The day I walked into stepping stones, something shifted for me. For 12 long years I had been searching for “home”-not just a place , but a feeling. And for the first time, I found it. It wasn’t just the warm, home-like setting of the house, though that helped. It was the love. The acceptance. The sense of belonging and understanding that I had never known before. The women at Stepping Stones didn’t just help me get sober-they taught me how to live again. They showed me how to laugh, how to love, and most importantly, how to believe in myself. I had spent so many years feeling lost in addiction, convinced that it defined me. But they reminded me that I am so much more than my past. I stayed for eight months, pouring everything I had into healing-not just from addiction, but from the pain and self-doubt that had followed me for so long. Through counseling  and unwavering support, I began to understand why I had been trapped in the same cycle for years, and more importantly, how to break free from it. I learned how to love and accept myself, how to forgive-not just others but myself too.

Sammi V

I have struggled with addiction for many years. Running from myself and incapable of making true and lasting change. I came into Stepping Stones desperate for a better life. It was a safe place I could process and deal with the trauma I’ve endured but also learning to love myself again and see my worth as a person. I needed love and support, routine and structure and someone I felt safe to talk about my issues and Stepping Stones gave me that in the intimate setting. It gave me the opportunity to be a mentor to other women who are just coming in and are just as lost and afraid of the unknown as I was. Today my life is full of opportunities and hope. I am a productive member of society, I am working on having my children back in my care and I am grateful for life I get to live today. Stepping Stones saved my life and I am confident it will save many more.

Anonymous

The house is very much a home away from home for me. It provided an intimate and safe space for me to do the difficult work of healing and recovery. I came in a broken women, with trauma from my addiction, and deep grief for what I had put my children and loved ones through. With the support from Stepping Stones, I was able to put myself and my life back together. I completed the three month program and extended my stay in the Second Stage program. Second Stage allowed me to gradually take on the responsibilities of life outside of treatment which I believe was crucial in my continued sobriety.

Lana R