The History of STEP2
1986
Founded in 1986, STEP2 was born out of a powerful mission to support women in need. STEP2 was created with the belief that no woman should have to choose between motherhood and receiving treatment for substance use disorder.
1990-
2000
During the 1990’s and early 2000’s, we grew our substance use disorder treatment program and became a gold standard service for pregnant and parenting women, offering long-term residential treatment in group home environments, as well as outpatient treatment. Recognizing the importance of providing women with a safe, supportive environment during their recovery, STEP2 established the Lighthouse Transitional Living campus. This facility offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom cottages where women can reside while participating in intensive outpatient first, followed by outpatient treatment. Here, they can focus on their recovery and begin the process of reunifying with their children, all within a stable and nurturing setting.
2013
STEP2 continued to evolve in response to the growing needs of women in recovery and in 2013, we expanded our services beyond substance use disorders to address domestic violence, mental health, and resource management by opening the Family Counseling Center adjacent to the Lighthouse Campus. Recognizing the community’s urgent need for more residential treatment beds, STEP2 added a 20-bed residential facility in 2015, which included a postpartum wing and a resource center to support women and their children comprehensively.
2019
In 2019, to address the barrier of childcare during treatment, STEP2 partnered with The Boys and Girls Club to open an on-site Early Learning Center, providing childcare access to all STEP2 mothers. The following year, as the challenges of 2020 arose, STEP2 adapted by expanding services further, bringing on a dedicated Mental Health Therapist to treat women with co-occurring diagnoses.
2021
-2023
Medical care became a growing obstacle for women in treatment, so in 2021, we opened the on-campus Family Medical Clinic to ensure access to essential healthcare. As co-occurring disorders remained a challenge, STEP2 responded by launching a Mental Health Clinic in 2023, staffed by two dedicated therapists, continuing our commitment to holistic, accessible care for women and their families.
Over 3 decades and 5,000 women later, our program is still committed to empowering those who seek to rebuild their lives and families through comprehensive care and unwavering support.
Still curious about STEP2?
We’d love to give you a tour of our campus! If you’re interested in seeing firsthand what we do and how we support women and families in our community, contact us and let’s schedule a time.