Baltimore - a city made famous worldwide for its ruthless illegal drug trade, unscrupulous police policies, corrupt politicians failing school system and nationally acclaimed HBO dramas like The WIRE and The Corner - is a city of hope for many men and women courageously waging a spiritual war against the bondage of drug addiction. This article is the third of a series spotlighting individuals and/or organizations in Baltimore taking a spiritual approach against drug addiction. 

In 2008, I had the opportunity to spend ten weeks facilitating a writing class with a Baltimore-based substance abuse program, A Step Forward, Inc.  During that time, I learned so much about A Step Forward, Inc. and the woman who stepped out on faith to build a safe haven of substance abuse recovery in one of the most drug-infested neighborhoods in Baltimore.     

A Woman on a Mission

Founded in 2002 by Lela Campbell who now serves as the Executive Director, A Step Forward, Inc. (ASF) is a residential treatment facility that offers housing and support services to homeless men and women who suffer with the disease of alcohol and drug addiction along with other related issues such as financial deprivation, mental health issues, physical issues, recent incarceration and unemployment.  Campbell, a Baltimore native who grew up on the streets of West Baltimore, was inspired to launch ASF after watching one of her brothers struggle with a drug addiction.  She is no stranger to adversity.  A teen mom who worked tireless over the years to create a better life for her and her son, Campbell is a product of Baltimore City Public Schools, a graduate of the College of Notre Dame of MD (BA) and a graduate of Coppin State University (MA).   Currently enrolled as a PhD candidate at Morgan State University's School of Social Work,  Campbell and her husband - Robert - live in the Poppleton neighborhood.  They are committed to helping homeless men and women overcome drug and alcohol addictions.

The product of her nearly ten years of dedication is A Step Forward, Inc. (ASF).  "ASF provides holistic services to help meet the needs of the whole individual.  This is done by taking the team approach to treatment.  By taking a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, we are able to work across various disciplines such as mental health, physical health, criminal systems, social systems and spiritual systems.  We also provide a continuum of care for those who have successfully completed treatment by offering continued support services through case management and step down housing (Single room occupancy and permanent housing).   Since 2002, ASF has serviced over 6000 people through housing, support services and/or referral services to community agencies.  Our goal is to meet the needs of an ever-changing community," said Lela Campbell, the Executive Director of A Step Forward, Inc.   

A nonprofit organization, A Step Forward, Inc. (ASF), is funded through a variety of public and private sources including foundations, governmental agencies and individual donors.    "With the present economic climate, ASF is feeling the crunch.  We need continued support from private donors, churches and those who wish to help us create an endowment for the long-term sustainability of the organization.   Our strategic plan is moving us in the area of outpatient treatment services and services to assist veteran women with children who suffer with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and who are returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars," shared Campbell.

Taking a Step Forward

Campbell, her staff and several ASF graduates are gearing up for a unique fundraiser this weekend at the Baltimore Book Festival in recognition of National Recovery Month.  September 2010 marks the 21st annual celebration - nationwide - of Recovery Month, which honors people in recovery from substance use disorders, as well as those who provide treatment and recovery services, and promotes the need for treatment access and long-term recovery.   "National Recovery Month focuses on the seriousness of the negative impact that drug addiction has on the United States.  There is an urgency that we continue to raise the awareness of the impact that treatment has across various dynamics such as employment, families, health and the like.  It also focuses and highlights the positive strides made in treatment.  It is a reminder that we cannot forget to support treatment if we want positive change across the spectrums.  In our program, we incorporate journaling.  Journaling is an important part of treatment because it gives the client an opportunity to reflect on past decisions and progress made," added Campbell.

Writing Our Way to Recovery

On Saturday, September 25th from Noon - 8 p.m., A Step Forward, Inc. will showcase its new anthology, TAKING A STEP FORWARD: Writing Our Way to Recovery, in the official author's tent at the Baltimore Book Festival sponsored by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts. 

TAKING A STEP FORWARD:  Writing Our Way to Recovery is a collection of poems and personal journal writings from the men and women of A Step Forward, Inc. (ASF).   The anthology includes writings from two separate creative writing projects with ASF clients.  Through the book release, ASF has the opportunity to celebrate the men and women in its program who made the courageous decision to take steps toward a life of sobriety.  The anthology costs $20, and a portion of all book proceeds benefits A Step Forward, Inc. (ASF).   Books are available online at http://writingourwaytorecovery.blogspot.com/ or by calling 1-800-929-1418. 

*For more details regarding the important work of ASF, call Lela Campbell at (410) 462-6001 or email astepforward2002@yahoo.com.*