Open Door Mission Celebrates Program Graduates

On Saturday, October 28, Open Door Mission (www.opendoormission.org) celebrated New Life with nine graduates. The ceremony took place at the Garland Thompson Men’s Center Chapel in Omaha. These men and women received Certificates of Completion during a cap and gown ceremony. For most, it was the first time they had experienced a cap and gown graduation. After the service, a reception honoring the graduates and their families was held.

A recent Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion report featured Omaha, the Open Door Mission, and other faith-based organizations responding to homelessness in Omaha. Open Door Mission President/CEO Candace Gregory said, “Based on its findings, the Baylor study projects that the students who graduated will likely benefit Heartland taxpayers $21,745 each in savings on social services and from increased income tax revenue. That’s $282,685. Yet their changed lives, of course, are infinitely more valuable.”

Open Door Mission is a Gospel rescue mission providing basic needs and life-changing programs for hungry, homeless, at-risk and addicted people in the Heartland. Now in its 63rd year, each day Open Door Mission offers 816 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,300 hot, nutritious meals, and provides preventive measures to keep 275 individuals and families in their homes. For more information, please visit www.opendoormission.org.