We're Here to Help: How Steppingstone is Responding to COVID-19
Why Steppingstone Helps
Estimated Number of Deaths from Overdose
- 2018 – 1997 deaths 95%
- 2017 – 1984 deaths 95%
- 2016 – 2095 deaths 100%
- 2015 – 1735 deaths 82%
- 2014 – 1351 deaths 64%
- 2013 – 954 deaths 46%
- 2012 – 733 deaths 35%
- 2011 – 656 deaths 31%
- 2010 – 547 deaths 26%
The number of deaths from drug overdoses in Massachusetts increased steadily from 2010 for several years. However, the commitment and resources of Massachusetts Government and providers such as Steppingstone are beginning to make an impact. In the past two years there has been a slight decrease in overdose deaths. Every life saved is an immense achievement. Steppingstone remains committed to offering effective peer recovery support and treatment to help hi-risk individuals.
According to HUD’s AHAR Report to Congress, from 2017 to 2018, Massachusetts experienced the highest increase in homelessness Nationwide. The five states with the largest increases were MA, Arizona, Texas, Washington and New York,
Steppingstone and Fall River’s homeless resources are dedicated to assisting homeless people in our Community. Steppingstone operates Fall River’s homeless shelter for individuals and provides approximately 100 units of supportive housing and an array of homeless services.
Prevalence of Mental Illness in America
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illnesses are common in the United States. Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (46.6 million in 2017).
Steppingstone provides an array of treatment services to help people and their families recover from mental health disorders. We operate Clinics in both Fall River and New Bedford and offer services including comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, medication prescribing, medication management, medication assisted treatment, individual treatment planning and individual and group therapy.

Countdown to Get Steppin' 2022 Walk for the Homeless
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When I first found Steppingstone, I was at rock bottom. I had lost everything to my addiction – my family, my job, my house. I was able to move into the Fall River Men’s Recovery Home, and my life was forever changed for the better. With the support of the amazing people I met through Steppingstone, I can proudly say today that I have been clean and sober for 5 years. I found Steppingstone at my lowest point, and walked away with hope for the future.
Steppingstone helped me get my life back on track. After suffering with anxiety for nearly all of my life, I felt like I had tried everything and was beginning to feel hopeless. A friend recommended Steppingstone’s outpatient program and the mental health services that they provide have really helped me. Without Steppingstone, I know that I would not be able to finally say that I am in a good place in my life.
My gambling addiction had caused me to lose everything. I was living on the streets when I was referred to Steppingstone by a friend. I enrolled in their gambling treatment program and they helped me confront my addiction and get my life back on track. Their peer support group introduced me to people that helped me through my journey. Every day I am thankful that I was able to find Steppingstone to lead me down the road to recovery.