Meet Steve Frazee, chief impact officer at Open Door Mission.
Tell us a little about your business. – Open Door Mission is a gospel rescue mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring hope for lasting change. We do this through prevention services, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing with many wrap around services. These services include case management, free medical clinic, sobriety program, food, clothing, personal care items, referral to other social service agencies, and advocacy throughout the process of change.
How did you get started in the business? – I was a pastor at a church in Glenwood, IA. My oldest son Daniel was getting out of the air force after serving a term in Iraq. We told him that we would be there to help him with the transition. He decided to get a classics degree from Creighton. Open Door Mission was looking for a development officer, 12 years later I am still here.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The people who are dealing with homelessness and poverty are constantly changing. There is a growing population of people dealing with severe mental illness as well as physical illnesses that are demanding new and more resources and skills to be used by frontline workers.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Our response to COVID-19 was a triumph. We led the shelters response to protecting people who were living in shelters. We were the first to provide testing and vaccinations to the sheltered populations. Our leadership helped achieve zero deaths in shelters because of COVID-19.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am married to my wife Danie. We have three grown boys, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – A big turning point in my life was being able to attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I was not sure what I would do with a Master of Divinity degree, but knew it would serve me well and it has.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to run, walk around parks with my wife, and find a new place to eat.
Who inspires you? – My mother and wife both inspire me. They had to figure out how to accomplish paying for college. They both encourage me to be the best version of myself.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – When it comes to choosing your career, purse your heart’s desire…not money.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Cure disease.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Cooking.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Playing an instrument.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – HETRA, a horse therapy organization in Elkhorn, and Moving Veterans Forward in Papillion.
What is your favorite TV show? – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – 801 Chophouse.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Jordan Peterson.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 829-1534; sfrazee@opendoormission.org; www.opendoormission.org.