STEP DENVER

The mission of Step Denver is to give men with nowhere else to turn the opportunity to overcome addiction through sobriety, work, accountability, and community. With support from individuals and charitable foundations, Step produces outcomes that far exceed the national average and affect a ripple impact in the areas of housing, employment, and family reconciliation.

Above everything, our goal is to help men in a state of desperation end their cycle of addiction, take back control of their lives, and transition to a safe and sober living environment where they can become productive, contributing members of their families and community.

During Phase I (Stability) residents build the foundation of their recovery and develop healthy daily routines, placing recovery in the forefront of their priorities. In addition to meeting weekly with their RSM, residents participate in small group meetings with their peers discussing a wide range of topics impacting their recovery. They attend life skills and financial literacy classes to learn how to rebuild and manage their lives. Having moved out of 'survival mode', residents begin to build confidence and are provided the impetus to continue their journey.

In Phase II (Development) residents develop a comprehensive recovery plan and address outstanding responsibilities including financial and legal matters. Throughout this process S.M.A.R.T. goals are set with men clearly defining what they would like to accomplish in their program of recovery. The RSM monitors and holds men accountable to following key steps identified to help them achieve each goal. RSMs continue to provide examples of challenges they faced while working to rebuild their lives in the program, ways they were able to overcome obstacles, and provide hope for residents as living proof that these milestones are possible.

During Phase III (Transition) residents focus on transition planning to include finding safe and sober housing, budgeting for future costs and living expenses, and the identification of outside support services and resources. At this stage of the program, they also establish a home group meeting (AA, NA, CA) in the community as a part of implementing the necessary coping mechanisms to defend against both identified and unexpected triggers that may lead to relapse.

Phase IV (Community) provides a safe, structured, sober living environment for men who have completed the first three phases of the program. Residents can remain in a Step Sober Living Home for up to 18 months in which they continue to meet with an RSM once a week and are held accountable, but with additional freedoms to prepare for independence beyond Step. "I entered the program, homeless, and one year later I had a college degree. I could not have gotten here without the help of Step Denver. They saved my life." -- Former Sober Home Resident and Step Alumnus Michael illustrates how important the additional time was to his overall success.

After program completion, Recovery Engagement Managers continue to follow up with alumni for a minimum of 12 months to provide peer coaching and help them through the challenges they face as they re-enter society. Alumni are invited to participate in small groups at Step Denver, mentor current residents in the program, and attend recreational events planned by the Resident Advisory Committee. These interactions provide Step leadership with the ability to track outcomes and ensure that the program is effective in providing everything needed for addicted men to recover, rebuild a life worth living, and pay it forward by serving those who come behind.

Our History: Step Denver was founded in 1983 by recovering alcoholics/addicts joining forces to help homeless men. They recognized sobriety as the primary solution to homelessness and knew that sustained recovery is best achieved through rehabilitation, economic opportunity, self- sufficiency, and community.

Current Executive Director Paul Scudo was recruited in 2015 with the goal of implementing an addiction recovery and life skills curriculum to reduce recidivism. Paul worked with alumni - the first Recovery Support Managers - to create the Steps for Success program. A Career Center was established to aide in restoring residents’ dignity, security, and ability to contribute to their families. In 2017 Step opened its first sober living homes, extending the program and providing men with a softer landing back into the community.

Program partnerships with employers, nutritionists, banking/finance executives, family therapists, personal trainers, and human resource professionals provide specialized life skills support to compliment programming provided by Step Denver staff.

Today, Step employs 20 people - including 16 Step Alumni – and in a typical year helps nearly 300 men. Through their success and with support from individuals and charitable foundations, Step produces outcomes that far exceed the national average and affect a ripple impact in the areas of housing, employment, and family reconciliation.

Of 365 men served in FY 21-22, the following outcomes were achieved:
- 79% of residents obtained full-time, tax-paying employment within their first month.
- 48% of residents obtained higher-paying, career-path employment during their stay.
- 83% of residents reported the rebuilding of healthy family relationships.

Recovery Support Managers conduct follow-up calls to former residents throughout the 12 months following program departure; discussing sobriety, employment, and housing, and providing additional peer coaching. Making contact with those who have relapsed as well as those who remain sober proves challenging; however, Step Denver is able to reach 55-60% of alumni.

2019-2022 Sustained Outcomes
- 80% of alumni contacted report sustained sobriety
- 85% of alumni contacted report current employment
- 92% of alumni contacted report stable housing