Why We Do What We Do

This is a story that truly reflects the impact of what happens every day here at Open Door Mission and the Timberlake Outreach Center.

Recently, we had a volunteer from the Restore program who, when he first arrived, honestly did not want to be here. But as he continued coming and witnessed the work being done at the Timberlake Outreach Center — serving the community, helping families, and seeing the smiles on people’s faces — something began to change in his heart.

He shared how deeply impacted he was by the opportunity to serve others. It inspired him personally and ignited a desire within him to give back to his own community. 

Because of this experience, he decided he wanted to begin mowing lawns for people in need without charging them, simply to be a blessing.

On his last day volunteering with us, he even brought pizza for everyone out of gratitude. He shared a memory from his childhood about something his aunt used to tell him: “If we all did a little, no one would have to do a lot.” That statement captures the heart of why we do what we do.

Sometimes we may not immediately see the full impact of our work, but moments like these remind us that lives and hearts are being changed. People are not only receiving help — they are being inspired to become helpers themselves.

Thank you all for the compassion, patience, and love you show every day. Your service matters more than you know, and together we are making a difference in ways that continue far beyond these walls.