Open Door Mission Celebrates Program Graduates

On June 24th, Open Door Mission (www.opendoormission.org) celebrated New Life with 13 graduates. At the ceremony held at the Garland Thompson Men’s Center Chapel, these men and women received Certificates of Completion during a cap and gown ceremony. For most, it was the first time they experienced a cap and gown graduation. A reception honoring the graduates and their families followed the service.

A recent Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion report featured the Open Door Mission along with 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 these 13 graduates 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.”

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.

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. For more information, please visit www.opendoormission.org.