This year marks the 35th anniversary of Stepping Stone and its unique approach to alcohol and drug treatment in San Diego. What sets Stepping Stone apart from other treatment facilities is its understanding that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community may require specialized care.
Stepping Stone’s treatment programs focus on addressing the needs of the LGBT community while providing a safe and comforting environment for its patients.
“Stepping Stone is nationally recognized for offering a holistic, natural approach to alcohol and drug treatment, which is specifically tailored toward the LGBT community because our community’s needs are very unique when it comes to alcohol and drug recovery in the sense that our experiences are different,” said Bixi Craig, director of development at Stepping Stone.
Each year, Stepping Stone graduates about 70 individuals from not just the six-month residential treatment but also the six-month aftercare program. The facility is so popular that there is always a waiting list for the resident program. Acceptance is dependent on the specific case and creating the right match between the individual and the organization.
There is also a non-residential recovery program available.
“Stepping Stone is known to be one of only a handful of organizations in the nation that has specialty services developed to treat LGBT individuals,” said Craig. “However we don’t turn away individuals who are not LGBT.”
In addition to helping treat drug and alcohol addictions, Stepping Stone offers HIV and AIDS support groups.
In honor of the 35 years spent helping people overcome their addictions, Stepping Stone is hosting Live It Up, an outdoor extravaganza, in Normal Heights on June 4. The garden party features a car show with a mixture of classic and modern cars, a fashion show sponsored by House Boi, and food from local restaurants. The June 4 event is 2-6 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at steppingstonesd.org/events.html or at the administrative office at 3767 Central Ave., San Diego.
A second event, the 35th Anniversary Open House and Proclamation Ceremony, is the day before, June 3, 3-5 p.m. at the residential treatment facility. Part of the Friday festivities include the unveiling of the new tiles commemorating individuals who have donated to the non-profit.
“The organization is in need of community support,” said Craig. “We’re hoping to raise $50,000 with the 35th anniversary event from donations from the community, from businesses, individuals, other organizations as well as foundations.”
To donate, contact Craig at 619-278-0777, Ext. 115 or visit steppingstonesd.org org.
