A special thank you to our 2022 Grantee Partner, Opening Doors, for writing this guest blog and sharing more about an organization that sets out to empower women to change their own stories and achieve a life of self-sufficiency. To learn more about them, visit openingdoorsdbq.org.
“Leap and the Net will Appear” is a quote that is often attributed to John Burroughs that has driven my approach to life. My childhood was idyllic and as I grew, I always knew that I had a strong support system. My familial mentors led by example providing me with a strong work ethic as they guided me on my journey to self-sufficiency.
Opening Doors offers three doorways of hope for women and children who are experiencing homelessness. The safety net that I took for granted my entire life is nonexistent for most women that we serve.
When a woman finds the strength to step through our doors, she brings along a lifetime of struggles, addictions, and/or abuse. Our case managers meet these women where they are in their journey by first providing a warm bed, food, and basic supplies. Once these basic needs are met, they meet with the women one-on-one and establish goals with life skills such as financial literacy, parenting skills, maintaining sobriety, gaining employment, and furthering education. Our program staff help to shine a light on new pathways of opportunity. The women we serve have accomplished goals they never thought were possible on their pathway to financial self-sufficiency.
Morgan struggled with physical, sexual, and mental abuse and addiction and was consistently homeless. She said, “When I first came here, I was so scared. I didn’t know if I’d really find help. The staff has the most supportive and knowledgeable people I have ever met, more so than most of the family I had growing up. I have been paying my dues and I’m learning how to be a responsible and productive part of society.” Morgan and her children are now stably housed, and our staff will always be her safety net.
