The Basics
Founded in 2009 by Justin Holland in Contra Costa County, California, Stepping Stone SLE provides co-ed sober living for men and women in recovery. Holland, who has been clean and sober more than 15 years, runs two houses—one in Concord and another in Walnut Creek. Stepping Stone SLE implements a family-style atmosphere, and offers house meetings which not only discuss house issues, but offer intensive peer support.
Accommodations and Amenities
The spacious Concord House has Mediterranean-style features, including red tiled roof, arched doorways and stucco siding. The house accommodates nine clients. The furnished interior includes eclectic décor. The living room has leather couches, an earth-toned area rug and hanging artwork. The Walnut Creek House is a nostalgic gray and white country home with shuttered windows, a gabled roof and a large front porch. It accommodates 13 clients, who share double or triple-occupancy rooms. The house includes a pool, and a covered patio with patio tables and chairs.
At both houses, the men and women are lodged in gender-specific rooms, which include twin or full-sized beds topped with comforters, vanities with mirrors or dressers and ample closet space. Both homes feature fully equipped country-style kitchens. While residents are responsible for their groceries and meal preparation, often they cook and dine together family-style. On Tuesday evenings, the Walnut Creek house has a Taco Tuesday men’s stag, featuring tacos and fellowship.
Amenities include a landline, house computer and Internet, Wi-Fi, washer, dryer, all utilities, central air and heat and paper supplies. Each residence has a furnished garage, which is used as an additional meeting room. Smokers have an outdoor weatherproof area. House managers live on the premises.
Rules and Regulations
Potential clients must have already completed detox and have a minimum of 72 hours clean and sober. Although it is not a strict requirement, most clients residing at Stepping Stone SLE have completed primary care. Prior to admission, a potential client attends a house gathering and meets the entire household, who votes on whether or not the applicant is Stepping Stone material. The democratic process of Stepping Stone SLE parallels Oxford House traditions. Those who don’t want to participate in a 12-step program are weeded out during the admission process.
Upon arrival, requirements include attending 90 12-step meetings in 90 days, getting a sponsor and working the steps. Between 10 am and 3 pm, Mondays through Fridays, residents must working, looking for work, attending school or participating in structured community service. During the first 30 days, residents must attend five weekly CRASH (concerns, resentments, appreciation, sobriety, house issues) house meetings and after that time, they must attend three weekly CRASH meetings. Holland, who came up with the format (as well as the acronym) configured the meetings to implement peer support and feedback. During the first 30 days, the curfew is 9:30 pm seven days a week. After that time, there is no set curfew. Additionally, clients can spend overnights with their families, but they must attend three weekly CRASH meetings and keep up with their 12-step protocol.
At Stepping Stone SLE, random drug and alcohol screenings are conducted. Relapsed residents are immediately dismissed from the premises. Those refusing to undergo screenings are also evicted. Residents who have relapsed are re-admitted on a case-by-case basis and additionally, are subject to a household vote. Others are referred to detox, if necessary. Returning residents must start all over again from scratch, including attending 90 meetings in 90 days. At Stepping Stone SLE, fraternization between residents warrants immediate expulsion from the household.
Extras
While the Walnut Creek house has a swimming pool, other amenities, depending on the house, include a foosball table, pool table, soaking tub for female clients, fireplace and weights. Stepping Stone SLE is in close proximity to local 12-step meetings, and outpatient drug rehabs.
In Summary
The regular CRASH meetings sound like ideal options for clients requiring peer support. At Stepping Stone SLE, clients have a desire to work a 12-step program. And not unlike a fraternity or sorority house, residents also have a say with new applicants, as well as potential roommates. This is a great sober living option for clients who are interested in a nurturing environment, while wanting to delve into their Big Books. Stepping Stone SLE does not like to divulge their address, for the privacy and safety of their clients.
Stepping Stone SLE
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Stepping Stone, SLE
Concord, CA 94518
Stepping Stone SLE Cost: $650-$745 (30 days). Reach Stepping Stone SLE by phone at (925) 209-3905 or by email. Find Stepping Stone SLE at LinkedIn
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