Remembering Kirk

Today, Open Door Mission is remembering the life of Kirk, one of our beloved volunteers and a former graduate of the New Life Recovery Program. Kirk came to Open Door Mission as a broken man, in desperate need of change. He found hope and restoration through the Open Door Mission’s New Life Recovery Program. Two months after Kirk graduated, he returned to help serve as a volunteer, often working six hour shifts each day at the Garland Thompson Men’s Center. Kirk had a vital position of serving  at the front desk. When men came in off the streets and entered the doors, Kirk was the first person they met at Open Door Mission and I happened to be one of those men in 2016. Kirk was blessed with the gifts of comfort and encouragement. When you entered the Open Door Mission as a homeless individual for the first time, a person can feel embarrassed, nervous and overwhelmed by seeking services at a shelter. Kirk would be that voice to tell you that everything is going to be alright. Or in the words I heard him use with me and others, “I made it through the program and so can you, they take good care of you here.” Those powerful, yet simple words gave hope to many. Kirk will be greatly missed by the Open Door Mission family and we ask that each of you please keep his family in your prayers.