To curb recidivism, the group recently began an outreach program that offers intensive help to women newly released from prison. Jo-Z Powers, who coordinates the outreach efforts, estimates that she needs about 50 volunteers to adequately run the program. Volunteers serve as advocates for the women, take them to appointments and guide them through the social services system.

Step by Step also needs an infusion of cash to supplement its annual budget of about $166,000. The group recently received $10,000 from the Women's Foundation of the Genesee Valley. And board member Nancy Weyl will donate $25,000 to the nonprofit — if matching funds can be raised by the end of March. Nearly $5,000 has been raised so far.

Step by Step was founded by Margy Mayk, a counselor, and Pat Merle, a social worker. Besides the workshops and a support group, Step by Step runs parenting classes for women nearing release from Albion. There is a long waiting list for the program, Merle said. It also runs intensive weekend programs at Monroe County Correctional Facility.

"They look at the patterns that led to (the women's) problems — family issues, abusive relationships, addictive behaviors," said Craig Johnson, director of drug and alcohol programs. "They really get into the nitty-gritty — the heart and soul of these patterns."

Women in prison typically make great strides "and then they go back to the same-old, same-old," said Merle, Step by Step's executive director. "They get in trouble again usually with drugs or the same bad influences."

Covington says that, with Step by Step's support, she has been able to stay away from drugs and control her anger and love herself. Since leaving Albion, she has resumed raising her three children and enrolled at Monroe Community College, where she's starting her third semester. She reads the materials from Step by Step's workshops over and over.

"It helped with my self-esteem," she said. "It helps you start thinking for yourself and about yourself."

And when she needs someone to talk to, she says Step by Step is there.

Step by Step's volunteer mentors have also been indispensable to Tammy Hunter, 36.

"I've gone to support groups, Christmas parties," she said of her eight-year relationship with the group. "The mentors helped me, listened to me."

When Hunter graduated from Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, she said, mentors came to the ceremony. When she graduated from drug court, they came for support.

Hunter, who lives in Rochester, held down a job for one year, the longest she has ever managed.

And when she lost that job recently, Step by Step was there again, helping her to set up appointments.

"They have not given up on me," she said. "Even when I say, 'No,' they say 'Yes.'"

DJACKEL@DemocratandChronicle.com