FOX 31: “Step
Denver Helps Aid in
Addiction Recovery”

DENVER (KDVR) — Step Denver launched in 1983 on the same block of Larimer Street it still sits today. Ask anyone who’s been through the program and they’ll say it wasn’t easy, but that sometimes the path to a better life requires a challenge.

On the walls of Step Denver hang photos of success stories through the years.

“You see through their own work and their own achievement, their light restored and their self-esteem and their dignity,” said Step Denver’s executive director Meghan Shay.

But the road to that point isn’t an easy one.

“I consider this like the special forces of recovery, you know what I mean? Like, it’s hardcore,” said Andrew Hatcher.

Hatcher first came through Step’s doors nearly three years ago.

“I was battling with drug addiction and was a pretty heavy drinker,” he said.

Addiction led to homelessness, and Step provided him a place to stay, so long as he made an effort.

“Helping men exit homelessness through a program built on sobriety, work, accountability and community,” said Shay.

Those are Step’s four pillars, she said. Each guest is sent out during the day to search for job opportunities or other ways to contribute to society.

“They’re making the choice every day to come back home, engage in this program,” said Shay.

And when they come back, programs at the facility help them work to gain sobriety, build up their savings and eventually find their own living spaces.

The work, Hatcher says, is exactly what he needed.

“I needed a stable environment to put a roof over my head and give me an opportunity,” he said.

Today, he has a job as a mover. It’s an accomplishment he attributes to Step.

“Most successful mover at the company,” he said. “It feels amazing to be, like, a respectable member of the community.”

A success story like the ones on the wall, he hopes others will have for themselves if they just put in the effort.

“Provide yourself an opportunity for a better life,” said Hatcher.

Step Denver reaches out to all of its alumni 12 months after leaving the program to check in on their progress. The organization said that since 2017, 80% of alumni have remained sober, 84% have found jobs and 90% have independent, stable housing.