A Community of Support and Encouragement for Those Impacted by Substance Use Disorder
Together we can find hope and healing in our lives.
Feel Loved
Be Encouraged
Find Hope
Substance Use Disorder Destroys Lives
The sad truth is, last year in Iowa, 498 people died because of drug use.
But as family and friends of those victims, we know the actual number of victims is much higher.
When someone you love loses their battle with substance use, it not only takes their life, but it leaves behind both family and friends, who are grieving, and left feeling angry, confused, isolated, and alone.
At Steps of Hope Iowa, we believe no one should ever have to walk alone.
Connecting through our struggles,
we walk together to find hope
You are not alone
Although each of us has a unique story, we are all bound together by a common experience.
You are loved
Know that your voice matters and that you play a vital role in the healing process, not only for yourself but also for others in our community.
Be encouraged as you help others
Find the support and encouragement you need, but also make a positive impact on the lives of those around you.
“How am I even supposed to breathe?”
Hello, I’m Ann Breeding.
In November of 2020 my son Daniel, after having struggled with drugs for a long time, died from substance use disorder. He was only 29 years old.
After his death I found myself confused and filled with grief. Desperate to find hope, I remember praying, “Lord, how am I even supposed to breathe?”
I believe God answered that prayer with one word–walk.
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Walk. The word weighed on my heart.
As I was dealing with my own grief, I also began to feel a burden grow within me for all of the other people who would suffer from substance use disorder in the future like I was. I listened to what I believe the Lord put on my heart. So I decided to take action.
I reached out to another mom who had lost a child to drugs, and together we created a Facebook page. Then we organized an event to raise awareness, and other moms who were also fighting joined us. Knowing that I was not alone in my grief and pain made my heart feel better than anything else could.
Today Steps of Hope Iowa exists as a community of people whose lives have been changed by substance use disorder.
We gather together to remember our loved ones, offer support and encouragement to one another, and walk in search of hope for our lives.
Together as a group, we believe we can make a difference to create a better future for ourselves and for those who will come that have been affected by substance use.
Join and walk with us and together, we can create a purpose through our pain and find hope and healing in our lives.
After having lost a child to drug poisoning, Steps of Hope has been a community of spiritual and emotional support. The annual walk has been an outlet for healing and has allowed me to share my thoughts and feelings without shame as I meet other people who understand what our family is going through.
Steps of Hope Iowa has saved my life. Physically, spiritually, and mentally. After losing my son in February 2022 to fentanyl poisoning, I had settled with the idea that there was no one that could possibly understand my pain. Thanks to Steps of Hope Iowa, I have learned that I am not alone and there are others out there that know what it’s like to lose a child to substance use disorder. Being able to share my story without feeling stigma or shame allows me to have a sense of healing and hope.
3 Steps To Finding Hope
1
Take your first step
Sign up and join our community. Fill out this simple form and get information and updates for our local gatherings and events.
2
Walk with us
Get the support and resources you need as you make new friends and find ears to listen, a shoulder to cry on, to help you no longer feel alone.
3
Find hope
Be an agent of change and help others, and you’ll also discover hope and healing for yourself.
Steps Of Hope Iowa News & Events
Hundreds join together in Ankeny for Steps of Hope overdose awareness walk
Earlier this week, Ann Breeding spoke about “Steps of Hope.” She founded the organization after her son, Daniel Bailey, died in 2020 from a drug overdose.
