INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of mission-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities, industries, and across the world.
Paul Scudo is the Executive Director of Step Denver. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and learn more at stepdenver.org.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Step Denver is a men’s residential recovery community helping homeless and low-income men overcome the consequences of addiction and rebuild their lives through sobriety, work and accountability. The overall goal of the Step Denver program is to have its residents transition to safe, sober, self-sufficient living environments where they may become productive, contributing members of their families and community.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
Step Denver intends to help as many men as possible who are suffering from consequences caused by the disease of addiction by providing our clients with the time, community and structure where sustained addiction recovery and behavioral change can be established.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
Since 1983, Step Denver has provided a refuge for approximately 250 men each year. With the recent opening of sober living homes, Step Denver is able to help additional men by providing that next step in their transition process with an additional year in a sober, structured environment guided by the principles of sobriety, work and accountability. An individual who accrues two years sober is 66% more likely to remain abstinent over their life time. When structure is incorporated with time and community, it enriches the behavioral change required for long-term recovery and a new way of life. Furthermore, it costs the community an average of $40,000 for an individual living on the street. With an investment of $5,000 per resident, Step Denver is saving the community millions of dollars each year. Since the organization is funded by individuals, foundations and corporations, the government can focus its funds on others who need it more than our men who become capable, taxpaying citizens once they achieve sobriety.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
Our residents, alumni and those still suffering from addiction and homelessness.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Step Denver would like to open more sober living homes to serve as many men as possible.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
In order to make this dream a reality, Step Denver needs funding for a capital campaign to purchase more sober living homes. Since the organization does not take government funding, we will rely on the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations to help us achieve this goal.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
While the organization has been around for 35 years, not many people know about us. Furthermore the organization went through a name change from Step 13 to Step Denver in 2017. So informing the public about who we are, the work we do, and the men we serve has been a bit of a challenge.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Keep moving forward! Every setback, in an opportunity and a call for creativity and new solutions.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Spread the word! Step Denver also has a vehicle donation program, Driven to Donate. Visit our website and learn more about ways you can give back to our men who are transforming their lives from transients to taxpayers.
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations is an award-winning communications agency that generates awareness, engagement, and, ultimately, support for mission-driven organizations. We amplify their voice and reach so they can increase their impact. If you would like to be featured on INSPIRED IMPACT, reach out to hello@orapinmarketing.com.