A transitional living home in the spirit of sober living, where people rebuilding after a mental health crisis, a hospital stay, or homelessness find steady support and a place to land.
Take the Next Step Toward Home
Vail, Iowa
Stays typically 3 to 6 months
Room and board provided
A Bridge to Your Next Step
Stepping Stones is WESCO’s transitional living center in Vail, Iowa. It is a sober living style home for people rebuilding after a mental health crisis, a hospital stay, or homelessness.
Stepping Stones supports people affected by incarceration, mental health issues, and homelessness, and people transitioning from school or foster care. Members come to our doors from many places and many walks of life.
Each member’s goals and services are tailored to the individual, so the time here fits the person.
Life at Stepping Stones
Each day at Stepping Stones comes with steady, practical support. Members build confidence and daily routines while they are here. Here is what members can count on.
Employment
Employment readiness and help finding employment
Benefits and Resources
Help accessing resources and benefits, including Social Security assistance
Health Services
Medicaid services and other medical or desired services
Housing Guidance
Guidance toward affordable housing
Daily Living Skills
Independent living skills for everyday life
Sobriety Support
Support for sobriety maintenance
Placement Help
Help with placement or relocation in the area the member wants to live
Service Providers
Pairing with a variety of service providers, working toward the highest level of independence and reintegration into the community of choice
Room and Board
Room and board provided
Basic Necessities
Basic necessities provided for those who arrive without them
Shared Responsibilities
House responsibilities assigned to everyone who lives here
Your Part in the House
Stepping Stones works best when everyone takes part. What we ask is simple, and the specific house expectations are reviewed with you during intake.
- Share in the house responsibilities
- Work with your service providers
- Take part in planning your next step
How to Apply
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Step 1: Reach Out
Families, caregivers, guardians, caseworkers, and agencies are welcome to contact Katie Schurke at 712-263-6141 or by email at kschurke@wescoind.org with services questions, to request a tour, or with funding questions. When you call, it helps to be ready to share the individual’s current situation, support needs, funding, and housing goals.
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Step 2: Talk It Through
We will talk together about whether Stepping Stones is the right fit and what the member needs. Goals and services are tailored to each individual member.
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Step 3: Move In and Settle In
Length of stay is based on where the member is when joining and what it will take to reach the next step. Stays are typically 3 to 6 months. Pathways onward can include moving into WESCO residential services, returning to the community to live with family, or connecting with WESCO Employment Services and the WAVE day program.
What to Bring
Please bring the following items. If you arrive without something on this list, let us know. Basic necessities are provided for those who arrive without them.
- Clothing for an extended stay
- Current medications
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Personal items and comfort items
Referring Someone to Stepping Stones
Hospitals, case managers, healthcare professionals, families, or individuals refer people to Stepping Stones. Members come to our doors from many places and many walks of life. To refer someone, contact Katie Schurke. She can answer services questions, arrange tours, and help with funding questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stepping Stones for?
Stepping Stones is for people coming out of placement, homelessness, or hospitalization who need to redevelop skills to live successfully in the community. It especially helps people rebuilding after a mental health crisis, a hospital stay, or homelessness, including individuals living with mental health needs or disabilities.
Where is Stepping Stones located?
Stepping Stones is located in Vail, Iowa, in a sober living style home where members can settle in and focus on their next step.
How long can someone stay at Stepping Stones?
Stepping Stones provides short term housing, typically 3 to 6 months. A member’s length of stay is based on where they are when they join the program and what it will take to reach their next step.
What kind of help does Stepping Stones provide?
Members get help securing Social Security benefits, employment, Medicaid services, and other medical or desired services, plus help with placement or relocation to the area they want to live in. Room and board are provided, along with basic necessities for those who arrive without them. Each member is paired with service providers to reach the highest level of independence.
How do we get started with Stepping Stones?
Families, caregivers, guardians, caseworkers, and agencies can contact Katie Schurke to request a tour, ask funding questions, or get more information.
Can families visit and stay in touch during a stay?
Yes. Families can stay connected with their loved ones by contacting Stepping Stones directly at 712-677-2288. Members who have their own means of communication, such as a personal cell phone, can also stay in touch with family and friends that way. Preapproved visits can be arranged at the program. Once a member has been in the program for more than 30 days, they may also be eligible for approved home visits.
Ready to Take the Next Step
