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Open Door

Meghan's Story: Always Be Compassionate

Updated: Oct 31

While most people know Meghan as an amazing artist, the community around Open Door Ministries also knows her as one of the most engaging volunteers at the Father’s Table Soup Kitchen.  


Photos Featuring: (Left) Orel helps Meghan unload donations from her car; (Right) Meghan handing out boxed lunch.


The Father’s Table soup kitchen provides hot meals for those who are hungry, 365 days a year. Serving over 10,000 home-cooked, nutritious hot meals every month, a team of dedicated staff and volunteers work hard to make sure each meal is prepared with care and compassion. 


Shortly after becoming a Board Member for Open Door, Meghan decided to volunteer in the kitchen during a lunch shift. “It was a short shift due to a scheduling conflict. I felt like I just popped in and popped out, but there are so many things that I wish I had done. I learned that it typically takes 4 hours to prepare and serve the meal, and then get the kitchen ready for the next shift. So, I decided to come back more frequently and try to stay and do as much as possible,” Meghan said as she reflected on her first time serving in the kitchen.  


Meghan is from a veteran family where everyone believed in serving and giving back. Volunteering at Open Door strengthen her understanding and compassion toward people who are going through difficult times.


“People who come to the door, some are smiling, some have their heads down. It breaks my heart to think that they are in a position that nobody wants to be in, and lots of them feel ashamed and have a hard time asking for help. But in reality, many of us could also face struggles if one or two small things went wrong, only one lost job could've landed us in a similar position to be needing assistance from ODM”, said Meghan, another impactful moment she witnessed serving at the Father’s Table. Meghan also attributed that, “Grocery prices are so high, and healthy foods are more and more expensive. Chef Ray tries his best to offer lots of protein and provide as balanced meals as possible. This is a non-judgmental space, we try our best to help everyone who comes to us, starting from a good meal.”


Open Door Ministries’ Executive Director Ryan Ross mentions frequently, no one is immune from the changes in life, anyone could find themselves suddenly in a position to seek help. Meghan resonates with his message and encourages people around her to get involved in the community. In addition to volunteering every Monday, she stays up-to-date on what supplies are needed for the programs and people at ODM. Each time Meghan arrives at ODM, she hopes to never be empty handed, and hopes her gifts can warm the lives of others.   


“Always be compassionate.” Meghan said, “One thing I love about Open Door is that so many people choose to return and give back to the organization that once helped them, it is a beautiful full circle.” 



To learn more about the Father’s Table soup kitchen, please visit: Father's Table / Soup Kitchen | My Site 

 

ABOUT OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 

Open Door Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people regain their lives through supportive services and emergency assistance. Our programs and services are solution-oriented, and ministry minded, including the operation of a homeless shelter, serving daily meals, distributing non-perishable and fresh food, obtaining permanent housing, providing emergency assistance and acquiring and maintaining permanent jobs. 

 

Our mission is "to serve, empower, and minister guests in order to prevent and end hunger and homelessness through advocacy, education, housing, and coordination of services." 

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