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!”

In early 2015, Troy lived in Utah with his wife Sabrina. They were addicted to prescription pain medications. He was on a downward spiral of job loss, homelessness, scraping by, spending their last dollars to stay in a hotel with their three boys. They had put their name on the waiting list in 2014 to be considered for an opening at Open House Ministries. Then six months later the call came.

The family moved into the shelter July 2015 and began rebuilding their lives. Their goal was “to work the programs offered at OHM and keep their eyes on God.” That turned out to be the best plan.

The couple became involved in every opportunity they could. When it came time to getting job coaching, Troy was drawn to the bike shop on campus. Although he had been a supervisor in the past, the bicycle industry was completely new to him. Chaplain Mark had faith in Troy’s ability to take on a lead position and Troy was eager to learn. He began as a mechanic, and was soon promoted to supervisor. Now he works full time as Manager of the Wheel Deals Bicycle shop. Chaplain Mark says, “I saw both a resolute faith and a clear testimony in both Troy and Sabrina. He had mechanical skills, leadership skills and they both had clear evidence of a NEW Life in Jesus.”

Troy and his family moved out of the shelter into their own home over a year ago. Sabrina is working full-time now and you will find Troy managing Wheel Deals Bicycle Shop, mentoring other residents. “The reason I’m still here,” he explains, “is because I believe in what we do for other people. I experienced first-hand how every day the staff deals with situations with integrity. This is a place where you can make a real difference. I believe God has me here for a reason, and I am so thankful for that.”

Breaking the Chains

Your Gift Affects Generations

When you ask Josh the question, “Where did you learn to be a father?” he struggles for an answer.  Most of his childhood memories are vague. His father was in and out of prison most of his early years and a stable father figure simply did not exist.  He recalls bouncing between his father and his mother in his early years as he and his mother were homeless. When he was just six years old, Josh and his mom moved into the Open House.  The experience changed his mom Evelyn, but for Josh, the next two decades would still be rocky.

By the time he was a teen, he rebelled, doing drugs and alcohol and in trouble with the law.  At 19, Josh ran away from home. He became and remained homeless for the next eleven years. He gave up.

While on the streets, Josh met Kelsey who he will tell you is the love of his life.  But six years ago, both homeless and still doing drugs, they had a child.  Josh admits he was “barely present.”  After their second child, Kelsey knew things had to change.  She became clean and sober and was accepted into Open House with the kids.  And she put the challenge to Josh:  if he did the same, he could join them.

The next 30 days were the hardest daysof Josh’s life.  He was admitted into an in-patient treatment program. After a month, he graduated clean and sober then he joined Kelsey and the two boys at Open House.

Today, Josh thanks you for saving his life. He has a new relationship with God and his family. He will tell you, he is “the father of two beautiful boys”.  Josh cannot recall completing anything before coming to Open House. Now thirteen months clean with no drugs or alcohol, he beams as he shows off six certificates of courses completed since coming to the shelter.  In April he started a new job, the first job he will have ever have had sober.  And the family is preparing to graduate from the shelter.

When we asked Josh what the Open House experience has meant to him, there is no hesitation:  “The greatest impact of being at Open House has been breaking the chain of homelessness so my family will never be homeless again.”  Josh’s testimony is direct: “I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for Open House Ministries.”  

Watch the entire video of Josh’s Story on the home page of our website at www.sheltered.org.