Featured – Open Door Mission

Celebrating First Graduates of Our Next Step Aftercare Program

Logan Koepke — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:12:08 +0000

We are filled with gratitude and joy as we celebrate the first graduates of our Next Step Aftercare Program!

These men have walked faithfully through the program, allowing God to heal, guide, and strengthen them at every step. Their growth is a powerful reminder of how God transforms lives when we surrender to His plan and walk in fellowship with others.

Following the graduation ceremony, the men gathered for a shared meal and a time to give thanks, share stories, and celebrate the goodness of God together. It was a beautiful reflection of the community and brotherhood that has formed through this journey.

We praise God for what He has done and continues to do through the Next Step Aftercare Program. Thank you to everyone whose prayers, support, and encouragement have helped make this milestone possible.

Torch Award

Logan Koepke — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:20:09 +0000

Today was the 2025 BBB Torch Awards Luncheon!

Thank you to the Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains for recognizing Open Door Mission’s commitment to ethics and integrity.

Open Door Mission has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 BBB Torch Award for Ethics.

Candace’s Response to the President’s Recent Executive Order

Logan Koepke — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:36:55 +0000

I’ve received a flood of questions from not just Open Door Mission staff, volunteers, and donors, but from my family, friends, colleagues, and fellow partners about the president’s recent Executive Order: “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” It marks a dramatic shift from the federal approach we’ve lived under for over 30 years, with the same mantras, End Homelessness in 10 Years, No Child Left Behind, Rapid Rehousing and Housing First Only.

Measured outcomes and evidence mean little if it doesn’t meet reality. I have seen what happens when systems are built around theories instead of people. The Open Door Mission has carried the weight of it. Open Door Mission staff and volunteers deal with the grief of it, every day. Honestly, I have to say it reads like someone finally stood back, took a hard look at the people and broken outcomes, and finally said: “Enough. This isn’t working”. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

For the past three decades, I’ve been in full-time ministry. I have not spent the majority of my time in an office, but I have been on the frontlines and on the streets serving people. I have been walking alongside people experiencing homelessness, the addicted, the mentally ill, and the deeply marginalized. I’ve watched firsthand as entire systems failed the very people they were meant to serve.

Billions have been spent, countless initiatives launched, and yet conditions have only worsened. People are dying, and not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, every day, right in front of us. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalms 82:4

So when I saw this executive order, I felt a spark of something I hadn’t felt in a long time around public policy: HOPE. Not because I believe any single policy will be perfect, but because someone, somewhere in the leadership, finally seems willing to admit that what we’ve been doing isn’t working.

I’ve sat in on task forces, been in focus groups, joined planning meetings, and listened to experts from all corners of the country, trying to push for smarter, more compassionate, and truly effective strategies. But this moment feels different, not because of politics, but because of the potential. If we can finally align government agencies, service providers, and faith communities on a better path, we just might begin to reverse decades of decline. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Many advocacy groups are pushing back. I realize that my opinion is different and often not welcome. And yes, I know the phrase “Housing First is evidence-based” gets repeated like the Gospel. But I’ve seen what “evidence” looks like when it’s disconnected from reality on the front lines.

When shelters turn people away because they’re not “housing ready,” when mental illness and addiction are treated as secondary. When people die alone in tents just a block from help. Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15–16

This isn’t about right or left for me, as many of you know, I cannot even vote. I don’t carry water for any party or politician. I carry water literally, for people living under the bridge, the woman battling schizophrenia on a park bench, the teenager who’s aged out of foster care and into the street. This is about them. Always has been. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

It’s time to try something different. With open eyes, open hearts, and a firm commitment to results that restore dignity and save lives. We owe people that much.

Thank you for your support of Open Door Mission and God’s work. For believing that change is still possible through Christ. He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Written By: Dr. Candace L. Gregory

President/CEO of Open Door Mission

Gleaning with Purpose

Logan Koepke — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:32:29 +0000

I wanted to share a special moment from an outing yesterday with some of our program students. We visited John’s farm, a kind-hearted man who allows us to glean from the outer rows of his cornfield. None of us were seasoned corn-pickers, but just like Ruth in the fields of Boaz, we stepped into unfamiliar work with willing hearts. What started with uncertainty quickly turned into joyful teamwork. Everyone found their rhythm, encouraged one another, and got their hands dirty for a good cause.

By the end, we had gathered a generous amount of corn to bring back; a beautiful reminder of how God still provides through the kindness of others and the labor of many. Just as Ruth was blessed through her faithfulness and Boaz’s generosity, we too experienced God’s provision through this simple yet meaningful act of service.

It was more than just an outing; it was a living reflection of Ruth 2:12:

“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

Written By: ODM’s Joseph

The Power of Community, Service, & Faith

Logan Koepke — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:58:25 +0000

I wanted to share a special moment from yesterday that really reminded me of the power of community, service, and faith in action.

A group of men from our recovery program and even alumni spent the day serving at Northwest Church. We helped clear out and break down old furniture, filled their rented dumpster, and scraped paint off windows to support their renovation efforts. The guys worked hard and showed incredible teamwork.

But the real impact came afterward.

Pastor Jeff took the time to sit down with the men for an open and thoughtful conversation about the Bible. What started as a simple chat turned into a rich, meaningful exchange. There was laughter, honesty, and some truly heartfelt moments. Pastor Jeff shared how much he enjoyed the discussion, and the guys felt the same. It was more than just a conversation; it was a moment of connection and growth.

To make the day even more special, the church donated Bibles and other biblical resources to the Open Door Mission. It was a generous and heartfelt gift that will continue to bless our students long after this one day of service.

It was one of those days that remind us how healing and transformation happen—not just through programs, but through relationships, shared experiences, and the love of Christ lived out in real ways.

Written By: ODM’s Joseph

Kent Family Honors Son’s Memory by Donating Toys to Kids Experiencing Homelessness

Logan Koepke — Wed, 28 May 2025 20:58:51 +0000

On Wednesday, the Kent family honored the memory of their son, Finnegan, by dropping off toys to Lydia House for children experiencing homelessness.

It was May 2011, when Robbie and Amy Kent, discovered that the baby boy they were expecting had no heartbeat at 38 weeks. Amy delivered Finnegan on May 25th, 2011, and the family knew they wanted to do something special to honor their baby boy. They decided they would host a birthday party for him every year to honor his legacy and ask friends and family to bring toys they could donate to children experiencing homelessness at Lydia House.

“We started this tradition because, while we don’t get to throw him birthday parties or watch him open presents, we still wanted someone—anyone—to feel the love we have for him,” said Amy Kent, Finnegan’s mom. “That love has to go somewhere. And giving it away in his name has become a way to keep parenting him, even from afar.”

“This year, as we mark what would be Finnegan’s 14th birthday, it’s impossible not to imagine him finishing out middle school, getting ready for high school in the fall. These milestones that should’ve been—we carry them in our hearts. We may not get to experience them with him, but this birthday tradition has become one of the most meaningful ways we stay connected,” said Kent, “Donating to Lydia House in Finn’s name is one of the ways we ‘parent’ him in Heaven. And the loving support of the Lydia House community makes us feel close to him in a way nothing else quite does. Thank you to everyone who joins us in remembering and honoring Finn. Your kindness helps keep his spirit shining bright.”

Lydia House has dedicated a room, Finnegan’s Birthday Blessings, where the toys are kept. When a child experiencing homelessness has a birthday, their parent is able to go pick out toys for their child. The family hosted a birthday party for friends and family this year in honor of Finnegan’s 14th birthday.

“We are so grateful to the Kent family for honoring Finnegan every year by donating new toys to children experiencing homelessness,” said Candace Gregory, President/CEO of Open Door Mission. “For kids experiencing homelessness, they are going through a very traumatic time, and for them to receive a special gift in honor of Finnegan, it is truly touching.”

Written By: ODM’s Kristen

Josh Finds Hope & Housing in Our Foundations Program

Logan Koepke — Fri, 09 May 2025 14:54:37 +0000

Today, I had the privilege to experience, and celebrate the success of a student in the Foundations Program! My heart is full of gratitude, and joy for getting the opportunity to know Josh, and help him on his journey.

Josh came to us from jail. If it was not for Jesus bringing Josh to the Open Door Mission, he would still be without a home, and without hope. ODM provided Josh an opportunity to get back on his feet, and he made the most of his opportunity. Prior to ODM, his only option after he was released from jail was to live on the streets, and ultimately lose his waiver. If he lost his waiver, he would have had to wait a minimum of 2-3 years before he could apply again.

He joined the Foundations Program, and received help moving forward. He was reconnected with AmeriServe Int., and progressively started services. Today, he officially achieved housing in a stable environment as he continues his services with AmeriServe Int.

Josh developed discipline, received structure, accountability, and became responsible during his time in the program, as he takes his new learned skills and continues to apply them to his life moving forward on his next endeavor. During all of my meetings between Josh and AmeriServe, he would constantly give praise and thanks to God for ODM.

He also received help from the TOC with household items for his new home. What a blessing the TOC is!

Colossians 2:6-7
“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with thanksgiving.”

Written By: ODM’s Tyler

Dr. Jakupova Visit’s Health & Wellness Clinic

Logan Koepke — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 01:06:21 +0000

Mission University toured our Health & Wellness Clinic! Dr. Hauschildt brought Dr. Jakupova from Kazakhstan to shadow one of our volunteer physicians, Dr. Armbruster. Dr Jakupova is a GI physician in Kazakhstan.

“It was fun to hear about Mission University & to learn from a physician from another country! We are blessed to have so many community connections.” -Lora, ODM’s Health & Wellness Director