Opening Doors 2015 Award Ceremony

The 6th Annual Opening Doors Awards Ceremony took place on November 18th. At this celebration, the difficult journey from homelessness to hope is acknowledged with a banquet and awards ceremony. Charity Williams, Anawim Housing Shelter + Care tenant, was the recipient of the Family category award at the ceremony. Cynthia Latcham, Anawim Housing's Senior Program Manager,  nominated Charity for this award based on her success with overcoming her struggle with mental illness and homelessness, to continuing her education, affording an apartment and providing a loving home for her son. 

"Prior to entering Shelter Plus Care permanent supportive housing in 2008, Charity was homeless- facing mental illness and substance abuse. Her mother had custody of her son. In 2013 Charity enrolled at DMACC and sought treatment to stabilize her mental health. In January 2016, she will cross-enroll at Grand View University to study social work. Charity has emerged as a leader. At DMACC she is president of the Human Service Club and a member of the Student Activity Council. She organizes collections for IHYS and JOPPA Outreach. Her 4th year at Reggie's Sleep Out she recruited the Human Service Club to take part. Charity left Anawim in July and pays her full rent. She has regained custody of her son and is now a loving engaged mother." 

This is the second year in a row that an Anawim Housing S+C tenant has received this award. Melissa Moon was the recipient in 2014. Melissa was featured in a video presented at the awards ceremony, showing last year's Open Doors winners speaking about their journey from homelessness to hope. 

Visit our Facebook page to view photos from the 2015 Opening Doors Awards Ceremony!