Welcome
Thanks for stopping by. We invite you to take the next 4 to 5 minutes to read this short, introductory page about Open Door. It's less than 700 words and we think it will answer many of your immediate questions. Of course, to really get to know us, you need to get involved. And there are so many ways. You can be "hands-on" or you can work from "behind the scenes." You can be an office "regular" or you can help out with special projects. You can live in one of our four neighborhoods or you can drive in from the suburbs. The possibilities are limitless.
We're focused on the poor and disadvantaged
Open Door is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was incorporated in 2005 "to stimulate economic revitalization and facilitate community development in distressed neighborhoods in Baltimore, Maryland."
We work collaboratively with schools, civic groups, businesses, foundations, government agencies, congregations, and other nonprofits to identify resources, build community capacity, and coordinate solution-focused holistic responses to community needs.
Emphasizing the redemptive principles of renewal, restoration, and reconciliation, we believe it's wrong for 140,000 Baltimoreans to live in poverty in the nation's most affluent state. We are strong advocates for addressing generational poverty that devalues life, immobilizes families and communities, and feeds a cycle of failure and futility.
We have a big dream
Our core vision is the realization of eight pivotal community objectives in lower East Baltimore -- lifetime learning, meaningful employment, livable wages, engaged partnerships, safe streets, thriving families, healthy neighborhoods, and community transformation.
We do not work in a business-as-usual environment
Business-as-usual thinking has nearly always failed the people we serve. Within just a 0.33 mile radius of our office, 846 households live on less than $15,000 a year -- 30% below the U.S. poverty level for a family of four. The number triples to 2,559 households when extended to a 0.66 mile radius. 24% of our folks live on less than $10,000 annually. In any given month, about 60% are unemployed. Our high school droput rate is over 65% and our teen pregnancy rate exceeds 80%. Business as usual won't get it done here.
We believe in the people we're here to serve
In spite of great challenges, the people we serve are remarkably proud, resilient, determined, and optimistic. Most believe that life can be better for their families. Nearly all just need a helping hand from someone who cares.
Our mission is three-fold
(1) to be a source of hope and encouragement for people who need a new start;
(2) to be a community hub that links folks to positive and constructive activities; and,
(3) to be a safe haven where God's heart for hurting people and struggling families is made real every day.
Our approach is basic
We work hard to keep things simple. As a grassroots community provider, we try to listen and learn. We don't have all of the answers and we know it. While we do everything we can to stay up to speed with the latest research and "best practices," the real experts on what's needed in lower East Baltimore are the people who call it home. That's why we work so hard to listen.
Our programs make a difference
Our focus is adult learning, workforce development, life skills and soft skills training, computer literacy, family wraparound services, and information & referral. We also place a strong emphasis on emergency compassion outreach and strategic community organizing. In the final analysis, we're convinced that if you help parents and adults with their education, employment, housing, and other "felt need" issues, you really are helping the whole family and the larger community.
We welcome your assistance
Now that you've found us, don't be a stranger. Think about how you can use your skills, experience, contacts, and resources to help us help the people of lower East Baltimore. Give us a call to set up a discussion with our staff. Thanks for reading. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
|
|
