Open Door Mission hosts celebration honoring kids experiencing homelessness

As the academic year wraps up, Open Door Mission is shining a spotlight on children experiencing homelessness who succeeded in their studies.”We just wanted to recognize the children that live here at the Open Door Mission for the good work that they’ve done this past school year,” said Daniel Anderson, Assistant Lydia House Director at Open Door Mission.To celebrate, the organization hosted a fun-filled night complete with cookies and pizza, using the event to highlight the importance of education.Sounds of clapping filled the room as families gathered to honor the children’s achievements, with the hope that education will help break the cycle of homelessness.”One of the biggest things to help people overcome poverty and homelessness is education,” said Anderson.Open Door Mission credited the success of the event to the dedicated volunteers from the Southwest Kiwanis Club.”They recognize how important it is to help motivate the kids and their families to prioritize education,” Anderson explained.It was a collaborative effort aimed at encouraging students and helping them understand the power of education.”We hope that families, when they leave here, leave with the tools and the resources to thrive,” Anderson added.