Steve D'Ascoli Memorial Fund

Friends of Steve,

Please consider making a donation in memory and honor of Steve D’Ascoli that will be given to the Mile High Behavioral Care-Special Drug Offender Program. Steve built the Special Drug Offender Program to address the Mind, Body and Spirit of people entering the probation program with the goal of reaching sobriety. This program pioneered a movement across probation programs throughout the state of Colorado and is being studied by other states due to its success.

Money donated will be used to create an “Incentive Closet” in Steve’s memory for the Special Drug Offender Program. Steve celebrated "the small things" in life and creating an incentive program like this in his name seems fitting as Steve often asked the question: "What are you doing for yourself?" The closet will contain personal hygiene items, journals, work gloves/boots, socks, underwear, T-shirts and various other self care items which will support and encourage program members.

Any donation is appreciated and will honor Steve’s mission.

I was given permission by Dresden Wagner to repost her tribute to Steve. It illustrates the impact Steve had on Dresden and undoubtedly many more.

“This man right here is a legend....6 years ago when I had burnt any and all the bridges in my life, when I could no longer see the blue in the sky, had utterly forgotten every piece of my worth I landed in his lap......I was a single mom of 3 beautiful babies, homeless, in trouble, scared, and trapped in a life filled with drugs to hide from all my trauma. Steve became my anchor on the good days and on the bad.... No matter how many times I rolled in late, with three days’ worth of makeup on talking shit, Steve still met me with grace, gave me love, and reminded me of the strength he saw in me. Slowly but surely, he reminded me of my worth, of how much I meant to him, my program, my kids, and this world. He stood with me as I gained sobriety and built my life in recovery. He then welcomed me onto his team as a part of the program that he built with Denver probation. He embraced me and took me under his wing to show me how to connect with those we work with...how to open my heart and look for the best in all of the humans that crossed our paths...how to be vulnerable, empathetic, and how to lead. Steve helped build the courage within me to be all the things I am today. The ability to remember my value, the strength to both share my story and forgive my past, courage to share my insight, the drive to promote my ideas, and so much more. The world lost Steve this last week. I lost Steve this last week. One of the sweetest, compassionate, loving, inspirational, warm, mentors that i have had the pleasure to have in my life. A man who even on his worst days wanted to know that you were ok, a man who remembered his trials and tribulations throughout life and used them as tools to help others. I will always remember his laugh, his light, and his big ass heart that he so lovingly shared with me. RIP Steve D'Ascoli”

Dresden Wagner, Peer Coach for The Specialized Drug Offender Program