Dear Stepping Stone Family,
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m reminded of what I love most about this community: we take care of our own. And because of you, Stepping Stone remains a safe, affirming place where we can provide a true safety net for our San Diego LGBTQ+ family.
That safety net matters more than ever as 2025 saw damaging federal funding cuts and political attacks on our most vulnerable community members nationwide. Here in San Diego, addiction, mental health, and homelessness remain some of the most pressing challenges facing our community, and are all areas central to Stepping Stone’s mission.
For nearly 50 years, when LGBTQ+ San Diegans needed help, you made sure they had somewhere to turn. And this year, to meet growing need for our programs, Stepping Stone has been building and expanding:
- Our first major Residential expansion in 25 years (now underway!): We’ve begun converting our old garage into new group and therapy rooms at our Central Ave campus – much needed additional private, welcoming spaces designed for healing. The build is slated to be completed in June, helping us meet growing demand for our life-saving services.
- Expanded our Outpatient addiction recovery services: This year, we expanded outpatient groups and individual counseling—and we also added case managers to ensure clients are connected to housing and wrap-around supports as they rebuild their lives in the community.
- Advocacy beyond our walls: When then the current Administration pushes funding cuts and inhuman policies that criminalize people for struggling, we won’t stay quiet. Stepping Stone has led advocacy efforts, built coalitions, and spoken up alongside community partners—insisting on a better path: healthcare, not handcuffs. Our community deserves dignity, evidence-based care, and real solutions—not punishments for poverty.
Your donation saves lives. Truly; that is not a dramatic overstatement. A gift today helps someone get through their first night safe, attend their next therapy session, stay housed and keep going until hope comes back.
Fifty years is not just longevity—it’s proof of our love in action. Next year, we honor Stepping Stone’s 50th Anniversary, and your year-end gift helps ensure the next chapter is even stronger: more access to affirming addiction recovery and mental health supports, stronger housing connections, and fewer people left alone in their hardest moment. We hope to see you at our 50th Anniversary Pink Gala in the new year!
With a lot of love and gratitude for your generous support,
Andrew
Meeting Clients Where They Are: Expanded Outpatient Recovery Services
Not everyone can step away from work, school, or family to enter residential treatment. That’s why our outpatient program is so vital – and this year, we expanded it.
With your support, we’ve added more groups, individual counseling, and structured support for people rebuilding their lives while remaining in the community. As part of our complete recovery ecosystem – from residential treatment to outpatient help to sober living – clients receive culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirming care, so they never have to hide who they are to get the help they deserve.
Our First Major Residential Expansion in 25 Years
At our main campus, we reached a historic milestone: the first major Residential expansion in 25 years for our Central Ave location.
Thanks to a Community Development Block Grant from the City of San Diego we are converting our old garage into new group and therapy rooms—private, welcoming spaces designed for healing. This major renovation will enable more one-on-one counseling, additional groups, and a calmer environment for clients working through trauma, grief, and the complex layers of addiction.
Looking Ahead to Our 50th Anniversary
Next year, Stepping Stone will celebrate 50 years of serving the LGBTQ+ community and people and people for whom a safe environment is the prerequisite for sobriety. For half a century, this community has kept our doors open for those with nowhere else to turn.
As we approach this milestone, we’re focused on the future – expanding access to affirming treatment, strengthening housing and outpatient programs, and ensuring our campus reflects the dignity every person in recovery deserves.
Your Gift Today Builds the Next 50 Years
The need for our services has never been greater – and neither has the impact of your gift.
Your year-end donation does more than you can imagine – it helps fortify the only LGBTQ-specific recovery infrastructure in San Diego for the next 50 years.
Please make a gift today and stand with us as we enter our 50th year of hope, healing, and home.
Save the Date: The 50th Anniversary Pink Gala Returns – April 17, 2026
Mark your calendar – The 50th Anniversary Pink Gala returns on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt!
Each year, the Pink Gala brings together alumni, friends, families, and supporters for an evening of joy, remembrance, and community. More details and ticket information will be available soon on our website and social media.
Other Ways to Support Stepping Stone:
Make a one time or monthly donation
Purchase a commemorative tile for our next Tile Ceremony
Learn about The Pink Gala • April 17, 2026
Get a Protect The Dolls T-Shirt
Leave a legacy – learn more about Planned Giving