Celebrating 10 Years of God’s Faithfulness at The Open Door House

🎉 Ten years ago this week, God sparked a story that continues to unfold—one life, one home, and one brave “yes” at a time.

In October 2015, our founder, Kathy Lista, visited Villages of Hope on a work service project. What she encountered there changed her heart—and ultimately changed the trajectory of The Open Door House.

What began as a moment of compassion became a calling. What felt like heartbreak became hope. And what started with prayer has grown into a home where young adults aging out of foster care can find safety, stability, and a future.

As we celebrate 10 years since God first planted this vision, we’re pausing to reflect on the journey—every step, every leap of faith, and every life impacted along the way.

A Look Back: The Story God Has Written So Far

October 15, 2015 — Where It All Began

“God, break my heart for what breaks Yours.”

During a work service project, Kathy first learned about the realities facing young adults aging out of foster care. As a mother of teenagers herself, the weight of what she learned—over 500 youth aging out each year in North Carolina, many facing homelessness immediately—was overwhelming.

God began stirring something deep. A burden. A prayer. A calling. TODH 10th Anniversary

October 11, 2017 — A Mission Is Born

After years of prayer, learning, and discernment, The Open Door House officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The vision was clear: to create a safe, supportive home where young adults aging out of foster care could heal, grow, and build independent lives surrounded by community and care.

December 1, 2018 — A Leap of Faith

After three years of prayer, Kathy felt God’s unmistakable nudge to take a leap of faith—leaving her 16-year corporate career to fully step into the work God was calling her to do through The Open Door House.

February 2020 — We Have a House

God provided in a beautiful way. The Open Door House was gifted the use of a home in downtown Concord that would serve young women aging out of foster care.

From February 2020 through July 2021, volunteers, supporters, and community members worked tirelessly to turn a house into a home—one filled with dignity, warmth, and hope.

August 2021 — Welcome Home

For the first time, two young women moved into The Open Door House as program residents.

Their words said it all:

“I have never been cared for like this before.”“Coming here was a weight off my shoulders.”

This was the vision coming to life. TODH 10th Anniversary

January 2023 — Our First Graduate

Amaziah became The Open Door House’s first program graduate.

After a challenging start, she leaned into the program—building a steady work history, saving money, paying down debt, and completing the journey with strength and resilience. A milestone worth celebrating.

2023 — Trusting God Through Transition

In early 2023, Kathy received news that the church that had lovingly donated the home would need the property back.

What followed was uncertainty—but also peace. A deep, steady reminder from God: “Be still and know.”

And once again, God provided.

From July through December 2023:

• A new property became available

• Board leadership transitioned and strengthened

• $60,000 was raised in just six weeks to renovate Grace House

God was not finished.

December 2023 — A Second Graduate

Tamairas graduated from the program, marking another life changed and another story of perseverance, growth, and hope.

January–October 2024 — Preparing for What’s Next

This season was filled with answered prayers and forward movement:

• TODH acquired land to allow for future expansion

• A grant was received to hire a Program Director

• Grace House was fully renovated and ready for residents

• Tamairas returned to TODH as Program Resident Support

Looking Ahead: God Is Not Done Yet

As we celebrate 10 years of God’s faithfulness, we do so with gratitude—and with expectation.

Every milestone represents a prayer answered. Every resident represents a life worth fighting for. And every supporter, volunteer, and prayer partner represents a community that said “yes” alongside us.

The story of The Open Door House is still being written. And the best chapters are yet to come.

💛 Thank you for being part of these last 10 years—and for walking with us into the future.

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