Open Door Recovery House running on community support and 5K fundraiser
EDITOR DANIEL CLIFTON
Some might say Open Door Recovery House is making miracles happen.
The Marble Falls drug and alcohol recovery house for women has a success rate more than six times the national average when it comes to its clients sticking to a residential treatment program.
Nationally, those numbers often fall below 10 percent. However, in 2018, 16 out of 24 women completed a year with Open Door Recovery House.
It’s not an easy accomplishment, said Open Door Director Paula Mays.
“People think it’s just a matter of stopping whatever the addiction is, but that’s just the beginning,” Mays explained. “You have to rebuild your life, and that’s what we try to help the women do here.”
Based on the 2018 numbers, 67 percent of the residents stuck with the program, at least until the end of the year. To Mays, that’s 16 women who are either on the road to becoming assets to the community or who are already there.
“My label, or job title, is director, but God’s the one in charge” she added.
Open Door Recovery House started nine years ago, and it’s been changing lives ever since. It receives no government funding but relies on the community to support its work.
On Saturday, May 4, people can help keep the facility going by participating in the 5K Run for Recovery. The fun run/walk takes place at 8 a.m. at Manzano Mile, located on RR 1431 East just past the light at Mustang Drive. Registration is $40, and participants can sign up at the event. Check-in begins at 7 a.m.
The 5K is one of Open Door’s main fundraisers, along with a golf tournament in September.
When she began Open Door Recovery House, the program had its doubters, especially when it came to funding. With no state and federal money, people questioned how she could keep the doors open.
And while money might have been tight now and then, Mays said God got the program through.
The key to the program’s success, Mays added, is that she and the staff — two part-time employees — don’t try to lead the women. Instead, the women take responsibiltiy in their own lives and learn to let God lead.
It’s not always easy to do.
“I think the greatest struggle for me is I can see the potential in their eyes, and I want to just take them and push them through,” Mays said. “But I’ve learned we have to walk beside them, not leading them from in front or pushing them from behind. It’s up to them and God.”
Learn more about how Open Door Recovery House changes women’s lives through online testimonials.
Along with financial support, Mays said the No. 1 thing Open Door Recovery House needs are people’s prayers.