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The Williamson County Council on Alcoholism, (now known as LifeSteps Council on Alcohol and Drugs) began in 1978 when George and Barbara Brightwell convened a group of Georgetown community activists who were concerned about the profound psychological, social, and financial toll that alcohol use was taking on individuals and families. Back then, our clients visited a tiny office on the square in Georgetown, where, at the top of two flights of stairs, a chemical dependency counselor provided caring guidance. Back then, LifeSteps collaborated with Georgetown Hospital (now St. David’s Georgetown Hospital) for detox, and with 12-Step programs for recovery management.
In the beginning, only a long, narrow staircase to a small second-floor office overlooking the courthouse on the historic square in Georgetown, linked clients to counselors.
Clients seeking sobriety would start up those steps to begin a journey towards a better life, hence the name “LifeSteps”
LifeSteps was licensed to provide court-ordered offender education for DWI and Drug Offender classes in 1997, and thousands of misdemeanor offenders have gotten their lives back on track through these classes. In 2004, LifeSteps received its first state-funded grant for a Community Coalition, making prevention awareness and education available county-wide. LifeSteps’ newest programs – PPI and PADRE, began in 2013. These programs provide prenatal and parenting classes and case management for expecting and current mothers and fathers. In 2019, the Board approved LifeSteps to become a Recovery Community Organization. In partnership with other recovery organizations, we started to offer recovery support for individuals and families.
Substance misuse and substance use disorders have devastating effects, disrupt the future of too many people, and all too, often, end lives prematurely or tragically.
We are grateful for the leadership legacy that has allowed LifeSteps to serve our community. We are entering a new era of enhanced services that empower individuals and families to lead healthy, successful, and self-fulfilling lives. LifeSteps’ future is bright, just as the future is bright for those whose lives have been made better through the services LifeSteps provides.
Prevention, early intervention, and recovery support programs do work!
LifeSteps is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization funded through Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Transportation, All Together ATX, fee for service programs, event sponsorships, and donations from community partners and individuals like you.
Our Mission
is to improve our community’s health, safety, and well-being by preventing substance ise disorders, providing early intervention, and supporting long-term recovery.
Our Mission
is to improve our community’s health, safety, and well-being by preventing substance use disorders, providing early intervention, and supporting long-term recovery.
Our Vision
is a safe, supportive, drug-free community with healthy, nurturing families, where all who experience alcohol and drug-related problems have affordable, easy, access to the services that they need to help them become productive, empowered, and substance-free.
Our Values
guide our organizational action’s and programs, unite our employees, and define how we provide services.
Client-Centered
Respect
Integrity
Community-Oriented
Inspirational
LifeSteps Board of Directors
LifeSteps Council on Alcohol and Drugs is governed by a volunteer-based Board of Directors, who provide fiscal and operational oversight and sustainability and strategic planning.
- Mariah Madewell - President
- George Brightwell - Co-founder - “Our eternal love and recognition”
- Barbara Brightwell - Founder and Director Emeritus
- Gordon Perez - Immediate Past President
- Michael Hunter - Secretary
- Jim Jarvis - Member
- Pat Hanger - Member and Director Emeritus
- Michael Hunter - Member
- Julie Stevens - Director Emeritus
If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please email info@lifestepscouncil.org.