Open Door Mission - Rochester, NY

Established in 1952, the Open Door Mission is a privately funded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered in the state of New York and relies primarily upon the private donations from the community to run its programs.


1952:
Open Door Mission was founded by Executive Director Grant N. Speicher. Founding board members included Harold Oswald and John Keyes.

1958:
Harold Oswald appointed Executive Director. The Mission moves from its start-up location at the corner of West Main Street and Plymouth Avenue North to 210 West Main Street and begins providing clothes, evening meals and chapel services to an average of 15 people a day.

1976:
Kenneth Fox becomes Executive Director.

1977:
Christian Life Addiction Recovery Program is established.

1981:
Men's Emergency Housing Program established.

1984:
Free Clothing Distribution Program for woman and children established.

1986:
The Mission purchases a building at 156 North Plymouth Avenue, currently known as the Caring Center, which is designed to accommodate the Christian Life Addiction Recovery Program, Women's Recovery Program and administrative offices.

2001:
Ronald Fox appointed the Executive Director.

2011:
Michael Hennessy appointed Executive Director. Walter Thomas appointed Program Director and initiated the First Step Program at the Samaritan House Gospel & Rescue Shelter, which has moved 160 men into permanent housing in the first year.