We Are Stepping Stone.
A portrait project for and about our family — made across San Diego to help end the stigma around recovery, and to remind anyone on the journey that they are not alone on it.
The Diversity and Breadth of Our Community
We Are Stepping Stone set out to help end the stigma surrounding recovery from alcohol and other drugs — and to remind people facing addiction, and the people who love them, that help is available and no one has to face this alone. The portraits, with beautiful San Diego landmarks and life happening in the background, illustrate the joy and pride of so many members of our Stepping Stone family.
What makes our community so one of a kind? Anyone who has ever participated in Stepping Stone’s programming can tell you that this organization has an innate magic, reflective of the beautiful relationships and memories built here. Still, Stepping Stone transcends what happens in groups and meetings. What happens here ripples out and changes the lives of partners, spouses, parents, siblings, friends — the list is virtually inexhaustible.
The people in this gallery are volunteers, staff, residents, members of our outpatient community, donors, supporters, family members, friends, neighbors — even a city official or two. Virtually everyone in the San Diego recovery community (and beyond) is part of the Stepping Stone story.
Who is Stepping Stone?
I am Stepping Stone.
You are Stepping Stone.
We are Stepping Stone.
The Stepping Stone Family
Thirty-five portraits made around San Diego in 2021 — at Balboa Park, on the Coronado shoreline, along the bay. Names, roles, and pronouns appear as each person chose to share them.
Stepping Stone did not just teach me how to remain sober but gave me healthy coping skills to live life.
I am privileged to support Stepping Stone as its staff, alumni, and volunteers genuinely care and really want its clients to succeed. They treat their residents with empathy, respect, patience, and love.
We all have stories. As a therapist, my work is about listening and accepting fully without judgment. It is from this experience that we grow.
In many ways this community is family. We would walk through fire to help each other.
It’s amazing to get to see so many people — as well as our community — benefit from the life-saving recovery services provided by Stepping Stone.
See the Story in Motion
The campaign film brings the project to life — the people, the places, and the love behind every portrait.
If these faces speak to you, there are two ways to answer: reach out for help, or help us keep this work going.