Step Denver- Summer 2019 Newsletter

“As residents of Downtown Denver, we have been truly concerned about the number of people living on the streets. Touring Step Denver, the first thing you notice is how warm and welcoming it is. The staff really cares about helping men beat their addictions, repair broken relationships, and rebuild life skills so they can get back to leading productive and happy lives. We are proud to be supporters.” – Jennifer

“In 2015, a friend of mine lost their wallet and it was returned by a Step Denver resident with all contents intact. I was so impressed by his actions that I made my first donation to Step Denver, and I’ve been supporting ever since.” – Nick

Jennifer and Nick Cox of Downtown Denver

Why We Give

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 353 DENVER, CO

Please use the enclosed donation envelope to provide vital support for our men.

2029 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205 StepDenver.org

INSIDE

Life After Step: Alumni Don C.

Stepping Forward: Sober Home Expansion

A Day in the Life: Resident Mark A.

What You Made Possible: Fiscal Year 2019 Impact Report

Get dressed, pack backpack, check the weather

Wake up, make bed, tidy room

Visit with other men, invite new residents to coffee, eat a light snack

7 A.M.

Walk to coffee shop, read the news and AA/recovery books recommended by sponsor

7:30 A.M.

Return to Step and meet with Career Counselor working towards next level employment

8:30 A.M.

Arrive early to work on 16th St. Mall, pitching in and getting extra hours

9:30 A.M.

Meet with AA sponsor three days/ week and with Step Recovery Support Manager on Fridays

5 P.M.

$250

$100

$50

SC

I am giving in honor of:

E-mail

In the memory of:

Phone

ZIP

City

Exp.

Address

Other

Signature

$25

day of every month, in the amount of:

Name

Credit/debit card

Please process a one-time donation in the amount of:

$500

Please process an automated withdrawal on the

Cook dinner, read, watch TV and interact with other men in the program

8:30 P.M.

Go to bed and sleep through the night

10:30 P.M.

I am interested in a tour.

I am interested in donating a vehicle.

I have included Step Denver in my will.

I have enclosed a check.

! u o y k Than

Tuesday and Thursday, attend program small group session, other days attend AA meeting

7 P.M.

“I never thought I’d be in a situation like that and once I was, I never thought I wouldn’t be.”

Step Denver men are living a life of sobriety, work, and accountability because of donors who give with purpose, consistency, and compassion.

6:40 A.M.

6:30 A.M.

Typical day now:

“They treated me like a human being, which I did not expect at all.”

Mark entered Step Denver on Feb. 14, 2019.

On Feb. 6, 2019 Mark was found unconscious, face-down in the snow in the middle of Cherokee Street. He awoke in the hospital with no recollection of what had occurred. It was there he found Step Denver on a list and made the courageous call for help.

d by p to o foun ment u g n g n t o i n y ki Be nforce and ping Drin urs a da ting e Slee walks a t o i law nscious from l i h 10 nt deb severe side c n u o r-death ia Wak ve and e s r n p in io g nea potherm four g every shakin palpitat hy t viole hour E x pe s, hear nt l y r b lack ienci from shak -o ng in with alcohol g in ut s draw sett dange eizures ings r al t h o us the rougho ut city

Typical day before Step:

As a professional, Mark’s alcoholism began with work-related social drinking. As the addiction progressed, he began drinking in isolation.

Within three years he had lost everything.

A Day in the Life of Mark A. Current Resident

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 353 DENVER, CO

2029 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205 StepDenver.org

A Day in the Life of Mark A. Current Resident As a professional, Mark’s alcoholism began with work-related social drinking. As the addiction progressed, he began drinking in isolation.

Within three years he had lost everything.

Typical day before Step: d by p to o foun ment u g n g n t o i n y ki Be nforce and ping Drin urs a da ting e Slee walks a t o i law nscious from l i h 10 nt deb severe side c n u o r-death ia Wak ve and e s r n p in io g nea potherm four g every shakin palpitat hy t viole hour E x pe s, hear nt l y r b lack ienci from shak -o ng in with alcohol g in ut s draw sett dange eizures ings r al th ous the rougho ut city

Please use the enclosed donation envelope to provide vital support for our men.

Why We Give

Jennifer and Nick Cox of Downtown Denver

On Feb. 6, 2019 Mark was found unconscious, face-down in the snow in the middle of Cherokee Street. He awoke in the hospital with no recollection of what had occurred. It was there he found Step Denver on a list and made the courageous call for help.

“In 2015, a friend of mine lost their wallet and it was returned by a Step Denver resident with all contents intact. I was so impressed by his actions that I made my first donation to Step Denver, and I’ve been supporting ever since.” – Nick

“I never thought I’d be in a situation like that and once I was, I never thought I wouldn’t be.”

Mark entered Step Denver on Feb. 14, 2019.

“As residents of Downtown Denver, we have been truly concerned about the number of people living on the streets. Touring Step Denver, the first thing you notice is how warm and welcoming it is. The staff really cares about helping men beat their addictions, repair broken relationships, and rebuild life skills so they can get back to leading productive and happy lives. We are proud to be supporters.” – Jennifer

“They treated me like a human being, which I did not expect at all.”

Typical day now:

INSIDE

Life After Step: Alumni Don C.

Stepping Forward: Sober Home Expansion

A Day in the Life: Resident Mark A.

What You Made Possible: Fiscal Year 2019 Impact Report

6:30 A.M.

6:40 A.M.

7 A.M.

7:30 A.M.

8:30 A.M.

9:30 A.M.

5 P.M.

7 P.M.

8:30 P.M.

10:30 P.M.

Wake up, make bed, tidy room

Get dressed, pack backpack, check the weather

Visit with other men, invite new residents to coffee, eat a light snack

Walk to coffee shop, read the news and AA/recovery books recommended by sponsor

Return to Step and meet with Career Counselor working towards next level employment

Arrive early to work on 16th St. Mall, pitching in and getting extra hours

Meet with AA sponsor three days/ week and with Step Recovery Support Manager on Fridays

Tuesday and Thursday, attend program small group session, other days attend AA meeting

Cook dinner, read, watch TV and interact with other men in the program

Go to bed and sleep through the night

Step Denver men are living a life of sobriety, work, and accountability because of donors who give with purpose, consistency, and compassion.

Please process an automated withdrawal on the $500

$250

$100

$50

! u o y k Than

day of every month, in the amount of: $25

Other

I have enclosed a check.

Please process a one-time donation in the amount of: Credit/debit card

Exp.

SC

Name

Signature

Address

City

E-mail I am giving in honor of:

ZIP Phone

In the memory of:

I have included Step Denver in my will.

I am interested in donating a vehicle.

I am interested in a tour.

What YOU Made Possible – Fiscal Year 2019 Impact Report 290 Men Served

The value of your gift:

Every $1 donated was turned into more than $13 of impact.

Recovery

79% of residents reported rebuilding healthy family relationships.

85% of 113 FY 18–19 Alumni contacted reported sustained sobriety.

Housing Average 99 nights of safe, sober housing provided for each resident.

96% of 113 FY 18–19 Alumni contacted reported continued stable housing. $6.8 $5.1

Homeless Housed million savings to community

Unemployed Employed million contribution to community

Total Economic Impact:

Employment – With the support of Step Denver’s Career Counselor…

99% of men obtained full-time, tax-paying employment within one month.

38% of men obtained higher paying, career path employment while in the program.

87% of 113 FY 18–19 Alumni contacted reported current employment.

$11.9 million

Fathe rs

H

nds u s ba

N eig h b or s

oyees Empl

Financial stability According to the Federal Reserve, most Americans could not afford a $400 unexpected expense.

The average Step Denver resident graduates with $3,000 in savings for their future.

Vehicle Donation Impact at a Glance We turned this donated car into …

We turned this donated truck into …

… life skills, budgeting, health, and family classes for 13 men.

… workforce development and tailored career coaching for 65 men

Impact Multiplied – Step supporters donated 692 vehicles in 2018–2019.

Life After Step – Don C. DON STARTED DRINKING at the age of 14. “One day while my mom, step-dad, and sister were gone from the house I thought, ‘hmm, let me try this.’ And I was like, ‘wow, this felt good.’ From there it was like a take-off.” At 16, while drinking at his girlfriend’s house, Don overdosed and was revived by first responders. Alcoholism had gripped him almost immediately and this would be the beginning of addiction ruling his life for the next 38 years.

As an avid motorcycle rider, Don experienced five serious accidents which also contributed to his alcoholism. When pain medication ran out, drinking was his way of coping. But pain relief wasn’t the only motivating force; “I don’t know why, but it was always hard to put down. I used it for pain … all kinds of things. It was just the euphoria of letting go.”

Over the years, Don bounced from place to place, unable to keep a job and living with family off and on. “I didn’t really lose the jobs; I just wouldn’t go to them. That created many failures, lack of money, and relying on my mom, sister, and everybody else to help pick up the pieces.”

Don reached a turning point, not out of desperation or homelessness but worry for what his life would be like in the future if he remained on

that path. “When you get older you start thinking, what’s gonna happen with my life?

Do I really want this to keep happening? I hit a point when I said, ‘I can’t do this.’”

Don entered Step Denver on August 1, 2018. With guidance from his Recovery Support Manager (RSM), Santiago Ceja, he began doing the hard work to repair and rebuild every facet of his life. Family became his focus in recovery and little by little, he began gaining their respect. After years of relying on others, Don was able to give back and become a caring and contributing member of his family.

Two weeks into the program, Don obtained a full-time job as a Machinist and Maintenance Engineer. For the first time in his life he had a career he loved and, while it was hard work, he enjoyed the challenge and the fact that he was learning something new every day.

After nearly six months at Step, Don successfully transitioned from the program and was able to move into a house in an ideal location. He rescued a dog named Jelly Bean, works an average of 45 to 60 hours per week, and still finds time to look after his mother and his peers in recovery. On the weekends, Don flies model airplanes and has friendships which he says

Stepping Forward – New Sober Living Home A THIRD SOBER LIVING HOME opened on June 30, 2019, allowing five men to transition from Step’s primary Larimer Street facility to Phase Four of our program. This final phase requires the same level of accountability, but with more freedoms. Residents continue their employment and recovery goal processes and meet with their Recovery Support Manager on a weekly basis. By remaining in a peer recovery environment, they are less able to isolate; one of the primary symptoms of addiction. National studies indicate the rate of long-term, sustained sobriety increases by 75% for those who remain in a sober living environment for two years (the length of time it takes to complete all four phases of our program).

“Don is a great role model and inspiration, and I share his success story with current residents to give them hope.” – RSM Santiago he never had before. This summer he will be venturing to Canada, overseeing a project for his company.

“I don’t think he realized what he could accomplish,” said RSM Santiago. “Don really has accomplished so much in a short period of time. He took back his life by utilizing what he learned in our program and he taught me things as well. Don is a great role model and inspiration, and I share his success story with current residents to give them hope.”

What YOU Made Possible – Fiscal Year 2019 Impact Report 290 Men Served

The value of your gift:

Every $1 donated was turned into more than $13 of impact.

Recovery

79% of residents reported rebuilding healthy family relationships.

85% of 113 FY 18–19 Alumni contacted reported sustained sobriety.

Housing Average 99 nights of safe, sober housing provided for each resident.

96% of 113 FY 18–19 Alumni contacted reported continued stable housing. $6.8 $5.1

Homeless Housed million savings to community

Unemployed Employed million contribution to community

Total Economic Impact:

Employment – With the support of Step Denver’s Career Counselor…

99% of men obtained full-time, tax-paying employment within one month.

38% of men obtained higher paying, career path employment while in the program.

87% of 113 FY 18–19 Alumni contacted reported current employment.

$11.9 million

Fathe rs

H

nds u s ba

N eig h b or s

oyees Empl

Financial stability According to the Federal Reserve, most Americans could not afford a $400 unexpected expense.

The average Step Denver resident graduates with $3,000 in savings for their future.

Vehicle Donation Impact at a Glance We turned this donated car into …

We turned this donated truck into …

… life skills, budgeting, health, and family classes for 13 men.

… workforce development and tailored career coaching for 65 men

Impact Multiplied – Step supporters donated 692 vehicles in 2018–2019.

Life After Step – Don C. DON STARTED DRINKING at the age of 14. “One day while my mom, step-dad, and sister were gone from the house I thought, ‘hmm, let me try this.’ And I was like, ‘wow, this felt good.’ From there it was like a take-off.” At 16, while drinking at his girlfriend’s house, Don overdosed and was revived by first responders. Alcoholism had gripped him almost immediately and this would be the beginning of addiction ruling his life for the next 38 years.

As an avid motorcycle rider, Don experienced five serious accidents which also contributed to his alcoholism. When pain medication ran out, drinking was his way of coping. But pain relief wasn’t the only motivating force; “I don’t know why, but it was always hard to put down. I used it for pain … all kinds of things. It was just the euphoria of letting go.”

Over the years, Don bounced from place to place, unable to keep a job and living with family off and on. “I didn’t really lose the jobs; I just wouldn’t go to them. That created many failures, lack of money, and relying on my mom, sister, and everybody else to help pick up the pieces.”

Don reached a turning point, not out of desperation or homelessness but worry for what his life would be like in the future if he remained on

that path. “When you get older you start thinking, what’s gonna happen with my life?

Do I really want this to keep happening? I hit a point when I said, ‘I can’t do this.’”

Don entered Step Denver on August 1, 2018. With guidance from his Recovery Support Manager (RSM), Santiago Ceja, he began doing the hard work to repair and rebuild every facet of his life. Family became his focus in recovery and little by little, he began gaining their respect. After years of relying on others, Don was able to give back and become a caring and contributing member of his family.

Two weeks into the program, Don obtained a full-time job as a Machinist and Maintenance Engineer. For the first time in his life he had a career he loved and, while it was hard work, he enjoyed the challenge and the fact that he was learning something new every day.

After nearly six months at Step, Don successfully transitioned from the program and was able to move into a house in an ideal location. He rescued a dog named Jelly Bean, works an average of 45 to 60 hours per week, and still finds time to look after his mother and his peers in recovery. On the weekends, Don flies model airplanes and has friendships which he says

Stepping Forward – New Sober Living Home A THIRD SOBER LIVING HOME opened on June 30, 2019, allowing five men to transition from Step’s primary Larimer Street facility to Phase Four of our program. This final phase requires the same level of accountability, but with more freedoms. Residents continue their employment and recovery goal processes and meet with their Recovery Support Manager on a weekly basis. By remaining in a peer recovery environment, they are less able to isolate; one of the primary symptoms of addiction. National studies indicate the rate of long-term, sustained sobriety increases by 75% for those who remain in a sober living environment for two years (the length of time it takes to complete all four phases of our program).

“Don is a great role model and inspiration, and I share his success story with current residents to give them hope.” – RSM Santiago he never had before. This summer he will be venturing to Canada, overseeing a project for his company.

“I don’t think he realized what he could accomplish,” said RSM Santiago. “Don really has accomplished so much in a short period of time. He took back his life by utilizing what he learned in our program and he taught me things as well. Don is a great role model and inspiration, and I share his success story with current residents to give them hope.”

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 331 DENVER, CO

2029 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205 StepDenver.org

A Day in the Life of Mark A. Current Resident As a professional, Mark’s alcoholism began with work-related social drinking. As the addiction progressed, he began drinking in isolation.

Within three years he had lost everything.

Typical day before Step: d by p to o foun ment u g n g n t o i n y ki Be nforce and ping Drin urs a da ting e Slee walks a t o i law nscious from l i h 10 nt deb severe side c n u o r-death ia Wak ve and e s r n p in io g nea potherm four g every shakin palpitat hy t viole hour E x pe s, hear nt l y r b lack ienci from shak -o ng in with alcohol g in ut s draw sett dange eizures ings r al th ous the rougho ut city

Please use the enclosed donation envelope to provide vital support for our men.

Why We Give

Jennifer and Nick Cox of Downtown Denver

On Feb. 6, 2019 Mark was found unconscious, face-down in the snow in the middle of Cherokee Street. He awoke in the hospital with no recollection of what had occurred. It was there he found Step Denver on a list and made the courageous call for help.

“In 2015, a friend of mine lost their wallet and it was returned by a Step Denver resident with all contents intact. I was so impressed by his actions that I made my first donation to Step Denver, and I’ve been supporting ever since.” – Nick

“I never thought I’d be in a situation like that and once I was, I never thought I wouldn’t be.”

Mark entered Step Denver on Feb. 14, 2019.

“As residents of Downtown Denver, we have been truly concerned about the number of people living on the streets. Touring Step Denver, the first thing you notice is how warm and welcoming it is. The staff really cares about helping men beat their addictions, repair broken relationships, and rebuild life skills so they can get back to leading productive and happy lives. We are proud to be supporters.” – Jennifer

“They treated me like a human being, which I did not expect at all.”

Typical day now:

INSIDE

Life After Step: Alumni Don C.

Stepping Forward: Sober Home Expansion

A Day in the Life: Resident Mark A.

What You Made Possible: Fiscal Year 2019 Impact Report

6:30 A.M.

6:40 A.M.

7 A.M.

7:30 A.M.

8:30 A.M.

9:30 A.M.

5 P.M.

7 P.M.

8:30 P.M.

10:30 P.M.

Wake up, make bed, tidy room

Get dressed, pack backpack, check the weather

Visit with other men, invite new residents to coffee, eat a light snack

Walk to coffee shop, read the news and AA/recovery books recommended by sponsor

Return to Step and meet with Career Counselor working towards next level employment

Arrive early to work on 16th St. Mall, pitching in and getting extra hours

Meet with AA sponsor three days/ week and with Step Recovery Support Manager on Fridays

Tuesday and Thursday, attend program small group session, other days attend AA meeting

Cook dinner, read, watch TV and interact with other men in the program

Go to bed and sleep through the night

Step Denver men are living a life of sobriety, work, and accountability because of donors who give with purpose, consistency, and compassion.

Please process an automated withdrawal on the $500

$250

$100

$50

! u o y k Than

day of every month, in the amount of: $25

Other

I have enclosed a check.

Please process a one-time donation in the amount of: Credit/debit card

Exp.

SC

Name

Signature

Address

City

E-mail I am giving in honor of:

ZIP Phone

In the memory of:

I have included Step Denver in my will.

I am interested in donating a vehicle.

I am interested in a tour.