Stepping Stone San Diego Inc.
Stonewall Service: A group or organization which may or may not identify as LGBTQ but which has stalwartly supported the LGBTQ community over an extended period of years and/or has made an exceptional contribution in the past year.
Stepping Stone San Diego Inc.
Stepping Stone of San Diego was founded in 1976, just seven years after the Stonewall Riots, to provide affirming substance use treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals who were often excluded from or harmed by traditional care systems. For nearly five decades, the organization has remained one of the nation’s few recovery programs intentionally designed to serve the LGBTQ+ community through culturally responsive, identity-affirming care. Created as an act of community self-determination, Stepping Stone built a model rooted in dignity, belonging, and safety for individuals navigating addiction, trauma, HIV, and mental health challenges. Today, the organization primarily serves vulnerable community members, including many people of color, individuals living with HIV, and those facing co-occurring mental health disorders. Throughout changing political climates and public health crises, Stepping Stone has continued evolving to meet emerging community needs while remaining grounded in its mission of healing and recovery. In the past year, the organization expanded its clinical programming with LGBTQ+-affirming therapies and enhanced relapse prevention services to ensure clients receive compassionate, evidence-based care.
Stepping Stone San Diego Inc. will be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 17, 2026. Learn more about the rally and the other awardees here.