Step Springs

Wednesday’s Cakes and Coins meeting had lots to celebrate – not only did residents pick up everything from 24 hour chips to eight month chips, one of our first residents was also recognized for completing all four phases of the program! He moved into his own apartment later that night. Plus, lots of men earned chips for being in the program for six months - the first time Step Springs has given out these special 'Brothers in Recovery' chips. It’s always great to see the guys’ hard work paying off.

Louie once arrived at Step Denver with nothing but 45 days sober and guidance that he’d have to want to change. He did — and he completed the program in 2024.

Two years later, 924 days sober, he called to set up a monthly gift. His reason is simple: he wants men in Colorado Springs to have the same chance he did.

Each week, residents in orientation - their first five days in the program - hear the message Louie included with his gift:

"I’m happy knowing there’s a program for helping those who want to truly change. Something I heard once, 'I’m not going to push your car for you, but if I see you pushing your car by yourself, I’ll go out of my way to help you.' That’s what Step represents to me."

It's amazing that our residents get to see that there are complete strangers in the community that believe in them and support them - and they get to hear their words of encouragement right as they begin to get into a routine, look for jobs, and start to rebuild their lives.

A huge thank-you to Phil Long Ford for the excellent service they did on the Step Springs van. This van helps bring men who are ready to leave addiction behind from shelters, detoxes, and hospitals straight to our doors, where stability and recovery begin.

We’re grateful for community partners like Phil Long Ford who help make that first step possible.

The guys recently went to a RAC (Resident Activity Committee) event at Level Up Virtual Reality!

Step Springs residents can suggest activities on our RAC Information Board (pictured below). Each week, the RAC meets to review ideas on the board and decides on events that are right for the rest of the guys that fit within the budget.

It’s always great to see the guys having , an important part of their recovery foundation, even if it’s in a VR world! A special thanks to our donors for making this possible.

A huge congratulations to all the guys who celebrated sobriety milestones Wednesday night at Cakes & Coins. We had residents pick up chips ranging from 24 hours to 9 months! It's incredible to see what these men are accomplishing with grit, consistency, and community.

“When Dan found me, I was living in a tent behind Walgreens. He said, ‘This ain’t you, guy.’ And he was right.”

Meet Christopher, who walked through our doors 51 days ago determined to rebuild his life — and he’s doing exactly that.

After five years of sobriety, a relapse took nearly everything: his home, his vehicles, his job at the Broadmoor, and even his sense of belonging. “I ran myself out of everything I had… and I put myself in a tent.”

But when a fellow AA member asked if he wanted help, Christopher said the words that changed everything:

“I’m done. I can’t do this no more. I need help.”

Since coming to Step Springs, Christopher has been all‑in. He’s maintained his sobriety since early April and reconnected with AA, his home group, and a sponsor. He’s serving at his church on the parking team, and he’s even been rehired by the Broadmoor. Most importantly, he’s rebuilding structure, purpose, and stability in his life.

“This is the cleanest program I’ve ever been in… the right place for me to come to.”

Christopher’s goals now are simple and strong: keep his sobriety first, work through the steps again, save money, get his license back, and continue rebuilding a life he’s proud of.

We’re proud of you, Christopher — for your honesty, your grit, and the way you’ve stepped back into your life with humility and purpose. Your story reminds us why this work matters.

Last week we were honored to participate in City Council's proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month. Councilman David Leinweber - a strong advocate for Step's mission - invited our COO, Andre Podpolucha, to share his personal experience.

Step Springs is proud to stand with our community and speak to the importance of mental health in recovery.

Monday night, the men at Step Springs participated in a Family Reconciliation class — one of the most important (and hardest) parts of recovery. Addiction damages relationships, and rebuilding them takes patience, humility, and consistent action.

We were especially grateful to learn that one of our facilitators was a Step Denver alum. Nothing inspires hope like seeing someone who’s walked this path come back to guide others.

Five men moved into a Step Sober Living Home this weekend — officially launching Phase IV of our program in Colorado Springs! The sixth resident moves in this week, making it a full house. This is where their months of work pay off. Where sobriety, employment, and accountability start turning into a foundation of long‑term stability, more freedom, and a new life.

We're working on opening two more homes by late summer/early fall so men following their footsteps have the same opportunity.

Today, Step Springs held its first Field Trip Friday, where men in their first five days visit a Step sober home, get a feel for what’s ahead, and set that goal for themselves to reach Phase IV. When you can see the future, it becomes easier to fight for it.