Your support identifies and develops local young leaders, breaks down stereotypes by building relationships between diverse populations, and encourages lives of service and reflection.
By Anne Schrock, 2014-15 Denver Dweller (yearlong program)
In order to see the face of God in the city in a dynamic and transformative way, DOOR has provided the Dwell program. For 12 months I was asked to immerse myself in a community unlike one I had ever been in before. I moved from the comfortable cornfields of Northeast Ohio to Denver and spent my Dwell year living in solidarity with those I would meet and work with throughout the day in my job placements at the Sun Valley Youth Center and at the Bridge Project. As the people I met spoke of lack of opportunities, heartbreak, frustrations, and barriers in their lives, my empathy was deep and real because DOOR created a space where I could experience those same things. My living theology welled up inside of me as I prayed and reflected on what I was seeing, hearing, and feeling and then drove me to action as I went out to learn and work. It was a year of breaking down paradigms and assumptions, while getting to have a sturdy community keep pointing you to Christ and the Good News of reconciliation. And I will never be the same because of it.
DOOR is a faith-based network of cities that provides opportunities for service, learning, and leadership development within the urban context.
The Mission
DOOR is an opportunity to encounter the city through the eyes, ears, and heart of God. We are dedicated to providing high quality, life-changing experiences for our participants, staff, board members, and the people in the communities where we are established. Our programming is rooted in the strength of local churches and communities, mutual respect, a culture of welcome and hospitality, and thoughtful reflection.
DOOR began coordinating short-term urban educational and service experiences in Denver 1986 under the auspices of Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Urban Ministries, becoming an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation in 1994. DOOR partnered with Chicago and Miami in 2000 to become a network, adding Atlanta, San Antonio, and Hollywood over the next eight years. DOOR has grown from 175 participants in its first year to 3,000 annual participants across the network.
In Denver, we host approximately 400 participants each year. These young people represent over 20 denominations and have come from across the United States and Canada. In the past 28 years, DOOR Denver has developed relationships with over 25 local agencies and many urban church and community leaders in the Denver metro area. DOOR has also expanded its programming from short-term mission trips to semester and yearlong opportunities.
DOOR's hope is that by experiencing love and shalom in ever-expanding new ways we can share and demonstrate alternatives to the evils of racism, poverty and violence that tear down our communities and lives.
Our Strategy:
Expose people in a direct way to the city. Participants will spend from a weekend to one year living in an urban context, working with various helping agencies, churches and ministries already present in the community.
Educate people by spending time reflecting on the gifts as well as the needs of urban people and the communities in which they live. Participants will be asked to think about their lives and lifestyles.
Challenge people to consider Biblical responses to the issues of poverty, racism, and injustice facing the city, developing in them an awareness of the multiple ministry opportunities available both in the city and in their home town.
Motivate people to act in constructive, appropriate and loving ways both now and in the future, asking individuals to consider ministry and service an essential daily part of living out their authentic Christian faith.
Organization name
DOOR
other names
DOOR, DOOR
Tax id (EIN)
84-1358060
Category
Youth Development
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
430 W 9th AveHeadquarters
P.O.Box 3237Mailing
P.O. Box 3237IL, US