2021 was a very blessed year for Open Arms Shelter. Sixty-two people (37 men and 25 women) were residents at the shelter. Residents included veterans, senior adults, blacks, Asians, and Caucasians. Over five thousand five hundred meals were provided during the year. Volunteers worked over two thousand five hundred hours. Residents worked with a case manager to develop a plan for employment, banking, housing, and become independent. Residents also have pastoral care available.
The shelter was blessed with generous financial donors. Monetary donations of $68,565 were received in 2021. Numerous donations of paper goods, water, and supplies were also received throughout the year. Eighteen churches, forty-eight individuals/families, and nineteen business/organizations supported Open Arms with monetary donations. Expenses for the year were $59,144.61.
In August Mark Sanderson became director for the shelter. His leadership in fulfilling our mission to share the Good News with each resident has been inspiring. Other members of our shelter team include Sandra Coffey – volunteer coordinator, Janie Moore – meal scheduling coordinator, Judie Williams - case management, Bro. Wayne Walters - pastoral care.
The shelter building also had some changes. The back porch awning was installed. A portable building for additional (and much-needed) storage was built. The housing authority put up fences on three sides of our property. A sign was added to the front yard. The interior was rearranged to make a sitting area with an entertainment center. 903 Broadband Donation Sign Werks donation Bonham Building Supply donation of lumber & supplies Aaron’s, Inc. donation of Entertainment Center
Spotlight on 2021 Volunteers
Open Arms has wonderful volunteers who serve faithfully in many areas. Thank you for serving. The shelter could not be open without your valuable service. Open Arms says a special thank you to Dawn Chokov, whose 40 hours of volunteer service resulted in a $500 donation from The Merck Foundation. A special thanks to three volunteers who faithfully served, but are not longer able due to life circumstances: Richard & Shirley Trammel and Robbi Ashcroft.