Thanks to YOU we've done it!

We've purchased an apartment building and adjacent warehouse in East Denver that we've been leasing for the past two years. Through individual, foundation and corporate donations, we managed to raise the funds needed in less than one year. We are ecstatic to report that we closed in September on these properties. Thank you for your generous support.

For some time we've needed a transitional living space for all the residents who've been working our program for at least a year. They're either not quite ready to head out on their own or more often then not, they have credit or medical problems and simply can't afford to move out on their own. Our new apartments offer a safe, affordable alternative for men like Jimmy.

"I'm 75. When I came to Step 13 I was drinking. I needed to stop which I did. Then I got really sick. I learned I had heart trouble. My apartment is more than a home. It's really helped me out. I've been able to stay sober and off the streets. Soon I'll be moving into my own place. But until then Step 13 is keeping me alive."

Notes from Bob

"If it is to Be...it is up to We"

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous support of our program. Without it, we would never have been able to purchase the apartment buildings for our residents or the warehouse for our auto business. It wasn't exactly easy raising all that money. In fact, we went down to the wire... just meeting our deadline in the nick of time. Several board members deserve credit for rolling up their sleeves to get this deal done. Steve Schuck led the charge but Dean Dunn, Deborah Donner and Brian Lawrence did some heavy lifting to meet our goal.

Our foundation support was incredible as well. Daniels, Coors, El Pomar, Donner and Gates all contributed to this effort. And then there's KOA. Each year Mike Rosen has me on his show at Christmas time. His listeners are always very generous with their support of Step 13. Last year was no exception. When we talked about the apartment building and how it would help our residents achieve another level of independence, we received an amazing response. We at Step 13 have a lot to be thankful for.

May God bless you and yours.
Bob Coté

One Tooth at a Time

When I came to Step 13 almost 6 months ago my teeth were rotten from using a lot of drugs. When I was little I took Ritalin. It's similar to speed and when you're young it actually calms you down. I developed a craving for it over the years. .. kind of like caffeine or nicotine. You get addicted. So I substituted it with speed... methamphetamines. Whatever chemicals are in there really rots your teeth.

I'd say 80% had to be pulled. Dr. Abramowitz saw me within my first month at Step 13. And then 5 or 6 more times. He made a lower denture which is like a partial bridge that fits on both sides of my mouth. My bottom fronts are real but that's all that was worth saving. He made an upper denture as well. I won't kid you... it takes a lot of getting used to. It's kind of like wearing ski boots. But it's so much better than the alternative. I was in a lot of pain. I was a little self conscious. Without Dr. Abramowitz's help it would have taken me years to get to where I am today. I really like my new teeth. And you couldn't ask for a better dentist to do the work. Thanks doc for volunteering your time at Step 13.

Martin Matthews, age 39

Our new warehouse

Our new warehouse is a godsend. Several years ago, we started an Auto Detail business. Then, a Car Donation Program. In the last 3 years, these businesses have raised much needed funds for our program. They have also employed our residents. In order to keep growing these businesses, we need more space than what we have at our LoDo headquarters. This warehouse will allow us to detail more cars as well as give us the room needed to do mechanical work so that we can sell our donated cars for top dollar.