Michelle Edwards has found a way to combine her professional skills with an interest close to her heart-and help people along the way. She volunteers at the Longmont-based addiction-recovery center, The Next Step: A Place Where Families Recover.

"I've been clean and sober since August of 1996," said Edwards, who experienced the recovery process firsthand. "It piqued my interest in working with people in recovery."

Edwards puts her administrative skills to work in The Next Step's office, answering the phone, filing and tackling other administrative duties. She's also honed new skills and learned new computer programs, including Medisoft, a software used for managing medical practices.

"Volunteering has also improved my people skills," said Edwards, "and working with people in recovery has certainly brought out my compassionate side."

Edwards plans to take her career in a new direction. "Since I've been here, I've been pursuing a career as an addiction counselor. I plan to go to school soon," she said.

"Whether you are homeless or a white-collar executive, addiction can happen to you- to anybody," says Edwards. "The first step to recovery is making the phone call, and that's always the hardest step."

For information about volunteering with The Next Step: A Place Where Families Recover or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.