Read about our news and latest updates.

New Directions Summer Adventurer Program

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our New Directions Summer Adventurer Program, made possible by the generous support of the Youth Philanthropy Council of Southern Indiana! Their funding allowed us to take the children in our after-school program on exciting field trips to Louisville Zoo, the Floyd County Library, Charlestown Family Fun Park, and many more. The program specifically serves children from families at or below the poverty line, providing them with enriching experiences they would not otherwise have access to. Thank you to everyone who made this memorable summer possible!

Our Kitchen is Getting an Upgrade!

After receiving funding from the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, we now can upgrade some long-overdue things in our shelter's kitchen! For the month of July, we purchased brand-new dining tables and additional shelving for our walk-in cold storage! Through our additional shelving, we are able to increase our capacity for more food to be stored at our shelter. Check out our new tables below!

Join Our Advisory Board

As an Advisory Board member, you will play a pivotal role in our mission to respond to the needs and promote the healthy development of vulnerable children and youth. Members advise the Executive Director of Open Door Youth Services, as well as the Floyd County Circuit Court Judge, on all matters related to Open Door. You will get to attend bi-monthly board meetings to contribute to decision-making processes with a focus on policy while also setting goals and overseeing our organization's progress toward achieving our mission.

Shelter Needs List

Below is a list of needs for our shelter that we have identified for this month. We've added them to an Amazon Wish List so that they can be purchased and delivered directly to us at your convenience:

Service Spotlight

Last year we received a grant from Indiana's Criminal Justice Institute to implement Trauma-Informed Care: A Restorative Approach. This approach focuses on establishing safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, and empowerment to help the youth in our care attain the following:

• Develop safety and trust

• Conflict resolution

• Maintain appropriate boundaries

• Identification and understanding of own trauma symptoms

• Develop and use coping skills

• Ability to take effective action

• Improve brain function

This approach provides a foundational understanding of trauma’s impact on our youth's developing brain, then provides implications for treatment, the promotion of pro-social behaviors, and improving the culture among our youth and staff. Incorporating the key concepts of compassionate understanding, validation, skill teaching, and the primacy of trustworthy relationships for healing trauma and rebuilding connections in the child’s brain, this approach tackles some of the most difficult challenges in treatment settings with practical approaches grounded in theory and research.

Set Up your 2024 Monthly Donation Today

We want your support to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable youth in our community! We're excited to introduce a simple yet powerful way for YOU to be a part of this life-changing journey. Imagine making a difference every month with just $5! By signing up for automated monthly donations, you become a pillar of strength for these young hearts. Your commitment ensures a steady flow of resources, empowering us to provide shelter, nourishment, education, and a path to a brighter future.

Here's how you can make a lasting impact:

1. Click the "Donate" link below.

2. Choose the "Monthly" option.

3. Set your donation amount (even $5 makes a difference).

4. Watch your small act of kindness create a ripple of change!

    

Why monthly donations? Because consistency breeds transformation.

Your generosity doesn't just provide a bed; it offers stability, education, and a chance for dreams to flourish. Together, we can break the cycle of hardship and pave the way for a better tomorrow. Be a beacon of hope! Sign up today and be a part of something truly extraordinary.

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