Dear Stepping Stone Family,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month— and let’s be real—if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just straight-up angry lately, you are not alone.
Between the chaotic headlines out of D.C., the relentless attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, and the ever-growing mental health crisis, the air is thick with stress.
At Stepping Stone of San Diego, mental health has always been central to our mission, as we help LGBTQ+ individuals reclaim their lives from addiction and trauma. When the future feels unstable, we come together. That is the spirit of Stepping Stone—and it’s the spirit I see in our clients, our alumni, and our supporters every day.
This year, our mission continues to face troubling headwinds.
An Update on Stepping Stone’s Federal Funding
The County of San Diego last week informed all Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) providers—the federal funding for Stepping Stone’s Sober Living program—that federal funding for these contracts will be reduced or eliminated by the end of the year.
Just last week, I spoke with the County Board of Supervisors about redirecting surplus budget reserves as a back-up for our critical lifesaving programs. Watch the NBC 7 San Diego coverage here. One thing I shared with our elected leaders is that when the White House is turning it’s back on us, we need the County and City to step up to augment.
Additionally, Congress just this week continues to advance their budget resolution that demands $880 billion in cuts from Medicare and Medicaid.
At Stepping Stone, Medicaid/Medi-Cal is our primary funding source to help fund critical mental health and addiction recovery services for our clients. These cuts would be devastating—not just for us, but for every community-based provider.
Channeling Anxiety into Action
Federal funding may feel out of our control, I believe we can channel anxiety into action. We’re taking a page from the Serenity Prayer—accepting what we can’t control, BUT we are sure as hell fighting for our future. It’s not time to panic, it’s time to mobilize.
So here’s what I’m asking this Mental Health Awareness Month:
- Support a nonprofit. Whether it’s donating to Stepping Stone or another organization close to your heart, your donations and volunteer hours are more critical now than ever.
- Speak up. Share our story. Talk to your representatives. Use your voice to advocate for funding that protects recovery, housing, and mental health services.
- Check in on each other. Connection is a powerful antidote to uncertainty. Reach out to someone today—whether they’re struggling or simply need a reminder they’re not alone.
- Stay informed and stay hopeful. We will continue to keep you updated about funding developments and ways to get involved (see below!) And we will continue, as always, to stand strong—together.
We’ve been here before. We’ve survived before. We’ll keep going. But we need you with us.
With fire in my belly and a whole lot of love,
Andrew Picard
Executive Director
Stepping Stone of San Diego
GiveOUT Day—the only national day of giving for the LGBTQ+ community—is just around the corner starting May 22nd! Support our mission by creating your own fundraiser page and rally your friends and family to support, our platform offers matching gifts for donations you secure.
You’re invited to our next Celebration of Recovery, where we honor all clients who have completed their program and reclaimed their lives. This uplifting event is open to all—come witness healing, and hope as we cheer on our graduates with their families and friends.
Date: Friday, June 20th 5-7pm
Location: The San Diego LGBT Center
Become a permanent part of Stepping Stone’s story. By donating to sponsor a custom tile, you can honor a loved one, celebrate your recovery journey, or show your support for our mission. Your tile will be feature your design engraved and installed on our walls as a lasting symbol of your support for decades to come.
Tile Ceremony: Saturday, September 6th
Sponsor your tile today and leave a legacy of recovery.