Dear Stepping Stone Family,
Every person who walks through our doors brings a story — of struggle, of courage, and of hope. And every one of you — our supporters, alumni, volunteers, and friends — plays a part in those stories.
I want to share one with you today.
Xander Pierite came to Stepping Stone at one of the lowest points in his life. He was homeless, deep in addiction, and burdened with the kind of shame that comes from hiding who you are. He had spent so long believing he couldn’t be accepted — that if people knew his true self, they’d walk away.
But when he arrived here, something shifted.
“Seeing everyone at Stepping Stone living so freely and being accepted gave me a new perspective on life,” Xander told us. “Kevin Davis, my counselor Tyler, and Aimee all taught me to love myself when I couldn’t. They stood by me as I figured out who I was.”
Though he was unsure at first, Xander found healing in the connections he made — especially through our family groups. He started to believe, slowly, that he didn’t have to hide anymore. That he could live out loud and be loved for it.
Today, Xander is living a life of purpose and pride. He’s reconnected with his mother. He sponsors others in their recovery. He stands up for himself and others with confidence. And he’s no longer afraid of being seen.
“Stepping Stone gave me a home, a family, and a future,” he says. “It’s a wonderful organization that does amazing things for the LGBTQ+ community — and it saves the lives of addicts everywhere.”
Stories like Xander’s remind us why this work matters — and why your support matters. When you give, volunteer, share your story, or simply show up, you’re helping create a place where people can heal, grow, and thrive.
Thank you for being part of this community. We couldn’t do it without you.
With gratitude, Andrew Picard Executive Director
Stepping Stone of San Diego is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery journeys. We rely on the generosity of donors like you to continue providing essential services to the LGBTQ+ community. Please consider making a donation by clicking the button below.
🎉 Introducing Stepping Forward — and your chance to see Trixie Mattel LIVE! 🎉
We’re thrilled to launch Stepping Forward, our new monthly giving program supporting every step of the recovery journey. And to celebrate, we’re giving away 2 tickets to see DJ Trixie Mattel at the Solid Pink Disco on May 15th!
Join Stepping Forward at $15/month or more by May 9 and you’ll be automatically entered to win. 💖
Give monthly. Change lives. Dance with Trixie. 🌈
💖 Grant Support Spotlight: Thank You to Las Patronas & The Human Dignity Foundation
We’re deeply grateful to The Human Dignity Foundation for their generous $5,000 grant in support of our Outpatient Services. Their ongoing commitment helps us provide affirming, life-saving care to LGBTQ+ individuals on their journey to recovery and wellness.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Las Patronas for awarding us a $13,928 grant to replace failing equipment in the commercial kitchen at our residential treatment facility. This critical upgrade ensures we can continue serving hundreds of nutritious meals each week in a safe and functional environment.
Together, these gifts help us meet both the immediate and long-term needs of our clients — supporting healing, stability, and transformation. Thank you for standing with us!
Join Us for the 2025 Celebration of Recovery!
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 20th as we gather at The San Diego LGBT Center from 5–7PM for Stepping Stone’s annual Celebration of Recovery. This free, community-centered event honors the journeys of our clients who have completed our residential and outpatient programs. It’s a powerful evening of hope, healing, and pride in recovery. All are welcome!
💪 Community Partner Shoutout: Jordan Holland at RESET CrossFit
Since February,Jordan Holland, owner of RESET CrossFit, has been leading weekly classes for our outpatient participants — giving them a powerful space to rebuild strength, confidence, and connection through movement.
Every Tuesday, our clients step into RESET’s welcoming gym on Park Blvd for group fitness, breathwork coaching, and a chance to grow in recovery, both physically and mentally.
Thank you, Jordan, for being an incredible partner and champion of our community! 💖
As Stepping Stone embarks on a strategic planning effort, we’re turning to the heart of our community—you. Your feedback helps ensure our programs, services, and support continue to meet the needs of those we serve.
