Kevin Nichols Stepping Stone Board of Directors and Alumni

By JP Emerson

Tell us about your history Stepping Stone:

I have been on the board of Stepping Stone for 4 years now. I previously was part of the Alumni committee for Stepping Stone for numerous years. I have held every position to get a better understanding of being on a board. I later wanted to do more on a bigger scale. I spoke to Michael M. who at the time was the board chair that I was interested in being on the Board of Directors. I was later asked If I would be a part of the board and was voted in. This board are people who have a passion and conviction on providing a place for LGBTQ+ individuals who suffer from addiction, to be able to address those issues in a safe place. Also, a place for individuals who have HIV. Believe it or not there are individuals out there who do not know that there are services for them. So being a part of this board is very important to me to be of service on a bigger scale.

Your work as liaison to the Alumni association?

I am the connection of the Alumni and the board to bring any concerns to the board that the Alumni might have. When it comes to fundraising from the Alumni and they need assistance with advertising or financial concerns, I bring those to the board of directors. It is always nice to see how much the alumni are involved in making sure that the current residents are supported and showing them that getting through rehab can be done. Stepping stone is close to my heart and I get to continue to support the Alumni and current residents. 

The Pink Gala is around the corner can you tell our readers what they can expect if they attend?

The Pink Gala is Stepping Stones biggest fundraiser that occurs annually. Each year I do not know how we do it, but we seem to always out do ourselves. This year we will be having our event at the beautiful and historical U.S Grant. We have a special guest Trixie Mattel. I also sit on the committee for the Pink Gala, and I get so excited each year that we get closer to the event. All the proceeds go directly to Stepping Stone. This year is going to be absolutely mind blowing. For the first time ever there will be an after party with Trixie Mattel who will be the D.J. The best part is that it is all under one roof.

How can folks get involved?

That is a good question. The best part is that anyone can get involved in supporting Stepping Stone from an Anonymous donor, volunteering to being a part of the Board of Directors. Especially the younger generation who would like to support the Stone. There are many ways a person could get involved and we welcome it. It truly takes a village. Stepping Stone is a huge part of the community, and the sad part is that there are people in our community who struggle with addiction and may not know how to go about getting treatment. Spread the word that Stepping Stone is here to help. We also have Stepping Out our outpatient program.