Read about our news and latest updates.

$175,000 Grant Award

In collaboration with Clark/Floyd System of Care and Associates in Counseling and Psychotherapy, we've been awarded a $175,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment's Strengthening Youth Programs Initiative. Together, we'll provide academic support and case management for youth who have been suspended, expelled, or, as is the case of many children at Open Door, have alternative or unsure school placements. Additionally, we will be working with New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation to offer short term emergency shelter to older youth experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to empower these young individuals and create a brighter future for our community. The program is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s initiative, Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana. The aim of the competitive initiative is to help youth-serving organizations working throughout Indiana, improve their abilities to promote the academic, physical and social well-being of young people, ages five through 18.

$140,000 Grant Award Finalist

We are excited to announce that we have become finalists for Impact 100 Southern Indiana's $140,000 grant. Impact 100 members will cast their votes on November 2nd, so wish us luck! We will be using the money towards two new passengers vans for our facility and renovations to our residential dorms!

Fall 2023 New Directions Program

Our New Directions Program is reaching for the stars with a thrilling rocket launch event, along with other science experiments, and we owe it all to our fantastic partners at Duke Energy Foundation and the Kentucky Science Center ! During this year's fall break, our New Directions participants had the chance to explore the wonders of science and engineering as they launched rockets into the sky. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Duke Energy, we're able to provide this incredible opportunity, allowing our local youth to experience the magic of flight and ignite their curiosity about the world beyond.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually in charitable gifts to Indiana and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/Foundation

New $3,500 Grant for New Directions Program

We are excited to announce that our New Directions program received a grant for $3,667.93 from the Floyd County Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Task Force. The funding will go towards tobacco prevention education materials for elementary school students in Floyd County.

About ATOD: To reduce problems associated with youth substance use, Indiana developed funding streams and infrastructure to facilitate coordination of statewide prevention efforts. These prevention efforts aimed at youth include programming in the non-school hours.

We've just launched our brand-new Instagram page, and we'd love for you to be a part of our online community! Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date with our latest updates, inspiring stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our mission of empowering youth. Simply click the "Follow" button to join our journey and show your support for our cause. Your presence makes a world of difference, and we can't wait to connect with you on Instagram!

Indiana's Housing & Community Development Authority's (IHCDA) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) is a program of the State of Indiana that provides $2.5 million tax credits annually to non-profit organizations like us, for distribution as a fundraising tool. The program was created by Indiana Code 6-3.1-9. NAP credits are worth 50% of the value of a donation/contribution made to us by you. This means that a $200 donation to us nets a $100 tax credit for you. If you would like to know more or donate and receive a tax credit, click the learn more button below.

$20,000 Gym Update for October

In the month of October, our gym floor received a fresh new BLUE look with an epoxy finish. We can't wait to reveal the final look! We are still waiting on some minor touches to complete the project. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out once again to The Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, as well as to our gracious donors whose invaluable contributions have propelled this project to its current success.

Staff Spotlight

Kara Castleberry

Case Manager

Kara is celebrating 13 years of service with Open Door Youth Services this month! She has been the guiding light for countless youth and families in their times of need. Her dedication and unwavering compassion have made a profound impact on the children we serve.

Service Spotlight

Many youth in our care have experienced traumatic events or challenging circumstances. Our weekly art therapy sessions can aid in the healing process by helping them process and make sense of their trauma, reduce anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Creating art can serve as a tool for empowerment and resilience-building. Our art therapy sessions also offer a safe and non-verbal outlet for our youth to express and communicate their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It allows them to explore and process difficult or complex feelings that they may struggle to express verbally.

Looking to Help Out?

We are proud to provide numerous opportunities for our community to make a positive impact through our organization. We offer a wide range of opportunities for both donations and volunteering, aiming to engage individuals who are passionate about giving back to their communities and vulnerable youth. By following the links below, you will find various ways to contribute, whether it be through monetary donations, in-kind support, or actively participating in volunteer opportunities. Together, we can create meaningful change and inspire a better future.

October Volunteer Opportunities:

Painting - Help spruce up our facility by painting various walls, trim, and doors that need some TLC.

Donation Drive - Hold a fundraiser for our facility or help collect donations of personal care items, office supplies, art supplies, etc.

Facility Organizing - Help organize one of our dorm closets or spruce up our pantry.

Professional Services - Know of any professional carpet/floor cleaners or repairmen who are willing to donate their services for free? Contact us on our website or through the link below.

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