The 2016 Leadership Reno Sparks (LRS) class raised $251,115 over nine months for the local nonprofit STEP2, which helps women overcome substance abuse and family violence. The funds were used to refurbish STEP2's cottages and improve transportation, including replacing roofs, floors, appliances and updating HVAC systems. As a result of the LRS class's efforts, STEP2 will be able to better serve its clients and community for years to come. The LRS program has helped produce community leaders through hands-on projects like this one for STEP2.

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Dave Lawrence
816-507-0022
Dave.Lawrence@kolotv.com
Local Leaders Stepped Up for STEP2
RENO, Nev. – Sept. 16, 2016 – Over the past nine-months, the Chamber’s 2016 Leadership Reno Sparks (LRS) class
program raised $52,600 in cash and secured $198,515 in in-kind services, totaling $251,115 for STEP2. This local
nonprofit helps women overcome substance abuse, poverty and family violence. The money and in-kind services
helped the 30-year-old organization improve the living environment of STEP2’s clients through the refurbishment
of its cottages and improvements in transportation.
“From the beginning our class was determined to help STEP2 with various projects that needed attention, but
weren’t able to be completed due to lack of funding,” said Dave Lawrence, LRS Chairman. “It is incredible knowing
that we not only achieved our ambitious goal, but far exceeded it. As we reflect back on our efforts, we have pride
knowing we helped this vital community organization and that we left a legacy for the LRS program.”
Members of the Chamber’s 2016 Leadership Reno Sparks (LRS) program selected STEP2 as its class project
because of the tremendous impact and track record the organization has in improving the lives of the women in
the Truckee Meadows. The class held four fundraisers, used their networking skills to secure in-kind services and
volunteered their time at STEP2 working on the cottages.
LRS accomplished the following projects within STEP2’s 25 cottages and for their life skills programs:
 Purchased a van and paid for the registration
 Purchased six computers
 Purchased four sets of washers and dryers
 Purchased two refrigerators
 Purchased various essential home tools
 Replaced 12 roofs
 Replaced 14 kitchen countertops
 Replaced 12 carpets
 Replaced seven linoleum floors
 Replaced six water heaters
 Painted the interior of 10 cottages
 Painted the exterior of eight cottages
 Updated 25 HVAC systems
 Conducted mold remediation
 Expanded the community garden
 Fully furnished one cottage
 Provided a cash donation to be used on future
maintenance projects
 Secured a five-year maintenance contract with
the Nevada Builder’s Association
“STEP2 is beyond grateful to LRS for their hard work, passion and dedication to our organization,” said Diaz Dixon,
Chief Executive Officer for STEP2. “STEP2 would not be able to serve the families from year to year without great
community engagement. LRS has provided STEP2 with incredible support that will positively impact our agency
and community for many years to come.”

2. The following local businesses and contractors stepped up to help make these projects a reality: Twisted Fork,
Hidden Valley Country Club, Ebara, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Advance Installations, Allied Building Products,
Alpine Roofing, Applied Mechanical, Beta Sigma Phi – Alpha Tau Chapter, Burke Gibson LLC,
Clark and Sullivan Construction, Converse Consultants, Dynamic Drywall, Gardner Engineering, Home Depot, L&L
Plumbing, Lowes, Moana Lane Nursery, Moody Weiske Construction, MSM Sheetmetal, Natural Link Labs,
Nevada Builders Association, PowerComm, Q&D Construction, RHP Mechanical, Truckee Tahoe Building Supply,
Western Nevada Supply and WTR Electric.
To donate to this important cause, click here.
ABOUT STEP2
STEP2 is a non-profit organization located in Reno, Nevada that provides a long term, comprehensive residential
and outpatient substance abuse treatment program for women. In 1986, STEP2 treated five clients. Over the past
30 years, STEP2 has grown tremendously and now serves more than 200 clients each year. This comprehensive
treatment program helps clients break the cycle of addiction, resulting in sustainable self-sufficiency. To learn
more about STEP2, visit STEP2Reno.org.
ABOUT THE CHAMBER’S LEADERSHIP RENO SPARKS PROGRAM
Since 1985, The Chamber’s Leadership Reno Sparks program has helped produce hundreds of managers,
community leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs. Participants are engaged in a 10-month program that
focuses on communication, developmental organization and community participation. Every year the Leadership
Reno Sparks class selects a special community project for a local non-profit that engages participants in a real-
world exercise that also helps build our community. To learn more about The Chamber’s Leadership Reno Sparks
program, click here.
###