OpenDoor-Columbus has received a $50,000 grant as one of 16 National Merit Grant recipients from the Gannett Foundation’s crowdfunding initiative, A Community Thrives.
Tammy Adler-Foeller, executive director of OpenDoor-Columbus, said the organization also received a $10,000 local operating grant through the program.
“OpenDoor-Columbus is honored and humbled to receive this generous grant,” she said. “We are optimistic this will help us increase the number women we serve to make a significant impact on our community.”
OpenDoor-Columbus is the response of three moms to the opioid epidemic. Rachel Muha, Leslie Kristoff and Adler-Foeller joined forces in December 2019 to support women in recovery from substance use disorder. The mission is to bring hope, help and healing to women who are trying to live a life free from their addiction.
There is a void in support for women from leaving incarceration and treatment when they are vulnerable to relapse and returning to the life they were trying to escape. When a woman in need of relationships is referred to OpenDoor-Columbus, she will find herself embraced and supported for an entire year.
Small groups of six to eight volunteers (called a “table”) train together and then meet a woman (called a “friend”) whom they will mentor, advocate for and encourage as she embarks on a drug-free life.
Friends are referred to OpenDoor-Columbus from federal probation; h.a.r.t. (helping achieve recovery together), a diversion program; Hilliard Recovery Court; Mommies Matter and other organizations.
One volunteer said before committing to a table, “I don’t think I have anything to offer because addiction hasn’t touched my life.” Today this volunteer has a close relationship with her friend and remains connected to her.
“Since volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do, we are always looking for volunteers to create more tables,” Adler-Foeller said.
For more information, visit http://www.opendoor-columbus.com or email info@opendoor-columbus.com.