Creating Second Chances: The Steps to Recovery Homes Story

Recovery doesn't end when treatment does.

For many individuals, rebuilding a life also means rebuilding confidence, developing workplace skills, finding meaningful employment, and rediscovering a sense of purpose. That's the philosophy that has guided Steps to Recovery Homes since Damien and Anne Browning founded the organization in 2013.

Starting with three credit cards and a vision to expand access to recovery services in Arizona's Verde Valley, they set out to create more than a place for treatment. They envisioned an organization that would help people build the skills, stability, and support system needed to achieve lasting success.

As Steps to Recovery Homes has grown, so has its commitment to investing in the people who make that mission possible. That dedication to continuous improvement led the organization to participate in White Mountain Economic Development's Employability Skills training, strengthening workplace communication, collaboration, and professional development across its team.

"Our goal is to support organizations as they grow, adapt, and strengthen the communities they serve," said Donald Laughlin, President and CEO of White Mountain Economic Development. "Steps to Recovery Homes is a great example of an organization turning a vision into action—creating opportunities for individuals, strengthening families, and making a lasting difference throughout their community."

A Whole-Person Approach to Recovery

Steps to Recovery Homes' mission is built on the belief that lasting recovery requires more than addressing one challenge at a time. The organization takes a whole-person approach, providing individuals with the housing, support, resources, and opportunities needed to create lasting change.

"Recovery is about helping people see that their past does not define their future," said Damien Browning, CEO and founder of Steps to Recovery Homes. "When individuals have the opportunity to rebuild their confidence, reconnect with their purpose, and create a life they’re proud of, that’s when true transformation happens."

Through its state-recognized Recovery Homes and Transitional Homes, the organization provides safe, structured living environments where individuals can focus on personal growth while developing the tools needed for long-term recovery.

Through Konnect Wellness Center, Steps to Recovery Homes provides outpatient services to clients and community members, including individual therapy, peer support, case management, job development, skills training, trauma therapy, grief and loss groups, and other therapeutic approaches.

The organization also incorporates holistic activities, including equine therapy, yoga, meditation, sound healing, kayaking, and other nature-based experiences, recognizing that recovery involves the mind, body, and overall well-being.

Building Skills and Creating Opportunities

Through its Job Development Program, the organization helps clients develop the skills needed to pursue employment opportunities, including workplace communication, certifications, soft skills, and hands-on job experience.

The team operates the Miracles Happen Resale Store and warehouse to provide practical learning environments where participants can strengthen customer service skills, inventory management, furniture restoration, online sales, marketing, and other valuable workplace abilities.

These opportunities help individuals transition back into employment in a supportive environment while building confidence and independence.

Strengthening Teams Through Workforce Development with WMED

The strong, people-first mindset has guided every aspect of Steps to Recovery Homes’ work—including the investment in the development of its own staff.

The organization recently participated in White Mountain Economic Development's Employability Skills training program, which focuses on strengthening essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professional development.

"The training created positive conversations and encouraged our staff to look at how we communicate, collaborate, and support each other," Browning said. "The skills we learned through WMED are things we continue applying every day as we work together to better serve our clients and our community."

For Laughlin and the WMED team, Steps to Recovery Homes represents the type of community-focused organization that benefits from continued workforce investment.

"Every organization has opportunities to improve how teams communicate, solve problems, and work together," Laughlin said. "Investing in those skills creates stronger workplaces and ultimately allows organizations to have a greater impact in their communities."

Continuing a Mission of Hope and Opportunity

As Steps to Recovery Homes looks toward the future, the organization remains focused on three key goals: providing exceptional recovery services, improving organizational efficiency, and increasing sustainability and awareness throughout the community.

In addition to its ongoing programs, the organization hosts several annual events that bring awareness and support to important behavioral health issues. These include Dinner for Hope, a fundraising event supporting the organization's mission; a community Job Fair; and Erase the Stigma, a free educational event focused on mental health, addiction awareness, and connecting individuals with available resources.

The organization's commitment to rural recovery services has earned recognition at both the state and national levels. In 2022, Steps to Recovery Homes received the Harold E. Hughes Award of Excellence for Exceptional Rural Program from the National Rural Alcohol and Drug Abuse Network. The organization was also recognized through a proclamation from the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors.

More recently, Browning received the Trailblazer Award from the Arizona Peer and Family Coalition, recognizing his continued leadership and dedication to expanding recovery resources across Arizona.

Ultimately, for Browning and the entire team, success is measured through the lives impacted and the opportunities created.

"When someone comes to us, we want them to know they are capable of more than their past," he said. "Seeing people regain confidence, develop skills, reconnect with their families, and build a meaningful future is what drives our team every day."

Through compassionate services, workforce development, and a commitment to helping individuals reach their full potential, Steps to Recovery Homes continues to show that creating opportunities for people creates stronger communities—a mission shared by organizations and partners working throughout Arizona.

Learn more about Steps to Recovery Homes at stepstorecoveryhomes.org. 

See how WMED might be able to help your business by visiting www.wmedev.org.