us today for GivingTuesday! As part of its participation, Facebook will be matching all donations made through Facebook up to $7 million on…
News & Announcements GivingTuesday is December 1st
Start a Facebook Fundraiser for GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is Tuesday, December 1. As part of its participation, Facebook will be matching all donations made through Facebook up to $7 million on…
Community Stories An Attitude of Gratitude: A note from Pam Highfill
While this season is a time of traditions, COVID19 has changed the face of the world and is impacting our holiday rituals at Stepping Stone. We are living “Life on…
Newsletters November 2020 Newsletter
It’s hard to believe that it is already mid November and the holiday season is approaching. As many of us know, the holidays can be a stressful time especially for…
Newsletters Staff Newsletter – August 2020
So much has changed since we last sent out this newsletter, and we felt it was time to share some updates on how we’ve been adapting to the new world…
Community Stories Remembering Peter Jarman
We are sad to share the news that Stepping Stone has lost one of our most beloved supporters this week. Peter Jarman, former board member and lifelong champion of our…
News & Announcements Living Out Loud 2020 – What To Expect
Silent Auction Starting Wednesday, you can start bidding on items from our silent auction. As always, there will be awesome travel, entertainment and fitness items to choose from. Click here…
News & Announcements A Big Thank You To Our Staff Members
Today, the Stepping Stone Board of Directors would like to take the opportunity to celebrate and thank our staff. The arrival of Coronavirus created immediate challenges for our staff, leading…
News & Announcements Pemarro Detox Becomes Key Component Of Stepping Stone Continuum Of Care
Stepping Stone is pleased to announce that Pemarro Recovery Center has officially become a part of the Stepping Stone family of services. Thanks to this new relationship with Pemarro, Stepping Stone’s…
Newsletters Staff Newsletter – May
So much has changed since we last sent out this newsletter, and we felt it was time to share some updates on how we’ve been adapting to the new world…
News & Announcements Stepping Out is Going Online
Hello everyone, Many of us are going through a lot of changes these past few weeks and meeting these changes can have it challenges. At Stepping Stone outpatient we…
News & Announcements Update on COVID-19
Stepping Out is Going Online Many of us are going through a lot of changes these past few weeks and meeting these changes can have it challenges. At Stepping Stone…
Newsletters Stepping Stone Quarterly Newsletter — Winter 2020
Happy New Year! We’ve been busy since our last newsletter. Read on for the updates. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS By Cheryl Houk It remains busy at residential with the implementation of the new…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone: Saving Lives for 43 Years
As the year comes to an end, I want to thank you for your support of Stepping Stone and your interest in our programs. We’re in our 43rd year of…
Newsletters May 2019 Monthly Update
May 2019 Where is Summer?! Although the weather hasn’t changed in San Diego, a lot has been changing at Stepping Stone. With much to celebrate, here are some sunny updates.…
Newsletters April 2019 Monthly Update
April 2019 #SPRING is here and we hope that you’ve all been enjoying the super bloom of flowers, new life and all of the new opportunities that 2019 has been bringing…
Rules, Policies and Procedures that Pertain to Friends and Families of Residential Clients at Stepping Stone San Diego Treatment Center
We have pulled this booklet together because your loved one has taken a big step and entered Stepping Stone Treatment Center for Drug and Alcohol Addiction. At this point you…
Community Stories A story of transformation
A former resident shares the story of his recovery. He came from New York in search of a solution and found Stepping Stone. His willingness and the help of our…
News & Announcements Day of the Dead 2018
Join us for the eight anniversary of Stepping Stone Day of the Dead Celebration. An event benefiting Stepping Stone of San Diego Christmas Celebrations. $20 includes food, beverage, desert and…
News & Announcements Fall 2018 Graduation is 8/17/2018
Join us for this very special event, when graduates of Stepping Stone receive their diploma and some much-deserved public recognition for completing our Residential Program. Doors open at 5:30 pm…
Community Stories What family group at Stepping Stone taught me
WHAT FAMILY GROUP AT STEPPING STONE TAUGHT ME by Judi Family group meets at Stepping Stone every Thursday evening 5:30 – 7:00. It is a big round circle of residents…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone Launches Stepping Out Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program
Stepping Stone of San Diego Launches Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program Stepping Out treatment program opening in April 2018 New program continues Stepping Stone’s mission to provide recovery services…
News & Announcements Day of the Dead Celebration
Join us for the Day of the Dead Celebration on Saturday, October 28th at 5:45 pm. This incredible event is created by Stepping Stone Alumni Association and other former alumni…
Community Stories A mom shares her gratitude with a commemorative tile.
Last year, Andrew’s mom honored his first year of recovery with a commemorative tile. We thought we would share the note she sent to be read at the tile ceremony.…
News & Announcements Living Out Loud 2016
Thank you for a wonderful evening!
News & Announcements Living Out Loud 2016 – October 22
Join us for the event of the season, as we celebrate Stepping Stone of San Diego’s 40th year serving the LGBT community. Starting at 6 pm, we will celebrate at Swiss…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone Announces the Alice and Ross Service Award
Any resident who has come through Stepping Stone over the last 32 years will tell you that Ross and Alice Henry Taylor were an important part of their experience. They…
News & Announcements Spring Field Day 2016
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 From 9 am to Noon The day was created to allow those who are supporters of our facility help with some annual maintenance to freshen…
Community Stories 24 years of sobriety started at Stepping Stone – Story from a former resident
In November of 1991 I was reaching the end of an almost 15 year run as an alcoholic and drug addict. I was 30, homeless and living under bridges, a…
Community Stories A former resident goes on to represent those living with HIV
Another story from a former resident showing hope restored and the spirit of service coming alive. For years, drug-addiction has deprived me of a productive life and robbed me from…
News & Announcements Stepping Stone’s 40th Anniversary in the News
Stepping Stone’s programs, facility and services are again featured in a front-page news story. See See part 2 of the article by Editor Morgan M Hurley, of the Gay San Diego…
News & Announcements Cheryl Houk featured in Gay San Diego News
Gay San Diego editor Morgan M. Hurley interviewed our executive director Cheryl Houk about her return to Stepping Stone. The resulting article tells the story of her passion for serving the LGBT…
Community Stories Looking back after 32 years sober
A story from a former resident named Mary. Last May, it was 32 ago that I walked up the front steps of an older, a bit worse for wear house…
News & Announcements Seasons Greetings from Cheryl
SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM STEPPING STONE! This is a time of the year that we are especially thankful; we enjoy spending holiday time with our loved ones, participating in giving and…
News & Announcements The Recovery Ride
Media Contact: Jere Halligan, Ride Co-Director The Recovery Ride | recoveryridesd.org jere@steppingstonesd.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE RECOVERY RIDE PLANS INAUGURAL CHARITY BIKE RIDE San Diego, CA – November 1, 2015-…
News & Announcements Cheryl Houk Rejoins Stepping Stone as Executive Director
San Diego, CA – November 5, 2015 – The board of directors of Stepping Stone of San Diego is pleased to announce that Cheryl Houk has been re-hired as Executive…
Community Stories A Note from Mom: “My son found Stepping Stone, a sanctuary that brought him back to life.”
A former resident’s mother shares her story. In the last newsletter we shared a resident’s story. Here is a note given to us by that Resident’s Mom: One never knows…
“How I found myself at Stepping Stone” – Story from a former resident
A story from a former resident. I was 15 when I entered my first drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Junior high, and high school, had proven to be very challenging…
Support the Miracles: Fall Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off Today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d25wBlqaH8Q Message from the Board Chairman Hello Friends: Today we kick-off Stepping Stone of San Diego’s 2015 Fall Fundraising Campaign – “Support the Miracles.” I explain in the video above…
News & Announcements Summer 2015 Graduation
Join us for Summer 2015 Graduation. This special event gives our graduates the opportunity to receive their diploma and well-deserved congratulations from staff and community, for completing the Stepping Stone…
Stepping Stone Team – AIDS Walk/Run 2015
Run or Walk with Stepping Stone in the AIDS Walk/Run on September 26, 2015! We all have a role to play in the fight against #HIV/AIDS. Join us #BeTheGeneration by…
Community Stories When Philanthropy Leads to Sobriety
If you haven’t seen it, be sure to check out the recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune (“When sobriety leads to philanthropy“) featuring two of our Board Members Mike…
News & Announcements Happy and Safe Pride Weekend
LGBT Pride weekend is legendary in San Diego, and can be a lot of fun for the community and our supporters. For newly-sober alcoholics and addicts, however, it can be…
News & Announcements Graduation Ceremony
Twice-a-Year Graduation Ceremonies In a break with tradition, starting this month the Alumni Club of Stepping Stone San Diego will begin holding graduation ceremonies biannually. Now the graduates at Stepping…
News & Announcements Open House at Pemarro
Stepping Stone has provided recovery services in San Diego for more than 35 years, and is now proud to announce its partnership with Pemarro Recovery Center in Ramona to expand…