Life At ODCM

	LIFE AT OPEN DOOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES
	Life at Open Door is modeled on the life of Jesus. In Luke 2:52 it says, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." We use this model to help children to grow mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.
	*Helping a Child Learn*
	We place emphasis upon the child’s fullest mental development through education, counseling and individual tutoring for those in need. The children at Open Door Christian Ministries work in partnership with the Washington County School System. In addition, each child who graduates from High School at ODCM can receive assistance with getting scholarships for higher education. Sometimes learning is all about a child's attitude. We try to help a child dream of the future and take the steps to reach their desired vocation and achieve their goals.
	Growing up Strong and Healthy
	Open Door Christian Ministries helps each child grow physically by promoting good eating habits and exercise as well as medical and dental check-ups. ODCM helps children to learn the importance of good hygiene and appearance. Recreation and physical fitness are encouraged through participation in sports and through activities on the premises. We have a swimming pool, volleyball, and basketball courts and a playground on our grounds. There is plenty of space for bicycling, football, soccer, softball and more. We enjoy recreational outings such as swimming, bowling, skating and movies.
	*Seeing the* *Spiritual side of Life*
	Many children who come to ODCM have had minimal or no exposure to the Bible. Often times their concept of religion is distorted by society, school, and family views. At Open Door, we expose the children to positive Christian values and help them to see how they can help them to grow. Our ODCM family attends church services on a regular basis at a local Church of Christ where they regularly participate in youth activities. We also enjoy visiting supporting congregations whenever possible. At home, they are guided by loving Christian house parents and participate in daily family devotions. Emphasis is placed on spiritual development, however, no pressure for religious conformity is ever made.
	Developing Healthy Social Development
	Some of the children who come to Open Door have trouble developing healthy friendships and contacts. At ODCM we strive to help the children learn how to develop positive relationships through social skills, Biblical disciplines, and healthy role models. Each child is considered a part of our ODCM family. Our family can accommodate up to ten children. The children learn about how to get along with each and relate to one another in this family setting. Each child is assigned chores for which they are responsible which consist basically of cleaning their rooms and bathrooms, helping with house and yard work, and meal chores. The family works and plays together. Our family vacations together for a week during the summer visiting theme parks, historic sites, museums and other points of interest. The basic family structure helps the children to learn to work together for the benefit of the whole family. Each child is encouraged to be an individual and is given as many opportunities as possible to pursue his/her own skill and interest through athletics, music, academics, and more.. Participation in organizations such as Scouts, 4-H and FFA are encouraged. One of the young people from Open Door wrote: "When most people hear Open Door Christian Ministries they think of a home for troubled kids. I think of my home, my family. This is where I learned to appreciate family, where I learned to trust and love God, where I was molded into a successful person.” The children also learn social skills from their involvement in church and youth group activities.
	Feeling Emotionally Secure
	The children who come to Open Door Christian Ministries are often in need of emotional security and structure. Our house parents and staff provide encouragement, discipline, and plenty of love and care for every child. Open Door Christian Ministries uses a merit-level system to encourage children to do well so that they can earn more privileges and responsibilities.