One Step Beyond Inc

I serve on the Board of One Step Beyond because I believe strongly in the work, and am amazed at the success. I know this because I am also the parent of an OSB participant with intellectual disabilities. My daughter has made incredible progress in this program, and she feels very much a part of the OSB family. She is loved, appreciated for who she is, and challenged to become the best version of herself possible. Never did we think that Carrie would be able to work, and bring home a paycheck - yet through this program, she does.

One Step Beyond's Vision is a world in which individuals with disability are accepted and fully
included in all areas of their community and are appreciated for the talents and service they can
contribute to their community. Thus, our Mission is to provide progressive programs that empower
people with disability to realize their dreams of optimal independence, meaningful employment,
enriching peer relationships, and full participation in their community.

To fulfill this mission, One Step Beyond opened its first life skills training and recreational program
in Glendale, in October 2003 with a beginning enrollment of 16 young adults. In January, 2004,
we established our Employment Development Program. In 2007, we established our Culinary
Program and Catering Company to prepare our participants for food service industry employment.
Ten years after opening our first program, we now serve over 170 individuals in Northwest
Maricopa County. We provide day, after school, and residential programs. We specialize in
employment training, placement, and support; life skills training; functional academic literacy
classes; recreational, fitness, and cultural arts opportunities, including Special Olympics, dance,
drama, visual arts, film, and music; and advocacy services for families. We currently operate from
two campuses, both located in Peoria. In 2014, we plan to open a campus in Surprise and
increase families served to 210. In 2015, we plan to launch a small program in California, and
grow that program in response to community need with the intention of matching in California the
outreach we have achieved in Arizona.
We are committed to having high expectations for what individuals with disability can achieve and
contribute to our Community and to providing the programs, services, and support these
individuals need to realize these expectations of personal development and achievement. We will
go One Step Beyond and One Step Beyond indefinitely until everyone with disability has the
opportunity most of us without disability simply take for granted; that is, the opportunity to
maximize their personal potential and be recognized and appreciated for the contributions they
make to our Community.

This non-profit uses it dollars wisely and values the support of volunteers and donors. This is an organization worth supporting.