In Arizona, generosity is more than a value; it is a way of life. From boardrooms to classrooms, ballfields to board service, countless individuals quietly give their time, talent, and resources to strengthen the communities they call home. This #MissionMonday column shines a light on those difference-makers. Each week, we spotlight a philanthropic leader or volunteer whose passion for service is creating real, lasting impact across the state. Through their stories, we explore the “why” behind their giving, the mission that fuels their commitment, and the nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to serve Arizona’s most pressing needs.
Today, we welcome Mary Lou Micheaels, who serves on the board of directors for One Step Beyond, Inc.
What inspired you to get involved with this organization, and why has its mission remained important to you?
For most young adults, life after high school is filled with options and possibility. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that path can look very different. After two years in a well-intentioned program that provided care but limited opportunities for growth, our daughter Carrie found her way to One Step Beyond, Inc., (OSBI) and everything changed.
Sixteen years later, she continues to thrive in a community built around possibility. Whether she’s performing on a pink electric guitar in a band concert or learning sign language, Carrie is not just participating; she is growing, expressing herself, and truly belonging. That is what makes OSBI so extraordinary. It doesn’t simply offer programs; it creates pathways for individuals to discover their strengths, build confidence, and lead meaningful lives.
From the moment we toured the program, I knew it was something special. What began as a parent’s gratitude turned into a deep commitment. Today, I am honored to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors, helping advance a mission that has transformed our daughter’s life and continues to impact hundreds of families in our community.
For those unfamiliar, can you share the mission of the nonprofit and the community it serves here in Arizona?
At its core, One Step Beyond, Inc. exists to create possibility by providing programs and services that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their goals and fully participate in their communities.
Now in its 23rd year, OSBI serves approximately 700 adults daily across five campuses in Maricopa County, along with 150 individuals at two campuses in San Mateo County, California. What began as a single program has grown into a multi-campus community rooted in connection, purpose, and growth.
Through programs focused on life skills, employment, health and wellness, and the arts, individuals build independence, form meaningful relationships, and contribute to their communities in ways that reflect their strengths.
More than anything, OSBI is about recognizing potential and creating environments where every individual is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to lead a full and meaningful life.
What is one program, initiative, or moment that truly captures the impact this nonprofit organization is making right now?
One initiative that captures OSBI’s impact right now is Nikki’s Next Step, an expansion into residential housing and a vision for what independence can look like for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The name carries deep meaning. Nikki was a close friend to our daughter Carrie and a devoted OSBI volunteer. Although she did not have disabilities, she saw Carrie and her friends for who they are: individuals with unique gifts and so much to contribute. She believed they deserved the same opportunities, independence, and sense of belonging she experienced in her own life.
She passed away far too young, but her spirit left a lasting impact. Nikki’s Next Step is named in her honor, reflecting how she lived: seeing potential, lifting others up, and creating space for everyone to be valued and included.
This initiative represents a critical next step. While OSBI provides meaningful daytime programming, the need for safe, supportive, community-based housing for adults with IDD is significant and growing. Nikki’s Next Step is designed to meet that need by creating a place where individuals can live with greater independence while staying connected to a supportive community.
It is more than a housing project. It is a continuation of a life well lived and a commitment to creating generational opportunity, grounded in the belief that every person deserves a full, meaningful, and connected life.
Are there any upcoming nonprofit events, campaigns, or initiatives you are especially excited about in the coming months?
I am especially excited about the momentum behind Nikki’s Next Step and the capital campaign that will bring this vision to life.
After years of planning, OSBI has secured and rezoned a 3+-acre site in Glendale and is now raising funds to begin construction. The goal is to raise at least 30% of the total project cost, $8 million, which will allow us to secure a construction loan and move forward.
This campaign is not just about building housing. It is about creating a thoughtful, community-based model for independence, connection, and long-term sustainability. Nikki’s Next Step represents an important evolution of our mission, extending impact beyond programming into how individuals live, connect, and thrive.
There is strong momentum as we engage donors and partners who want to be part of something transformative. This is an opportunity to invest in a model designed to create lasting impact for generations.
For those interested in learning more or supporting the campaign, please contact Campaign Co-Chairs John Micheaels at jam@bmsslaw.com, Jim Tonkin at jimtonkin@outlook.com, or OSBI CEO Jeff Swanson at jeffswanson@osbi.org.
How do you balance your professional life with your commitment to giving back, and what advice would you offer to others who want to do the same?
Balance looks different for everyone. For me, this stage of life is centered around family. While my husband, John, is still working and also serves as Co-Chair of Nikki’s Next Step, we share a deep commitment to our family. I care for our daughter Carrie at home and spend as much time as I can with our five grandchildren.
At the same time, my work with One Step Beyond is a significant part of my life. The need for strong nonprofits is greater than ever, and I feel a responsibility to contribute where I can make a meaningful difference. It is less about separating “professional” and “personal” and more about aligning my time with what matters most.
My advice is simple: start where you are and do what you can. You don’t need unlimited time or resources to make a difference. You just need the willingness to show up and stay committed. I often think about Nikki. She didn’t have decades to give, but the impact she made in a short time was extraordinary. It’s a reminder that what we give is measured in the difference we make.
If your philanthropic work had a theme song, what would it be and why?
It would be “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. There’s something about that song that feels quietly hopeful. It reflects what I see through the work at One Step Beyond, where individuals are growing, gaining confidence, and stepping into new opportunities.
Philanthropy is about helping create those moments: opening doors, building pathways, and bringing light into people’s lives. Over time, the impact becomes clear in meaningful, lasting ways. Just like the song, it’s a reminder that brighter days are always ahead.
Outside of your work with the organization, what are three local spots you especially love?
When I have time to step away, I’m drawn to places that feel connected to the community and full of character. Serafina Coffee in Moon Valley is a favorite, with a welcoming atmosphere, great coffee, and a talented in-house baker. I also love The Neighborly on 7th Street. The outdoor patio is a highlight, and the food is consistently great, making it a perfect spot to relax with family or friends. And I enjoy visiting Delivering Dreams Thrift Store. It offers unique finds and supports another nonprofit, so shopping there feels like giving back.
