As a Story Teller Mentor at Above and Beyond, I look forward to coming to the center every week. Attending meetings and listening to the stories told by those in recovery has been an enlightening experience. The staff and members are incredibly warm and friendly. The free services that they provide for the underserved communities in Chicago definitely leaves a lasting impact.

Above and Beyond is different than any organization I have ever heard of, or had the privilege to be associated with. Although many of their clients are former inmates, not all of them are - they help anyone and they are good at it. They are experienced, highly trained and focus on the individual. They have the most progressive programs specifically tailored to ensure unparalleled outcomes. I am a writer for Above and Beyond. I got involved to make a difference in my community and raise awareness for how hard it is for anyone who struggles, regardless of who they are or where they come from. And, to highlight the problems of both addiction and mass incarceration. The system is broken and exploitative and if you don't know it, you haven't been paying attention. Although it is up to our PAID legislators to primarily tackle this issue, it is also up to us as individuals to get involved, speak up, and hold them accountable to end this systemic abuse. Join us, be part of the solution!

Now that I am nearly retired, why do I volunteer ? Well - An old Taoist quote from about 3000 years ago says: "To care . . . the invincible shield of caring Is a weapon from the sky against being dead." So, where to volunteer ? At Above and Beyond of course, with a lot of other caring people, committed to, and accomplishing some really good and caring work. And, like in the quote above, it helps keep me alive. It seems to me that I get more out of volunteering than I give. I am blessed.

Above and Beyond is an exceptional place to be a volunteer. The staff is friendly and hard-working and has created a welcoming environment for both volunteers and the clients that are served. I volunteer in their community garden, where the staff, clients, and volunteers have worked to create a green oasis of flowers, fruits, and vegetables for the community to enjoy. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty and can appreciate seeing the fruits of your labors being served up at lunchtime, bring a shovel and come check out this terrific organization.

Above and Beyond is unlike any treatment facility that I have ever been too. They work hard on a daily basis to bring top-notch service to every patient that they see, while creating a safe environment for them to be in. The staff all work together and treat each other with respect working together like a well oiled machine. The volunteer staff which is large and full of different kinds of people are treated with the same kind of respect because Above and beyond believes them to be integral to making the mission statement a reality. Above and Beyond is a fantastic place to give your time too and its rewarding because both staff and clients alike treat you like a part of their own family.