OPEN DOOR MISSION - Houston
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2023
SPRING NEWSLETTER
OPEN DOOR MISSION
SINCE 1954
Image: Richard McKinsey, Alumnus
"they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. "
~ Isaiah 40:31
It's a time of renewal.
Winter has transformed into spring and the flowers are starting
to bloom. We have some amazing transformations inside.
Take a look!
WWW.OPENDOORHOUSTON.ORG INSTAGRAM: @ODMHOUSTON
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Tommy Thompson
Change
Happens
Here
Is God using the world’s confusion to jolt us out of our CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN WE HIRE OUR
comfort zone? How we are living can be confusing and GRADUATES
outright depressing if we let it.
This world is changing so fast; and not always for the This new logo was imagined and created by two of our
better. Collectively, we have been facing some difficult graduates who are now employed at the Mission. What I
times, to say the least. In our support groups we say, am most proud of is the ownership they took in this
“nothing changes if nothing changes.” At ODM, things project. They have made the ODM investment in their
are always changing to make life better for those who lives to change, and they are succeeding. And they are
need it most, our clients. You can never say “but we’ve bringing more change to the Mission. Who is better at
always done it this way.” Not at ODM. It was time to look making suggestions than someone who has lived our
at rebranding. The result was revealed at our 2022 program? We are open to it, and I love it.
Annual Gala on October 7.
Please, for us to serve our clients, I ask for your
THE THEOLOGY BEHIND REBRANDING
support. If you are a long-standing supporter, I thank
As Christians, our God is the original change artist. As you for believing in what we do. I know that you are
we read our Bible, how many names of people did God experiencing the cost of living increases, just as the
change when he wanted to get their attention and use Mission is, and that promises to be with us into 2023.
them to communicate a new purpose or tell a bigger Our dedicated professional staff represents half of our
story? He renamed Abram Abraham, Sarai became annual budget, which is typical of nonprofits. To retain
Sarah, Jacob became Israel, Simon to Peter, and Saul these wonderful people, we must make adjustments in
became the apostle Paul. So, when you think about it, this difficult economy. I ask that you show your support
rebranding is a way to reimagine and reengage on a for their serving with your gifts as you are able. This will
higher level. go toward our programs and operating expenses.
Several years ago, there was a discussion at the board
level to drop “Mission” from our name. Perhaps it I thank you in advance for your consideration to help.
sounded too soup kitchen-like. We aren’t changing our
name, but we are changing our image from the
silhouette of a mission to a huge HEART. God bless you, Tommy
“God is not the author of confusion but of peace and whenever you feel confused,
you can be sure that God is not part of it.”
(1 Corinthians 14:33).
Episcopal
High School
The
McKinsey Method
Find more stories |
Our Heart for Open Door @opendoormissionhouston
"After several drinks, I noticed everyone would
gravitate toward me and I liked who I was at that point. "
Lt. Commander
My wife begged me to change. I stopped for six Bucky Farrow
The months with no help, and it was horrendous. I
didn't know how to deal with old emotions,
McKinsey Method process things, or feel without alcohol. I'm super
stressed out and taking way more medication
than I should. People are starting to tell me,
Life growing up...was a little different. "you're not as fun" or funny, "why can't we go do
this?" and I have a hard time saying no. Drinking
My father was always away being a pastor. My numbs the feelings of insecurities and lets me be
mom was busy supporting dad. He rarely came more outgoing, so that's what I wanted. So I tell
to games or spent time with us, saying, "I have myself, I'll have just one drink, and the domino
to go. Someone needs me." I was the second effect starts again. The next thing I know, 3 years
oldest, so I cared for my siblings. This made me have passed, and to this day, I still can't tell you
very affectionate towards others growing up. My much about what happened during that time.
grandfather played a big part in my life. He was
the reason I dress the way I do. He was a banker At the age of 27, there was a family intervention. I
went to one of those high-end rehabs that were
who always presented his best. He was what you
basically just a vacation from drinking. Full-on spa
call a functional drinker. I come from a long line
of alcoholics. My grandfather always said, "It's
experience 30-day program. So again, I stopped Physician,
drinking, but it only made me change substances.
not what you have but what you do with what Surgeon,
I did that for a while, but liquor was more cost-
you have." Eventually, I lost sight of that by not Military man, &
effective. At 28 yrs old, I got my first DUI. After
helping those in need but giving to those just
two weeks of sobriety, I found ways to skip the Proud ODM Board Member
because they're friends, and I would think, "oh,
drug and alcohol tests. By 30yrs old, I was
they needed me." I realized much later that was separated from my wife, and I had made tons of I heard about Open Door Mission,
always a way of trying to chase that affection. bad business deals. The drinking got to the point I over ten years ago, through a United
So, I became outgoing to make sure everyone Way Book of Charities. As I read
no longer knew my cutoff, and I was blacking out. more about Open Door Mission, I was
around me was happy at the sacrifice of myself.
I woke up in the hospital after having my second amazed by the things they are able
At 21 years old, I finished an internship and was stroke. By then, I was broke, and my family was to accomplish. Their name kept
accepted. My siblings invited me out to out of town. I was given a case worker who called coming up throughout the years and
celebrate. I didn't like the taste of liquor, so I continued to think about them. My
Ricardo Hernandez, the intake manager here at
someone recommended a hurricane. I said wow, church was a supporter of Open Door
Open Door Mission. Ricardo was instrumental in Mission as well.
this is great! After several drinks, I started to me coming to ODM. If he wasn't here, then I
lose up. I was no longer my shy, reserved version wouldn't have stayed. He made me feel so On a whim, I decided to visit the
of myself. I noticed how everyone would comfortable. Telling me, "Just take it one day at a campus. I arrived on a Thursday
gravitate toward me, they were laughing, and I time, my brother." during "Lunch With A Mission," and I
liked who I was then. Soon every time I went out was immediately introduced to
After that, I fell in love with this place. Everything Tommy Thompson, President and
to eat, I would have a beer. Then 1 beer would
just clicked. Open Door Mission has a real sense of CEO. We had a private discussion,
turn into 2 beers, then 2 beers would turn into 6
community. No matter your socio-economic after the luncheon. The next thing I
beers, then a six-pack turned into cases. status, everyone is on the same level. You talk to know, two hours have passed and I
Eventually, I said, man, this isn't working for me people who have been through a program multiple was invited to join the Board of
anymore. I would go by the liquor store and times and say, "Ok, this is your chance to get it Directors.
move up to pints. Pints turned into bottles, then, right." I formed many close relationships here
before I knew it, I was stopping by the liquor This was another example of God
because it became like a brotherhood. This is nudging me to participate and
store before work meetings to take shots, then where staff is not staff. They become like family. I become part of the amazing work
rinsing with mouthwash, mints, and gum, and see so many other people do this and heard being done at Open Door Mission.
perceiving life as if everything was fine. everyone's story. No matter what problem or if I
I didn't realize my drinking was a problem until was struggling that I could no longer do it. Looking back on my time with the
my wife told me it was. As long as the bills were Everyone would invite me to their offices, or United States Navy, living in small
others would ask me to sit down and talk. Where quarters with a dozen other men, I
paid, we still had money in the bank, and I wasn't realized how grateful I am for the
hurting anyone. It can't be a problem. So then other places would dismiss it, Open Door Mission
things that I have been blessed with.
came the hiding places. High shelves, toilet was genuine and sincere in helping me resolve the I wanted to give back.
tank, wheel well, flowerpots, next to my truck problem.
battery, secret bank accounts, any place she I knew then I wanted to work for ODM. So, I When Open Door Mission created
couldn't see. My wife started calling all stores decided to meet with the CEO and President, their respite program, I was asked to
serve as Board Chairperson. There
nearby and asking them not to sell to me. I had a Tommy Thompson. I asked him, "why do you do
was such a need for this program in
regular schedule with a store that knew every this?" Tommy replied, "I have been in recovery our community. I was able to make
day at 10am to have my order ready, and all I had since 1987. God has given me a clear vision to see some great connections and help get
to do was pick up and pay. I would make it up to Open Door Mission become a place where men and the respite program up and running.
her by buying all these lavish gifts and promising their families are introduced to Jesus in positive We are now the only respite facility
to slow the drinking. So I would only drink on the ways. A relationship with Jesus is a way to in Harris County helping men prep
weekends. That soon turned into getting so maintain a life of sobriety." I said, "That's it. That's for and recover from medical
what I want to do. I want to make a difference." procedures.
intoxicated that I was ordering cabs to get
around. The holiday season came about. I wasn't Open Door Mission is where I needed to be. I had I encourage each and every one of
home anymore because I had passed out everything I could ever want out of life, yet I still you to visit the campus. Let the Holy
somewhere. I'd go out with buddies to a club or wound up here. This is my calling from God that I Spirit help you experience the love
take random trips because we had the money. A had been missing all those years. Open Door that is Open Door Mission.
family left at home, no bags packed, get up and Mission helped me, and now I work for Open Door
https://youtu.be/6VqKuTYGPv0
go. Mission, helping others.
A Call Home
Board Member
and Member of
the ODM Family
-Scot receiving the 2021 ODM Debakey Humanitarian Award
"I tell you the truth, if
anyone keeps my word, he
will never see death." Marriott's Finest
~John 8:51
We are deeply saddened to share that Scot
Cotton, our 2021 “Michael E. DeBakey M.D.
Humanitarian Award.” recipient, passed away
Marvin passed away unexpectedly last year Monday, August 22, 2022. Tragically, Scot
after a short illness. sustained fatal injuries when he was hit by a car
during his morning run. A 37-year veteran of
Marvin had a deep love for helping his fellow Marriott International, Scot served as General
man and a genuine heart. Marvin served on Manager of the Houston Market and Houston
the board of directors of Open Door Mission Marriott Marquis Hotel.
for a dozen years. Marvin served as board We recognized Scot Cotton and the Houston
chairman in 2018 and was always an active Marriott Marquis for their consistent
servant doing God’s work to help our clients. compassion to our Men needing second chance
employment. Our partnership began in 2017 for
Marvin had a deep passion for serving at the
the Houston Super Bowl. Since then, the
Mission and his church, St. Martin’s
Marriott Marquis has employed over 35 Open
Episcopal, where he was a life-long member. Door Mission graduates providing medical and
retirement benefits and an engaging place to
He will be remembered for his love of his work. Scot was an amazing leader and friend to
family, his wife Debbie, and children, Matt the Mission. He will be missed.
and Kate, and his brother, Jay, and his wife Our thoughts and prayers remain with Scot’s
Melinda. wife Stacye, his daughters Carolina and Casey,
his mother Beverly, and the entire Cotton
family.
by : Tommy Thompson, President & CEO
by : Horace white, Controller & Open Door Mission alumnus
Marvin Chernosky Scot Cotton
1957 - 2022 1962 - 2022
In Memorium
Marvin E. Chernosky Scot Cotton
Carl Simpson Mike Smylie
Stephanie & Clinton Fox Tony Kennedy Thomas Mooney
Charles T. McCord "Scot was a smart, heartfelt, driven,
Carter & Hatcher Consulting generous, and kind person who
Paula & Antione
Lucas/Eilers Design Associates, LLP made a positive impression on
Yvette Batiste
Joel Hayes everyone he worked with. God now
Daniel Ellwood has Scott wrapped in his arms
Melinda & Jay Chernosky where he is eternally safe." Nell B. Martin
Pamela Crocker Kristen Duncan Frances Blair
Sara Morse NEW
"With deepest sympathy to PRODUCT
Stacye
Ken Egalnick and the entire Cotton family." Eddie Burg
Ellen Efsic Lars Danneberg Allison M. Pritchett
John Clarke Julie Colwell
Nan Franklin
Thomas Gaughan
David Humphreys Cole Milne
Kellie Newman
Mary Axelrad Susan Myers
Kyle Ariza
Bob & Cindy Haines
Randy Schumacher
Mallory Moreton
Pat McGasha J. Joy
Cindy & Kelley Parker
Brad Maumann Judy J. Edgecomb
Wendy Burgower
Michael Smith Ashley Homrighaus
Taylor Sherwood Dexterra
Kiersten Rios
Marcie & Bob Zlotnik "So many stories of Scot changing
people's lives and making a Paulette Barton
Tommy Chernosky
Jane Moore difference." Michael Izard
Carlos Hamilton David & Kim Clark "In Loving memory"
Ames Smith Stewart & Deborah Loewenstein
William D. McCullough Caribe Cottton Hourigan
Brenda P. Duncan Steve Heitzner Aaron Ghovayzi
Paul C. Salmonsen "We will miss this great man! May Mike Smylie
Sherry Peterson Scot rest in peace and may his life
William H. Knull
be a blessing."
Stephen K Tyring
William Raisch Terry Palmer
Ronald W. Woliver
"Given with love and prayers for Helen E. Treacy
Chernosky, Smith, Ressling,
Scot's family"
& Smith, PPLC
Melinda Pachtner
Richard R. Nelson
Sandy Yeh
Patricia Piland Christopher Milo
James D. Prappas Robert Ulmer
Houston Marriott West Loop-Galleria Valerie Milo
Simeon T. Lake III
Carolyn Lewis "Our thoughts remain with Stacye, "For my brother, who loved
Michael Quillen his daughters, and mother, as well Houston"
Rick & Roxanna Guyton as the entire family." David Adair
Kim D. Wheless Robert Brown
Mark Avery Harold & S. Galloway "Gonna miss you man, ride on
Carol & Frank Gruen
Jeirenne Masterson brother"
Sarah Eilers
Robin Bruso "My parents nurtured Julie Palmer
Kathy Quinn my love of Bible study. Tracey Chapman
Douglas Conkling I would like to honor "In memory of your big brother"
Ray C. Fish Foundation their memory with this Ron & Patty Masters
gift." "So sorry for your loss"
In Honor
Scot Cotton Alicia Buentello Bill Clifford Nell B. Martin
AB Tutoring Ann & Don Nye Frances Blair
Terry McAneney "Happy Birthday"
Jan Miller Scott Jones Casey Crocker
Sheri Rinehart Jack & Candice Horn, Jr. Bill Miller Pamela Crocker
Shonda Isaac "Through Christ Jesus" Eric Chan
Renaissance Dallas Marriott Uptown
Connie K.A. Thrash
Doug Ridge
Kelly Gerland Harry High Brian C. Scully
Brady, Chapman, Ronald Milliken
Lindsy Wnorowski DHS
Holland & Associates Inc.
"Carolina and the entire Cotton family, Brian C. Scully
Marie CarlisleNEW PRODUCT
we are so deeply sorry for the loss of Richard D.
Scot. What an incredible man he is.
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Carman Nelson Dok Nyok A. Dok
The Wnorowski Region is wrapping you Anger Dok
"For all the incredible work Angie Foster
all in our love. Deepest regards."
she does." Karen Oglesby
Dallas Marriott Uptown Robert S. Ochoa
Vanessa Elledge Blanca Bowden
JW Marriott Houston - Galleria
Martin Hogan "God Bless You!"
Houston Marriott Medical Joseph Sreshta
Center/Museum District ODM Staff
Marcia Nelson Cindy Ten Have Kiersten Rios
Walter P. Zivley Paulette Barton
Kerri Robinson
Cheryl Dehler
Richard Bays Brad G. Dusek
360 Destination Group
Allen G. Dusek Laura Marino
JW Marriott San Antonio Resport & Spa Scot Cotton-cont. Shannon Askew
"On behalf of the entire staff at JW, Kyria Askew
Scot Cotton will be dearly missed, our Patrick Gaughan
Lisa Rubino
deepest condolences to the Cotton Terrod Lewis
family on their loss." "Sending you and the girls love and light. We Evelyn Lewis
Christine Faiman know Scot made an impact in many places "Keep God by your side"
"Scot was a true gentleman and but did good work wth Open Door Mission so
leader. My heart and prayers are with this donation is made to them in his honor." Tommy Thompson
the Scot family and team. Sincerely, Kelli Semon Richard R. Nelson
Christine, Marriott Global Sales." "Casey & family, Iam thinking of you and Arlo F. Weltge
IIBEC sending many prayers your way. Love you!" "Thank you for your
"To a wonderful leader who will be McKenzie Price years of service to the
sadly missed." Mark Moen community."
Jacques D'Rovencourt Dallas Jackson George S. Lowman
2023 NEWSLETTER
Yes! I want to give men a place of rest and help them find their purpose in life this spring.
Enclosed is my gift of: $50 $100 $125 $200 $300 $_________________
Send me the latest news & stories via email: _____________________________________________________
THANK YOU!
YOUR GIFT IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE AS ALLOWED BY LAW
P.O. Box 849
Please make checks payable to Open Door Mission.
Houston, TX 77001-0849
You can also give online at opendoorhouston.org/donate
(713) 921-7520 To ensure your privacy, we do not sell our donor information.
LUNCH Need
WITH A Help?
Whether it's looking for a loved
one or for yourself. Please call us.
Would you like to see what we do?
We'll work with you to make sure
We hold a monthly luncheon with a
Open Door Mission is a good fit or
short tour to answer all questions
help point you in the right
you may have.
direction.
Simply r.s.v.p. with Stan at
An appointment can be setup
swashington@opendoorhouston.org
through our intake office. Email
so we can save your seat!
rhernandez@opendoorhouton.org
or call 832-962-4256
Scan to Donate 5803 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston TX 77011 | www.opendoorhouston.org
Open Door Mission
5803 Harrisburg Blvd
Houston TX 77011
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