Walk Alongside A Women In Recovery
At OpenDoor Women’s Recovery Alliance, we believe the power of healing begins with friendship.
Volunteering with OpenDoor means joining a small group of caring people who walk alongside one woman in recovery. All volunteers receive training, which gives a shared foundation for walking alongside women as they move toward healing, stability, and new beginnings after addiction, trafficking, or incarceration. You are not expected to fix, counsel, or rescue anyone. You are invited to be a guest in the life of a woman who is in a poverty of relationships - the greatest poverty of all.
OpenDoor is a licensed user of the Open Table model. This simple, powerful model transforms lives, including the lives of our volunteers.
What is a table?
A Table is a small group of 5–6 volunteers who come together to support one woman we call a Friend.
Together, the Table:
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Meets weekly at a time that works for everyone
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Share meals, conversation, and everyday moments
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Encourages stability, confidence, and hope
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Walks alongside the Friend as she rebuilds her life
“I never expected this experience to mean so much to me. Being part of a Table became one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done.”
Volunteer - Michele H.
What Does Volunteering Look Like?
Being part of a Table is about relationships, not expertise.
You will have the opportunity to:
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Share meals
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Listen and encourage
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Celebrate milestones
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Help problem-solve everyday challenges
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Enjoy outings like the zoo, the art museum, or Franklin Park Conservatory, making pottery, going to the theater and so much more
Most of all, you show up consistently and remind a woman she is not alone.
You’re Not Doing This Alone
Before you begin, OpenDoor provides training and ongoing support, so you feel prepared and confident. Our training helps you:
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Understand addiction and recovery
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Learn how trauma affects relationships
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Set healthy boundaries
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Walk alongside women without fixing or rescuing
You’ll always have the support of OpenDoor staff and your fellow Table members.
Voices from our volunteers
“I signed up thinking I was going to help someone else. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this experience would change me. Our Table became a place of laughter, honesty, and real connection. I received just as much as I gave.”
“OpenDoor showed me that I don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. I just had to show up. Week after week, that consistency mattered more than anything else.”
“Walking alongside our Friend reminded me how powerful the community really is. Recovery doesn’t happen alone—and neither does this work.”
How long is the commitment?
Tables meet weekly for up to 12 months.
We understand that life happens—vacations, work, and family commitments come up. One of the strengths of serving on a Table is shared responsibility. If you miss a week, the group continues. That’s okay.
Many volunteers choose to serve alongside friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers and form their own Table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience in recovery or social work?
No. Most of our volunteers have no formal background in addiction, counseling, or social services. What matters most is your willingness to show up, listen, and care.
What if I’m nervous or don’t know what to say?
That’s completely normal. You are not expected to have all the answers. OpenDoor provides training, guidance, and ongoing support—and your Table members walk alongside you, too.
What is the time commitment?
Tables meet weekly for about an hour or two. Some weeks are simple check-ins or shared meals; others may include outings. The commitment is meaningful but manageable, especially because it’s shared within a group.
What if I need to miss a meeting?
Life happens. Being part of a group means the Table continues even if one person can’t attend. Consistency matters—but perfection is not required.
Is this faith-based?
OpenDoor is faith-based and values-driven, but our volunteer community is diverse. You are not required to share your faith or beliefs to participate. We welcome people who believe in dignity, compassion, and community.
How do I get started?
Simply fill out our volunteer interest form. A member of our team will connect with you, answer questions, and help you take the next step.
Ready to join a Table?
If you’re looking for meaningful volunteer work that builds real relationships and have a lasting impact, we would love to walk this journey with you.
For more information, email us at: info@opendoorwomensrecovery.org
You can also see more of Our Stories to learn more about friends of OpenDoor.
Is this right for me?
You don’t need special training, perfect words, or a background in recovery work to be part of a Table.
This might be right for you if you:
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Believe relationships can change lives
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Are willing to show up consistently and be present
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Enjoy listening and encouraging others
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Value community, compassion, and dignity
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Want volunteer work that is meaningful and relational- not transactional
You might feel unsure—and that’s okay. Many volunteers start with questions or nerves. You’ll receive training, support, and you will be in a group with other volunteers, so you never are alone.
If you’re open-hearted, dependable, and curious about walking with someone as she rebuilds her life, there may be a place for you at a Table.
Volunteer Incentives Through Your Employer
Did you know that many employers offer volunteer grants that can turn the hours you serve into direct financial support for our mission? Through Double the Donation, you can quickly check whether your company rewards volunteer time with a charitable contribution on your behalf. These volunteer incentives make it possible to give back in more ways than one—by sharing your time and helping generate funding that supports women on their recovery journey.