Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission founded in 1954 committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 816 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,000 hot, nutritious meals and provides preventive measures to more than 275 people living in poverty. Candace Gregory is the President/CEO of Open Door Mission.
Tell us a little about your organization. – At Open Door Mission, we often say that hope begins with a meal. The first time someone comes through our doors, they are often driven by an urgent physical need for food and shelter. But thankfully, what happens once they arrive can have a lasting impact. At Open Door Mission they find real, lasting hope! In addition to providing emergency temporary housing, meals and care; we offer supportive services through a variety of programs such as our Rebuilding Lives Campaign which includes the Lydia House, renovated Garland Thompson Men’s Center and Permanent Supportive Housing complex as well as our Veteran’s Housing First Program.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The Open Door Mission Board of Directors, team of volunteers and staff recently raised $34 million to build new facilities and expand programs that break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for men, women and children. All of this began during a recession and was completed ahead of increased demand for services.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I recently celebrated my 19th year of ministry serving the hungry and homeless at Open Door Mission. The economic challenges, social issues, and promotion of dependence have created more demands for services for the poor and needy, like never before in our history. I am grateful to the community of supporters and volunteers for their faithfulness and generosity. They keep the doors open wider than ever before for those in need, to offer opportunities that lead to empowerment.
Tell me a little about your family? – Steve and I have been married 17 years. God has blessed us with four beautiful children ages 15 to 8. We have three dogs, one house cat, one fish, two bunnies and barn cats. I have to wear many hats being a wife and a…. soccer, softball, volleyball, wresting, baseball and football mom. BUT I wouldn’t change a thing.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Loving
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Reading is my favorite pastime. My favorite book and the last good book I read is the Bible. But I do love my Kindle. I am always looking for good free books. Recently, two of my favorite authors, Ken Blanchard and Patrick Lencioni, had free downloads.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can contact me by phone at (402) 829-1502, by email at cgregory@opendoormission.org, or visit our website at www.opendoormission.org.