The Open Door House
Unlocking hope for youth aging out of foster care
The Open Door House
Imagine:
You are 17 and in foster care. Something traumatic happened in your family that led the state to remove you from your home and family when you were 12.
Now you are getting ready to turn 18 and have no family, no support system and don’t know where you will live.
What do you do?
In North Carolina alone, more than 500+ youth in foster care turn 18 and are considered too old for the system, or ‘aged out’
1 in 5 will become instantly homeless
Less than 3% chance for youth who have aged out to earn a college degree at any point in their life
Founder, Kathy Lista
“In 2015, while on a work service project, I first learned about youth aging out of foster care. My kids were 20 and 17 at that time and all I could think of is, “What would I do if this story were true for my kids? Where would they go? What would happen to them? That reality pierced my heart and I couldn’t let it go”
To read more and learn our ‘why’ click here.
Give now
No one should have to walk alone in life, especially not young adults who have already experienced the trauma of being placed in foster care.
About the program
Our home for young women is truly a home built with love. Our young ladies appreciate the attention to detail, the new bed linens, the cozy family room, the bright kitchen, all created for them to have a safe and stable home to begin planning their future.
If you are a young woman, 18-21, in foster care and ready to start working on your future, apply below.
What we do
How we help
Housing
Start with a safe, stable place to live
Guidence
Add an experienced case coordinator who will act as a guide for each young adult.
Community
Invite the community to be involved in Life Skills classes such as budgeting and financial literacy, professional development, meal planning etc.
Health
Invite the community to be involved in Life Skills classes such as budgeting and financial literacy, professional development, meal planning etc.
get involved
Want to Help
Stories
Stories of Hope
“
As soon as I walk into the doors of TODH, my heart lights up ! The scripture that you’ll receive as soon as you walk in (Phillipians 4:13), the beautiful chandeliers, the NEW appliances, bedding, decorations, everything that a young girl like me would have loved to see .
Doria Patterson
Masters Program North Carolina Central University & The Open Door House Supporter