Step By Step, Inc. Welcomes the Horton Brothers: Champions of Resilience

Written by Miranda Forbes Sep 20, 2023 Uncategorized

We are delighted to announce and extend a heartfelt welcome to Lee and Dennis Horton, two remarkable individuals who have recently joined our team here at Step By Step, Inc. Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience, and we are honored to have them as part of our organization.

Meet Lee and Dennis Horton

Lee and Dennis Horton are not just new team members; they are champions of justice who have overcome unimaginable adversity. Wrongfully imprisoned for an astonishing 28 years, their story is one of unwavering faith, hope, and the pursuit of truth. They were granted clemency by the Pa. governor, Tom Wolf, which is a testament to their unyielding determination, as well as the tireless efforts of countless advocates and legal professionals who fought to secure their release.  

A Story of Resilience and Redemption

The Horton brothers’ story is one that touches the hearts of everyone who hears it. For 28 long years, they faced the challenges of life behind bars, all while maintaining their innocence. Their unwavering faith in the justice system, their commitment to proving their innocence, and a truthful conversation with their maternal grandmom, kept them going through the darkest of times. She said, ‘If it’s dark in there, then light up the darkness with hope, and if it is cold, heat it up with love. Help somebody.’ Our grandmom died a few years later but we have been following her advice ever since, helping others as we try to help ourselves. We decided to be the men we were taught to be.”

During their time in prison, Lee and Dennis embarked on a transformative journey that would not only change their own lives, but also positively impact the lives of countless others. While behind bars, they dedicated themselves to personal growth and empowerment. They achieved an extraordinary milestone by becoming certified peer support specialists, armed with the tools to inspire and uplift their fellow inmates. WRAP, or Wellness Recovery Action Plan, became their guiding light, providing a roadmap for them to function effectively within the confines of the prison system. Lee and Dennis were not content with just personal development; they were driven to share their knowledge and experiences. They immersed themselves in classes within the prison, evolving into teachers and instructors. Their passion for creating content led them to craft meaningful educational materials. Remarkably, they became WRAP facilitators, conducting over 200 seminars, which were two-day events that spanned an impressive 16 hours each. Their dedication to personal growth and their commitment to helping others were the driving forces behind this remarkable transformation within the prison walls.

Joining Step By Step, Inc.

Following their release from prison, Lee and Dennis became Advanced Level WRAP Facilitators, traversing both the state and the nation to guide WRAP sessions. They were blessed to work on the largest Senate Campaign in the country in 2022, Fetterman for PA and applied WRAP principles to help win the election. Currently, they are diligently striving to establish Step by Step as the inaugural WRAP Center of Distinction in the nation.

The Horton brothers are thrilled to introduce the transformative Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to Step By Step, extending its benefits not only to our valued employees but also to the broader community we are dedicated to serving. WRAP, with its inclusive approach, is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, stature, or socioeconomic status. It embodies the belief that personal wellness and growth are universal aspirations that know no boundaries. By embracing WRAP, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment where individuals of all backgrounds can embark on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being, proving that wellness truly knows no bounds.

Watch a glimpse of the Horton brothers journey here:  https://fb.watch/mUBHeY7Sxj/