Any resident who has come through Stepping Stone over the last 32 years will tell you that Ross and Alice Henry Taylor were an important part of their experience. They have been constant supporters of the program, our residents and our community since 1984.

To honor this lifetime of service the Stepping Stone board of directors announced the creation of a new annual award called the Alice and Ross Service Award.

The new award was presented to Alice at the recent commemorative tIle ceremony, where her and Ross’s tile including a birthday message to Stepping Stone was also unveiled.    The award will begin its annual cycle at the Living Out Loud 40th Anniversary Gala on October 22nd.

If you missed the presentation of the award to Alice you can see her comments from the tile ceremony below.

A message from Alice

I came to Stepping Stone on January 2, 1984…. Magic filled the air. My heart spoke to me.  I found a home filled with love, hope and enthusiasm.  Shacks and all. Through many twists and turns, Stepping Stone remains the love of my life – except for Ross!

Ross came aboard soon after I was employed and guided the agency as Chairman of the Board.  In 1986, we became volunteers facilitating Community Issues together for several years.  He counseled many residents individually generously sharing acceptance, sobriety and wisdom.

Ross’ most famous moment. While serving as chairman of the Board, he walked into a group. A resident asked him, “What are you going to do about the roaches, Mr. Taylor?” And, he replied.  I am going to issue each resident, two bricks!

From the shacks, held together by many coats of paint and filled with love, to a year on the hospital floor to Stepping Stone as we know it today, many have dedicated expertise, time and innovation to making this recovery home a star. Angels, one and all. The beginning of Cheryl’s dream was realized with the purchase of the property. A well planned, state of the art family home for those who desired recovery and the freedom of sobriety was realized, fulfilling her ambitious vision. Under the recent leadership of Michael Moore, the Board, the community and Cheryl’s return, Stepping Stone is flourishing. Renewed enthusiasm, direction, understanding and opportunities are being realized.

To all those who have found recovery here, all the remarkable staff, each gifted volunteer and every alumni …. you are celebrated today along with Stepping Stone’s 40 years of serving the GLBT and San Diego Communities. As I tell each resident, YOU are my teacher. I am privileged  to be a family member of this community. I am honored to be part of your recovery, sharing the same trail, and bearing witness to your challenges. I consider myself to be one of the most blessed persons I know, thanks to my long affiliation with Stepping Stone.

Ross, Pinocchio and I say Happy Birthday.  Life begins anew at 40.