We have great respect for those that have served our country and are proud to partner with several veteran organizations to help support their missions. One of those organizations is Veterans and Athletes United. This unique organization focuses on empowering injured and ill veterans by providing outdoor adventures, accessible retreats, and job counseling. Over the last couple of years, we’ve been lucky enough to take several of their groups on rafting, kayaking, and climbing trips. Recently, we spoke with VAU’s President & Army veteran James Howard about the impact Beyond Boundaries has had on their organization.

Unlocking the outdoors takes confidence. As we learned from our partners at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, gaining confidence in the outdoors can have a huge impact on everyday life. In our latest partner features, we chat with Melody Roane the Director at VRCBVI about how white water rafting trips impart lessons of confidence and self-advocacy.

Founded in 2004, the McShin Foundation works daily to combat Substance Use Disorders and help Richmonders in recovery. As part of their peer-oriented social model program, the McShin Foundation offers experiences to individuals in recovery to help build confidence and open avenues for stress relief, community building, and adventure.

Beyond Boundaries is dedicated to offering individuals of all ability levels no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situations the opportunity to experience outdoor activities with the surrounding community. We facilitate adventures including fishing trips, paddling trips down the beautiful James River, hiking, climbing at both indoor and outdoor climbing walls, and more. 

Our volunteers are a huge part of what makes Beyond Boundaries so special. People from all walks of life take time out of their busy schedules to serve their community and help our participants experience new things, challenge themselves, and learn about the outdoors. We recently sat down with a few of our volunteers to determine why they dedicate their time to Beyond Boundaries and what it means to them.