Program Implementation

Tips to Implementation and Keys to Success: The following are important to consider when implementing a program like Step Industries.

• The safe and supportive environment offered at Step Industries is a key to the success of its employees. All those who participate in the program are recovering, providing an additional support system to those who come in to work while staying clean. The team looks out for one another and provides encouragement and respect, whatever issue may arise.
• Step Industries has a close relationship with several area halfway houses, as well as the treatment community. When it was founded, the director went to all the neighborhood locations, spreading the word about what Step Industries had to offer residents. Now they share board members and attend regular board meetings. By enmeshing themselves and their missions, both sides continue to benefit.
• Additionally, longstanding close relationships with large and local manufacturers have contributed to Step Industries success, providing continuing business for the organization, as well as potential employers for Step Industries graduates. They recently received ISO 9001:2000 certification, recognizing that the organization operates at a "recognized, international standard for quality management systems," giving them immediate credibility when pursuing new lines of business.

Success Story:

In 2005, LJ was in a transitional living home and needed to find a job. The coordinator told him about Step Industries. LJ showed up for the team huddle, filled out the paperwork, and started right away.

Step helped him stay focused on his recovery and adapt to the work environment. Staying for almost a year, he learned different skills and trades.

He left for a job at a plastics corporation that was one of Step's business clients, and has been there for 2 years. Since that time, he has advanced, both in terms of tasks and level of responsibility. He has enrolled in the company's apprenticeship program and in another 2 years will have earned his journeyman's license.

LJ now owns his own house and car, and is better able to support his fiance and children. He remains focused on recovery, knowing that it must come first. He returns to Step Industries often to remind himself and others that success is possible.

Challenges: Although Step Industries has carved out a niche where manufacturing is staying local, it has become harder to compete in the global market and jobs opportunities are slowing down. Customers do not necessarily care about the opportunities they are creating for recovering addicts; they want the best price, the best quality, and on-time delivery. The ISO designation has helped somewhat in this regard. However, Step Industries is looking to expand into different tasks, such as customer service centers. The success of the program participants also has been a challenge. With an annual turnover rate of 300 percent, Step Industries constantly has to train new people, which at times, can stretch staff thin and decrease efficiency.