Meet Jenelle Miller, LIMHP, ATR, Senior Director of Programs at Open Door Mission (opendoormission.org).

Tell us a little about your business. – The Open Door Mission (ODM) is a Gospel Rescue Mission established in 1954 dedicated to helping folks break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We have the capacity to house 917 people and plan to break ground this year to add additional buildings. Our campus spans a six-block radius by Eppley Airfield in Omaha. We provide emergency and transitional housing to men, women and children as well as outreach and prevention services to the community.

How did you get started in the business? – I have been volunteering at ODM with my family for 15 years. When I was finishing my master’s degree in art therapy in 2019, Candace, CEO/President of ODM, called me and asked if I would be interested in helping them establish an art therapy studio and working as the Lydia House mental health therapist. I accepted the offer and began full-time in April 2020 when the pandemic hit. Due to the shortage of volunteers, I started as family support helping to check women and families into the Lydia House. After a few months the leadership saw the devastating mental health impacts of the pandemic on the guests that lived on campus. That was when we established the art studio and I began working as the Lydia House therapist. I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) with the state of Nebraska and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). A couple years later I moved into the position of Director of Mental and Behavioral Health where we expanded the team from two people to six people. In 2024 my role morphed again into what it is now Senior Director of Programs where I oversee all the housing on campus, the mental and behavioral health department and the education department.

Tell us a little about your family. – In December 2024 my husband, Noah, and I will be celebrating three years of marriage. We have one Labradoodle named Bluebonnet “Bonnie” Miller who is full of affection and playfulness. Also, we are expecting our first baby at the end of this year!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The greatest turning point in my life was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at 21 years old. Letting go of my old, self-focused life and turning to a life that follows Jesus has created a true freedom that has brought me an indescribable amount of joy and peace. It all started with whispering “Jesus, I don’t know what else to do. I need you.” From then on, everything from my mind, my heart, my relationships, my desires, my attitude, my focus, it all changed for the better and I owe it all to Jesus.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – My greatest talent I don’t utilize at work is my artistic ability. I went to college and learned fine art skills, but I do get to use them at home in my free time which is definitely therapeutic. I do get to be very creative in my daily work life in strategic and systematic ways, which I find equally if not more fulfilling.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Open Door Mission is my first passion and commitment, but in addition to serving ODM full-time, I volunteer on the board of No Shame Ministries. I volunteer with No Shame because they are working to provide community-based support systems to folks seeking mental wellness across the metro area.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 829-1500 ext. 7096 | jmiller@opendoormission.org