Open House Ministries
900 W. 12th St. Vancouver, WA 98660
Ph: 360-737-0300 | Fax: 360.953.5533

News & Views |

Their Future is in Our Hands

I need your help. This fall we are planning for the next year. The new construction is opening doors of opportunity for Open House to expand programs for our families. When I was in the program years ago, I received life changing classes and guidance. Years later my children shared tht they felt left out because the emphasis was on adult education. This year I am committed to change that. In the upcoming year 2017-2018, our focus is on family. And to do so, I need your help.

This month we are gathering information about other successful Christian programs for families with children, from our community and around the globe. If you know about a successful, proactive program, please write me, drop me a note, send an email to 4theFamily@sheltered.org, or leave a comment on our website at www.sheltered.org. Let’s join hands in giving the children a hand up to a brighter future.

God bless you~
Renee Stevens
Executive Director

News & Views |

Give More 24!

Give More 24! is coming on September 20, 2018!  Learn more below about how you can join our Southwest Washington community in supporting the children of Open House Ministries on this day of giving, and stay tuned for the donation window to open at midnight September 20!

In the meantime, you can make a donation to support Open House Ministries by clicking here:

Donate Now 

You or your company can set up a matching gift to double the support for Open House Ministries during this community event!  Download The Matching Gift Agreement

 

News & Views |

You Taught Me to Love the Game

Renee Stevens, Executive Director

Growing up, baseball was a boys’ game. My dad would watch the majors on TV and I would sit next to him and ask a million questions about the game. I didn’t play. One time my dad took me to see the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field, That was a onetime memory. Beyond that, it was not something I would do. Or so I thought.

Then things changed. At 29 yrs of age, I came to Open House. A Church league was being formed and OHM staff and residents created a team. So in the summer of 2000, clean and sober, I joined the Open House team, practicing two times every week and playing on the weekends. I soon learned that baseball was way different from what I thought. I learned about being part of a team, working together, playing fair, and win or lose we showed integrity out on the field.

My favorite “baseballism” that I often say to myself today is “Live life like a 3-1 count!”

Today baseball is part of our family. I am so proud that my husband Ralph coaches our son Brice’s little league team. He shares his passion for the game with our son like my father did with me. I cannot believe that I used to look at baseball moms and think they were really over-the-top competitive and enthusiastic. And now I am one!!

So as every game starts with the Little League Pledge and Philosophy, I think, “Thank you for all of you who helped me along the way.” I am so grateful for every one of you who made it possible for me to be at Open House and grow beyond myself. And who knew that along the way, I would learn to love the game of baseball? My family loves it, I love it, and it that continues to inspires me day after day.

The Little League Pledge and Philosophy
“I trust in God.
I love my country and will respect it’s laws.
I will play fair and strive to win. But win or lose, I will always do my best.”

Favorite baseball team: Fort Vancouver Little League (our son’s team)
Favorite Position: Catcher (my son’s position)
Favorite Baseball player: My son Bryce
Baseball hero: My husband Ralph for his coaching
Best memory on the field: Watching my son during a special invitational game running the bases for all the special needs kids who could not run.
My favorite Baseballism: “Live life like a 3-1 Count!”

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