Stories of how Opening Doors has helped women in our community.

(December, 2023) My name is Athena. I entered the Teresa Shelter in 2020 at only 20 years old. I had nowhere else to go and I was scared. I worked my way through the program and graduated to the extended stay program where I worked on budgeting, securing steady employment, and maintaining my mental health. I then moved to the Maria House and continued to work hard. I was working a full time job, saving money, and learning how to
live on my own. It felt amazing to have the support of staff at Opening Doors.

In 2021, I moved to the Francis Apartments. I have been living in my own apartment there for 2½ years now and I am so grateful and I am so proud of how far I’ve come. Opening Doors has been there for me every step of the way but they always remind me that it was ME who put the work in to get where I am today. —Athena

(April, 2023) My name is Cozzie. I came to the Teresa Shelter for the third time in August 2021. The past times I stayed in the program, I wasn’t ready to make the change I needed. After years of struggling with relationships, using substances, and not putting myself first, I entered the program finally ready to make a change. Staff supported me through some of the hardest times in my life. I was tempted to turn back to old habits when things got hard but I persevered. I was able to secure employment, start saving money, and work on myself.

I moved to the Maria House in January 2022. I have been employed at my current job for the past 8 months and am now 19 months sober! I am grateful for the support and know that I would not be who I am today without staff holding me accountable, challenging me, and motivating me to keep moving forward. I have been given the opportunity to move into the Francis Apartments. I am very excited to have a home of my own and continue living the life I want to live. —Cozzie

(December, 2022) My name is Marisa and I am a proud mother to my daughters,Jessica and Ashley and our cat, Mr. Fluffers.

In January we were living out of our vehicle after leaving unsafe housing. I needed to get us somewhere warm and safe; but could not have predicted how much more Teresa Shelter was going to be for us. Staff assisted us with school registration, food and clothing resources, transportation assistance, and constant support. We got established with counseling, medical and mental health care; we finally had some stability and structure.

I was blessed to be gifted a vehicle by a generous Opening Doors’ donor which eliminated many barriers. Staff helped create behavioral charts for the girls and taught me parenting techniques that I continue to utilize. I began creating monthly budgets and soon had a growing savings account! It’s not always been easy, but staff has been there to hold me accountable, to support me, and teach me life skills I will never forget. Jessica and Ashley have benefitted from having stability and structure. They have been able to participate in many enriching activities.

We moved into our own apartment in September. Opening Doors supplied us with brand new beds! This experience changed us and we continue with aftercare services. I am so happy and forever grateful.
—Marisa

(December, 2021) My name is Julianne. I have three sons; Jonathan, who passed away almost two years ago at the age of 30, Jesse who is 30, and Drake who is 28. I have gone through many difficult experiences that have made me who I am today.

Looking back at the last three years of being in the Opening Doors’ program, I am amazed at the woman that I have become. I’m not so critical of my looks or body image like I used to be. I see perfect imperfection. I smile more. Fear has disappeared. I am learning to have a voice and speak up when I need to, to walk away from negativity, to be bold and confident, to have inner joy again, and to live MY life as
I choose. Yes there were excruciating times, but I grew so much through those experiences. Love changes everything. Last December I found out that I had breast cancer. I had two surgeries and
chemotherapy to treat it. I stayed positive as much as I could and took one day at a time centered in my faith. The cancer experience made me realize that I gave to love others, but now it is my turn to love myself. I gave myself permission to explore my art again. I recently got a part-time job teaching others art as an instructor. I crochet on days when I’m in too much pain to paint. I also make paper rose wreaths out of old books.

My creativity has helped me to stay in the moment and stay positive. Opening Doors always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They encouraged my art and listened to what I wanted for my life.

I cannot thank you enough for supporting Opening Doors. It is time to let our light shine! Much love and peace, Julianne.