This is Step:
Our History

Step 13 Evolution Process was founded by Ray Hayworth as a transitional housing program. Recovering alcoholics and addicts joined forces to help homeless men in Denver and, through their own experiences, recognized sobriety as the primary solution to homelessness. They also knew abstinence is only half the battle and that sustained, long-term addiction recovery is best achieved through peer support, economic opportunity, and self-reliance.

Bob Coté (pictured in background) was one of the original residents of Step 13, worked to become Director of Operations, and eventually became the Executive Director and our legendary leader.

Step 13 moved into the current Larimer Street facility which had previously been a department store. Throughout 1987 with help from Sutherland’s Home Improvement Center, residents built out most of the structure that exists today — transforming the building into a home.

Executive Director Bob Coté was honored to testify in a Congressional hearing about addiction and the cycle of dependency on government benefits, putting Step 13 on the map nationally. Bob and Step 13 volunteers were then recognized for their service to the community by President George H. W. Bush, receiving the 540th “Daily Point of Light” Award.

Legendary leader Bob Coté’s passing was a devastating time for Step 13, its Board, and its supporters. In May of 2014 the Board hired Peter Droege from the Daniels Fund to be its Executive Director. Peter brought stability and guidance to the organization, ensuring that Step would still be here to help those in need. Understanding the complex needs of the population seeking help at Step 13, and with a commitment to reducing recidivism, in February of 2015 Peter hired Paul Scudo as Director of Programs to develop a more robust addiction recovery program. Building on Step’s founding pillars of sobriety, work, and accountability – from lived experience and expertise in the field — Paul worked with Step Alumni Patrick McNamara and Jacob Merrion, and together they created the Steps for Success curriculum that exists today.

Upon Peter Droege’s departure, the Board of Directors promoted Paul Scudo to be the Executive Director because of his business background, professional addiction treatment experience, his role in building the Steps for Success program, and most importantly his personal addiction recovery and homelessness experience. Paul brought with him a vision to expand the Step model into other communities.

Step 13 was renamed Step Denver. This change was made for a variety of reasons, the primary of which was a vision to help more men find freedom from addiction. Step’s model works, is replicable, and as Step grows, each location will take on the name of the community it is serving — building a sense of connection for the men helped and those extending their support.

Step Denver opened its first two sober living homes, extending the Steps for Success program to four phases and providing men with a soft landing back into the community. By remaining in a structured peer recovery environment, men are less likely to isolate; one of the primary symptoms of addiction. National studies indicate the rate of long-term, sustained sobriety increases by 75% for those who remain in a sober living environment for two years. In 2022, Step opened its tenth sober living home.

With the goal of growing Step into other communities nationally, Paul Scudo was transitioned to CEO to focus on those efforts. Meghan Shay, who came to Step in March of 2019 as the Director of Development & Marketing, was promoted into the role of Executive Director for Step Denver and Step Springs. Bringing a wealth of leadership experience working for large behavioral health and addiction recovery organizations, Meghan helped Step not only serve a record number of men, but ensure they continue to be served well through periods of growth.

Step Springs was established as a subsidiary of Step Denver, and the first replication of Step’s program in a new community. A building located in central Colorado Springs was purchased, to become a 50-bed residential facility. Step Springs is expected to open its doors Fall 2025.