Many years ago I was a Door Kid. This was over 20 years ago but to this day I say I owe this place my life. When I was there I participated in counseling, medical, recreation, had hot meals every night. I started there wanting tutoring but eventually dropped out of school and they instantly enrolled me in the GED program. After I got my GED I then took the job training program from there I was hired in the finance department there and treated like a regular staff member even though I was only 17. One of the conditions of my employment though was that I attend an evening SAT class. I figured ok if they're paying me to go to class why not. I took the class and did so well that they then pushed me to enroll in college prep. I personally thought this was a little crazy because no one in my family even graduated high school much less went to college. But I did it and went to the interviews and trips they scheduled for me. And I got accepted to SUNY Geneseo. My family got to fly on a plane for the first time ever to take me to college. And my little sister decided to follow my footsteps and also go to college. We are both currently government employees with college degrees and I even have my MSW. I owe all the Door and the staff like Candace and Kate for believing in me when no one else did
i have been volunteering as an intake counselor at The Door since January and the work that I have seen unfold is simply incredible. This organization truly offers all of the necessary tools for any young person to accomplish their goals, all whilst providing a safe, caring, and vibrant environment for them to connect with others and create meaningful relationships. All of the employees, interns, and volunteers are incredibly dedicated to the well being of the members and of the community. Truly a gem of an organization.
I have been donating to The Door for many years and have taken a tour of their facilities. I am especially impressed with the health care and legal services that are provided to teens who have no other access to those services, in addition to the counseling, educational, job preparation and other services available. See their website for all the services they provide. Many of the teens that they serve are on their own and have nowhere else to turn.