Open Doors - Open Hearts is a pilot program being developed by our church in the hope of one day modeling for other churches and organizations. The program’s goal is to help emancipated foster youth (kids who have aged out of foster care at age 18) incorporate into communities and become successful, contributing members of society. 

Our goal, although it sounds simple, is more of a challenge than one might first recognize.  Most emancipated foster youth end up homeless, on drugs, alcohol or incarcerated.  The reasons are many, beginning with the fact that they are usually children of abuse and neglect before placement in foster care and then, after placement, the “system” does not adequately prepare them for the future.

Open Doors - Open Hearts has a vision that if we take these broken, wounded children, one at a time, and surround them with loving, positive role models, in a “family” of Christ, they might be able to rise above the obstacles in their paths.  We believe that with God’s love and grace, all things are possible.

We are not advocating one church or denomination over another, nor are we trying to induct our foster youth into any particular church.  What we believe in, is the- community of Christ -and our goal is to bring these kids successfully into the communities in which they reside.

Any MVPC member who feels they may have a calling to participate in Open Doors - Open Hearts  is encouraged to join.  Please e-mail us at opendoorsopenhearts@msn.com or speak with any of the following board members: Kathy Blackburn, Mary Nelsen, Barbra Winter, John Anderson or Tess Hoff (TheArTess@aol.com)

We are also in need of contributions, services and an occasional hand if you prefer to serve in this manner.  The program will not be successful if we do not have a broad base of volunteers to call on... we need you!  Please give us your considerations and prayers.