Stepping Stone of San Diego is a non-profit rehabilitation center that primarily serves the LGBT community by helping those who struggle with alcohol, drug addiction and HIV/AIDS reclaim their lives.
“If you are a gay man, gay woman or transgender person and go to a program that does not accept that, you are not going to have your needs met when it comes to full recovery,” said Stepping Stone’s program manager, Chris Mueller. “We have transgender clients that come here and they are able to identify as the gender they choose in a safe environment. There are very few organizations like us in the United States; we are a national model,” said Mueller.
“No one is turned away because of a lack of funds,” Mueller explained. “About 99 percent of clients are homeless when they come here. Their families have disowned them because of sexual orientation, HIV or because of their alcohol and drug addiction. They walk in here broken.”
“Stepping Stone saved my life,” said Jason, a former resident and graduate of Stepping Stone, who is remaining anonymous for privacy. “A lot of people, myself included, have come in from the streets and they frequently come in with absolutely nothing,” Jason said. “Stepping Stone is an organization that helps people pick up the pieces.”
Stepping Stone’s nationally recognized program is unique, as it provides the LGBT community with holistic and comprehensive recovery and treatment services by recognizing the integration of medical and psychiatric issues during the treatment process. “There are complex issues,” said Jason. “They aren’t treating just the substance addiction; there are other layers like having access to therapy, family dynamics and sexual dynamics.”
Part of the complex issue is the large integration of drugs and alcohol within the LGBT community. “Because the gay community found its roots in bars in the beginning, there is definitely a culture of using alcohol and drugs in the gay community,” said Jason. “When I found drugs and alcohol it was a way to be part of the community and it took a grip on my life. I had a lot of internal shame that had to do with growing up in a very hetero culture.”
As San Diego celebrated the 40th anniversary of Pride, members of the LGBT community may turn to drugs and alcohol to find a place of acceptance outside of a heteronormative culture. “In my experience,” Jason said, “the gay community can be a very intimidating experience, especially as you are coming out and trying to fit in.” It isn’t surprising that a first or second-time LGBT Pride attendee, whose sexuality is concealed, may feel overwhelmed by being surrounded by so many fellow LGBTs, when they are accustomed to being the only one or one of only a few in a heteronormative environment and turn to drugs or alcohol to blend in with the party atmosphere. “After Pride and other holidays we always have a waiting list,” said Mueller. In order to support those who may be vulnerable to using on the weekends, Stepping Stone offers a weekly group that meets Fridays at 1 p.m., which is open for people who are on the waiting list to enter the facility.
“There are only a handful of organizations that help the LGBTQ community. We get people from all over the United States to enter the program,” continued Mueller.
Clients that enter Stepping Stone’s program with no support leave the award-winning 31-bed, residential facility as part of a community with a path to a clean slate. Founded in 1976, Stepping Stone’s mission is “To create, improve and deliver alcohol and other drug treatment, HIV and other health interventions, recovery, education and prevention services specializing in the challenges of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities of the San Diego region.”
Stepping Stone offers a variety of programs, both residential and non-residential, that are based upon best practices of recovery, to meet the different needs of clients, which include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Seeking Safety (trauma-informed) curriculum. The programs use peer interaction as a way to create a social environment in which clients help each other on their path to recovery. “We help clients with finding employment and explore education. Many of the clients will go to San Diego community college,” said Mueller.
Stepping Stone partners with organizations in the San Diego community in order to provide support for clients. “If it was not for the support of the gay community, it would be difficult for Stepping Stone to reach its goals,” said Keith Reisman, who is a volunteer with Stepping Stone. “Mo’s and Baja Betty’s provide monetary food services. It helps with our budget shortages. Stepping Stone doesn’t work without the help of the community.”
In terms of support, Stepping Stone will hold its annual community summer fundraiser, True Colors, Saturday, Aug. 9, 4-10 p.m. at their facility at 3767 Central Ave. in San Diego.
“This one is going to be a lot of fun,” said Jason. The True Colors fundraiser will be a ‘80s themed costume party that will feature live entertainment, food, dancing, a raffle and a silent auction. Prizes include Botox, medical treatment, spa trips and dog grooming. “It’s one of the events that the sobriety community in San Diego looks forward to,” said Jason.
There is a suggested donation of $10 to attend and all proceeds from the event will help benefit Stepping Stone’s resident fund. The resident fund provides residents with basic needs like toiletries, toothbrushes, bedding and obtaining identification. “This fundraiser will go toward making people feel like human beings,” said Jason. Residents, staff and volunteers organize the fundraiser. “We are here to help people get their lives back,” said Mueller. “It’s a loving and caring environment, but only with the help of the gay community.”
For more information on Stepping Stone and the True Colors fundraiser, visit steppingstonesd.org
