FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
STEP2 Celebrates 40 Years of Recovery, Hope & Healing
Northern Nevada nonprofit marks four decades of empowering women, restoring families, and breaking generational cycles of addiction and violence
(August 4, 2026 – RENO, Nev.) — STEP2, a Reno-based nonprofit treatment center dedicated to helping women build clean and sober lives in recovery, proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. For four decades, STEP2 has helped over 5,200 women reclaim their lives through recovery–keeping families together, restoring hope, and breaking generational cycles of addiction and violence throughout Northern Nevada.
Founded on the belief that no woman should have to choose between motherhood and recovery, STEP2 was created to provide women with a safe place to heal while maintaining the opportunity to care for and reunify with their children.
The organization’s story began in 1986 with a group of visionary women from Soroptimist International who recognized a heartbreaking reality: there were no services available in the area for women recovering from substance use disorder. Determined to change that, they came together to create what would become STEP2, a place where women could find hope, healing, and a path to lasting recovery.
One of STEP2’s original founders, Kathy Boyce, reflected on the organization’s beginnings.
“Forty years ago, there were over 100 beds for men and none for women in our area. One woman bravely shared her difficult and heroic recovery story to a small group of women. There was not a dry eye when she finished. So, this little group of women banded together and gave birth to the dream of STEP2. The odds were against us, but we put one foot in front of the other, always believing that the dream of this program could exist in Reno. We are honored and thrilled to see the growth of this program over these many years and deeply gratified to know over 5,000 women, many with children, have been helped by this dream of a few.”
Since its founding, STEP2 has grown into a nationally recognized model for long-term recovery, gender-responsive treatment, offering a comprehensive two-phase program that includes residential treatment, transitional housing, and outpatient services. Women receive individualized, trauma-informed care supported by wraparound services that address every aspect of recovery, including housing stability, prenatal and postpartum support, parenting education, family dynamics, domestic violence education, financial literacy, employment readiness, life skills, and mental health counseling.
Each week, clients participate in clinically led group sessions designed to help them understand their experiences, identify patterns of behavior, rebuild healthy relationships, and develop the tools needed for lifelong recovery.
“Reaching 40 years is a powerful testament to the strength of the women we serve and the unwavering support of this community,” said Cynthia Osborn, STEP2’s Chief Executive Officer. “The women who have walked through our doors over the past four decades have brought hope, courage, and determination. Our role is to provide the structure, support, and opportunity for herself and her family, creating brighter futures for generations to come. Forty years later, the original vision remains unchanged, a woman should not have to choose between motherhood and recovery.”
For the women who have chosen the STEP2 program, the impact extends far beyond treatment.
“Finding STEP2 has truly been a life-changing turning point for me and my children. I entered the residential program during one of the most challenging times of my life. After leaving (and staying away from) an abusive relationship and beginning my path in recovery, STEP2 provides the safety, structure, and compassionate care I have desperately needed to rebuild my life, and the lives of my children.” – H.P., STEP2 client
“This program has helped me regain a hope and belief I had lost. I thank [STEP2] for the missing piece [that was] offered to get my children back with me and create our happy place.” – V.L., STEP2 graduate
As part of National Recovery Month in September, STEP2 will commemorate its 40th Anniversary with a special event honoring the organization’s legacy and celebrating the hope that recovery creates every day.
Community members can support STEP2’s mission by making a monetary donation, attending fundraising events, volunteering, or sharing stories that help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and recovery.
To learn more about STEP2 or to support its mission, visit www.step2reno.org.
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About STEP2
STEP2’s mission is to break the cycle of addiction and violence in families—by empowering women to build and maintain a clean and sober life. STEP2’s vision is to foster the kind of change that saves lives and restores families. STEP2 firmly believes that one woman clean, sober, safe, and independent is a family changed for generations.
Media Contact:
Melissa King-Fernandez
Marketing & Events Manager, STEP2
(775) 787-9411 Ext. 209
mking@step2reno.org
