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Candace L. Gregory

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Biography

Candace Gregory is President/CEO of Open Door Mission in Omaha, Nebraska. Since joining the Mission as a case manager in 1995, Ms. Gregory has also served as Director of Family Ministries, Director of Lydia House and Family Ministries, and Chief Operating Officer.

Born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, Ms. Gregory is a graduate of Lower Coverdale Christian Academy, Bethany Bible College, New Brunswick Community College, and Grace University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. In 2004, Candace received an honorary doctorate from Clarkson College of Sciences in Humanitarian Services Prior to her entry in the social service and family ministry profession, Candace was a successful businesswoman who launched and managed family owned pizza restaurants in Canada. She is a devoted wife and mother, residing in Omaha with her husband Steve, and their four children.

Ms. Gregory has more than 20 years of experience in children and family ministries. She has become a noted national advocate for the homeless, and is sought out for her experience in implementing community prevention programs that help end the cycle of homelessness and poverty.  Ms. Gregory is a seasoned community relations builder, having acquired partnerships with Omaha businesses and service organizations.

A few noted accomplishments for Candace include:

  • Creating and implementing the Individual Program Plan (IPP) for more effective case management for women and children
  • Developing a long-term recovery program for the Mission to better serve families ready to build lasting solutions to the problems that placed them in crisis
  • Initiating numerous effective preventive measures to serve the impoverished communities of Omaha, including Back to School Bash, Streets of Omaha, Eggstra Special Egg Hunt, and more, all of which are still producing positive results today
  • Recognition by the Nebraska Commission on Housing and Homelessness in 2001 for her outstanding efforts in the area of homeless services and the Metro Area Continuing Care for the Homeless
  • Recipient of the 2003 Nebraska Center for Faith Based and Community Initiatives “Best Practices” Award for outstanding service and achievement
  • Recipient of the 2004 Nebraska Health System Humanitarian Service Award
  • Recognition by the Woodmen of the World Alpha Lodge 1 with its Honored Citizen Award in 2005
  • Recipient of Bridging the Gap spring 2007 Humanitarian Award
  • Recipient of the Gershoms Award for promoting excellence and giving back to the community in the fall of 2007
  • Recipient of the Omaha Public Schools A+ Advocate Award in the spring of 2008
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