The Stepping Stones Recovery House for Women Society knows it is vital to maintain the connection to its support community, and expresses deep gratitude as it approaches its fifth anniversary in January.
"We continue to accomplish our mandate in a most wonderful and miraculous way, 24 hours a day, seven days each week," the society says.
Stepping Stones Recovery House for Women provides a safe and supportive environment for a maximum of six resident women who have committed to participate in a three-month (up to six months) program.
In October 2007, a small group got together because of their common desire to help those who wanted to break free from addiction. After only a few meetings, Stepping Stones Recovery House opened in the Comox Valley.
It welcomed the first residents in January 2008. Initially, the recovery centre was housed in a small two-bedroom house and relied completely on a small voluntary team of five people.
It quickly became clear that this recovery house was providing a much-needed resource in the community. In September 2008, Stepping Stones moved into a six-bedroom house, which remains the current location.
The number of support volunteers/staff workers has grown to 22 people at times and decreased to 12 at others, (of this number, two central workers are paid a minimal remuneration for their time).
In November 2009, Stepping Stones became a registered society and elected a board of six directors from among its volunteers consisting of local business owners and professionals.
Board members meet monthly to decide policy, guide programs and support the administration and management of the society. Grant applications to United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island were made and granted in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the Province of B.C. has provided 2011 and 2012 Community Access Grants.
Co-founders Murray and Rita Coulter tirelessly committed their hard work, time, love and care to this work but passed on their leadership roles in February 2010. They established an excellent foundation.
Stepping Stones always needs volunteers. Its ad can be seen in the classified section of the Record and details are online at www.steppingstoneshouserecoveryhouse.ca.
So far, 66 women have come to Stepping Stones.
Stepping Stones receives ongoing support from ABC Printing, Dove Creek Timber, Comox Valley Food Bank and Viewfield Farms. The local Soroptimist chapter has provided a photocopier, freezer, beds and monetary gifts that provide essentials for women who sometimes arrive at the house with nothing.
Other supporters include Glacier View Lodge, the Horticultural Society, Torry & Sons Plumbing, V.I.P. Paving, Tayco Paving, the Band of Brothers, Northgate Foursquare and River Heights Churches.
— Stepping Stones Recovery House for Women Society