It takes work to see progress in every part of life. Work is what fosters self-respect, self-esteem, and dignity. It’s how to take responsibility, overcome failure, and become contributing members of society. Recovery only works if the individual puts in the work.
At Step, we believe that there truly is no free lunch. That’s why we require – and help – every resident to get (and keep) full-time, tax-paying, payroll employment. This requirement helps our men learn how to be responsible and provide for themselves. It builds self-esteem and moves them closer to becoming self-sufficient members of society.
From day one Step residents meet with our Career Counselor. During this time, they get guidance and help in obtaining employment. Once they’ve been working hard at their recovery and their job, the Career Counselor will be available to help them find a next level job or a career with a higher income and the chance to save for their transition from Step.
At Step we believe Work is more than just employment. It's about effort and progress in all facets of life. It takes work to have healthy family relationships, upkeep a home, manage finances, and have good physical and mental health. Step's strong Peer Recovery Community brings together men who are either going through, or have been through, the same things. Together with Step's Recovery Support Managers—who is in recovery and have rebuilt their own lives—they set goals, complete assignments, and gain the knowledge, tools, and support they need to overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives.
Phase One:
Residents build their foundation and develop healthy daily routines, placing recovery in the forefront of their priorities. In addition to meeting weekly with their RSM, residents receive employment education and coaching from Step’s Career Counselor and obtain a full-time, tax-paying job. Moving out of ‘survival mode’, residents begin to build confidence and are provided the impetus to continue their journey.
Phase Two:
Residents develop a recovery plan and address outstanding responsibilities including financial and legal matters. Specific, attainable, and measurable goals are set; with men clearly defining what they would like to accomplish. RSMs continue to provide examples of challenges they personally faced while working to rebuild their lives in the program, ways they overcame obstacles, and provide hope as living proof that these milestones are possible. As residents progress, they meet regularly with the Career Counselor to receive guidance in obtaining a transitional, higher paying job to support their financial goals and security moving forward.
Phase Three:
Residents begin transition planning, budgeting for future costs and living expenses, and identifying outside support and resources. At this stage of the program, men begin seeking career path employment, continue working the 12 Steps with their sponsor, establish a home group meeting (AA, NA, CA) in the community, and implement the necessary coping mechanisms to defend against triggers that may lead to relapse.
Phase Four:
Residents move into one of Step’s Sober Living Homes which provides additional time in a safe, structured environment. Sober Home residents continue to meet with their RSM and are held accountable, but with additional freedoms to prepare for independence beyond Step. Phase IV residents continue to participate in programming at the Primary Facility and begin taking on leadership roles in small groups and peer recovery activities.