Behind the doors of a house on Toledo's east side is a place where men put their lives back together. There's also a friendly house pet called "Nick," named because he was saved from euthanasia in the nick of time.
Jim Fuller says Open Door Ministry saved his life, too. He told us, "I'm a recovering alcoholic and recovering drug addict. I've been involved in a 12-step program for almost 20 years now."
Jim lived in one of Open Door's transitional houses for just more than two years. Now, he works here. He says, "The Open Door gave me a new sense and a new look on life. It helped me get back into society again as a productive member of the community because I was spiritually, mentally, physically broke. I had seven kids. And I was trying to get back on my feet again and the Open Door helped me do that."
Dan Gaynor started as a volunteer. Now, he works there. He told us, "The men can stay for up to two years. We provide them with an environment basically to get involved in a 12-step recovery program."
They receive a warm place to live, meals, clothes. But that all takes money. And the Open Door is funded primarily with private donations.
The past couple of years have been lean. As for donations, Gaynor says they can use "men's clothing, long pants, shirts, gloves, hats, winter stuff, coats, blankets, toiletries, anything the guys would need would be very helpful. Money is always very helpful."
The ministry started with one house back in 1983. Now, it runs four and can house 46 men.
If you'd like to donate or volunteer with Open Door Ministry, you can reach them at 800-517-2915.
