Compassionate Capitalism - November 2001

LIGHTHOUSE OF THE SIERRA

Guiding women and families through recovery

Lighthouse of the Sierra is a new and unique residential "full service" campus for women and their families affected by substance abuse, facing homelessness and struggling to rebuild their lives. "Lighthouse is a beacon for women who are seeking assistance," said Kari Demetras, executive director and CEO of STEP 2, lead agency and managing partner for Lighthouse of the Sierra. "The women and families who will live here have an unprecedented opportunity to change their lives and break the intergenerational cycle of addiction."

The property is located on a scenic six-acre parcel at the corner of Clear Acre and Crystal Lanes, one mile north of the North McCarran/395 intersection in Reno. The first phase of the project is complete with 26 one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages, an equipped playground and three temporary buildings to house administrative offices, childcare and service activities. Phase II will include additional meeting rooms, medical exam rooms, computer lab, laundry facilities and an instructional kitchen as well as a multi-use building that can accommodate community groups, educational functions, multi-media presentations and recreation.

Most of the women living on campus are single heads of households struggling with poverty and a debilitating lack of self-esteem. Although they have dependent children, they often lack parenting skills and have little family and social support. The emphasis on healing the whole family offers a powerful opportunity for positive change. Lighthouse of the Sierra is a natural progression from STEP 2, which opened in 1988. A treatment facility for women and children, its clients were frequently facing issues of homelessness, minimal job skills, poverty and domestic violence in addition to being chemically addicted. In many instances, they faced high-risk pregnancies. At Lighthouse of the Sierra, all the resources needed by clients are available at the same location.

Considered the first of its kind in the nation, Lighthouse of the Sierra has created a service delivery system that integrates more than 40 existing community programs necessary to assist and strengthen at-risk families in building and sustaining self-sufficiency. These partnering agencies have embraced this cost-effective mechanism to combine their services into one total package for women and families.

In his remarks at the grand opening of the facility, U.S. Senator Harry Reid stated, "The best gift someone can receive is a second chance, and that’s what the good folks at STEP 2 are giving to the women in their programs: another chance – another opportunity to be good mothers and to build better futures for themselves and their children."

Funding for the Lighthouse of the Sierra was provided through The Enterprise Social Investment Corporation through a Fannie Mae Fund.

STEP 2’s annual fundraiser, Homes for the Holidays, raises critically-needed funds to support Lighthouse and promote community awareness. The ninth annual Homes for the Holidays fundraiser, showcasing fine old southwest Reno homes dressed in holiday splendor, will be held November 30 through December 2.

Weekend festivities include a Celebrity Preview Party and Twilight Tour, hosted by the Associated General Contractors and its members. Guests will tour magnificent homes, enjoy an elegant hors d’oeuvre buffet and hosted bar and bid on auction prizes. Tickets are $150. The homes will again open their doors on Saturday and Sunday. Guests should allow time to stop at the unique Holiday Shoppe boutique and to enjoy a Hollyberry Lunch. Tickets are $35.

Tickets may be purchased by mail, by calling the STEP 2 office at 775-787-9411 or at any of the following ticket centers: Emerald City, Kitchen Treasures, Macy’s, Name Droppers, Nothing To It Culinary Center, Pipe Dreams, St. Ives Florist and The Hermitage Gallery.

The community can support Lighthouse of the Sierra by participating in its "Adopt-A-Family" program, by purchasing a lasting legacy such as trees, benches and bricks to enhance the patio and campus, donating household items or by making a cash contribution. Call 775-674-4900. For more information about Lighthouse of the Sierra visit its Web site at lighthouseofthesierra.org