Open Door Mission’s Lydia House offers safe emergency services to single women and families who need immediate help. This six-week programs provides food, shelter, and other basic needs, plus individualized strength-based case management that maps out the steps back into independence.

The option to enroll in Open Door Mission’s long term recovery programs is offered to those who want to change their life. Currently, Lydia House provides services for 16 single women and 11 families.

Single women who are homeless are even more vulnerable than men. Some become homeless because of mental illness or addiction, like alcohol or drugs. Others are looking for safety from an abusive husband or boyfriend. Others have been recently released from jail and court ordered to stay at Lydia House.

Families who are homeless turn to Lydia House when they are no longer able to afford rent or pay their utility bills. An unexpected illness or car repair can push a family living paycheck-to-paycheck over the edge into homelessness.

Each month, the Lydia House turns away 90 single women and 140 families in need of shelter. Sadly, they are told there is no room in the inn. They often resort to living in their cars or abandoned building because all the area shelters, including the Lydia House are full.

The Lydia House programs are effective for those who have the opportunity to enter the door. To read stories of success from people like Amy click here.

New Life Recovery programs

The New Life Recovery programs (NLRP) is a long-term residential programs committed to providing men, women, and children with the tools to be self-sufficient and independent in the community. A commitment of at least nine months is required to successfully complete the NLRP.

The NLRP involves daily classes in 12-step recovery, Bible and life skills. Individual and CADAC counseling is combined with weekly counseling sessions. The individual works with the NLRP team to develop a personal plan to achieve recovery and obtain independence in the community.

Each person who joins the NLRP begins at the PREP level and is promoted to the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels by accomplishing set goals. A cap-and-gown graduation ceremony celebrates completion of the NLRP requirements.

Program Readiness Evaluation and Preparation program (PREP)

During an intensive minimum 30-day period, the applicant must meet specific requirements with the aid of a case manager. When requirements are fulfilled, the team recommends that the candidate proceed onto the New Life Recovery programs .

AfterCare Program

The AfterCare program is a service available for individuals and families after graduating from the New Life Recovery programs . This program supports graduates while they make the transition from supportive to independent living. While in this 18-month program, each person must remain drug free, maintain steady employment or attend college, and be active in a sponsoring church. AfterCare units are provided by Open Door Mission and local churches.

Journey To Work

Open Door Mission’s Journey to Work Program focuses on breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty.  Professional development, money management, job training and educational skills are geared to the needs of each individual client.  If needed, GED classes are offered.  While on the program, men and women receive valuable training and job skills working in various capacities at the Mission or in the workplace.  Along with these services, clients receive individual therapy, discipleship counseling and case management services throughout their nine month commitment.  The goal of the Journey to Work Program is for each client to successfully find employment and to become self-sufficient and independent in their community. 

Ninety-five percent of Open Door Mission graduates are successful in their sobriety one year after graduation from the New Life Recovery program .

Programs Include

• Lydia House Services
  • PREP Program
  • New Life Recovery Program
  • AfterCare Program
  • Journey To Work Program
• Hotline Phone
• Day Facility
• Transitional Housing programs -Independent and Supportive
• After-School Clubs "Kids Time",
• Rainbow Club, Good News Club, AWANA & Agape Youth Groups
• Domestic Violence Awareness