Open Door Building Purchase Finalized!

        Royersford Outreach Inc, aka Open Door Ministry recently announced they are purchasing the building that housed their facility for the past 12 years.  The building on 350 Main Street, Royersford, was formerly known as Allen’s Variety Store.  It has been the location of Open Door’s hunger relief programs, such as the food pantry that provides government food for approximately 200 people in the Spring Ford School District. While the food pantry is open those in need are able to pick out free clothing for their families as well as cleaning supplies, health and household items. They even have the opportunity to get blood pressure, nutritional talks, cooking demonstrations and on occasion Free light bulbs for their homes through PECO. Open Door has the unique ability to offer a place for those needing to serve Community Service, and community involvement through volunteerism. A new program has been a Kids Back Pack Program. The program provides qualifying children a backpack filled with food and snacks of a nutritional value and a night of activities built around health eating choices.

        “We are excited about this opportunity,” explained Executive Director, Laurie Faust.  “We will now be able to expand our services to fulfill many of the needs of our community.”

        Open Door has earned an exemplary reputation in the community by working closely with not only the people they serve, but also scores of churches, organizations and businesses in the area and beyond.      “Open Door can also never say enough about the foundations that have helped support us,” continued Faust, listing their biggest supporters as: The Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, The Robert L. and Agnes Cook Bard Foundation, The Patricia Kind Family Foundation and Fourjay Foundation.  “These funders have kept us alive and able to do the work we do in the community.”

“We also have over 100 volunteers and donors,” explained Sheena Alderfer, Open Door’s Manager,  “These people are the life-blood of our organization.”

 “Open Door means a lot to people,” said Pamela Garlick, Program Coordinator.  “I have permission to share some excerpts from the many letters we have received.” 

The Bible says that “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” I have found good medicine at this place (Open Door). – Ms. T., Experience Works Volunteer

I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to work at Open Door.  I got to work with great people and I got to a new experience helping out people close to home.  I feel closer to neighbors and community. – C. M. Community Service

There have been times when I had no work.  If it was not for Royersford Outreach we would not have eaten on many days.  It is comforting to know when, or if, it gets bad we can always turn to Royersford Outreach for help for food, clothing and even pet food.  – W.P., Pantry Client

Open Door, thank you for your gracious compliments and constructive criticism.  I value your communication.  Your managing skills grant me a level of respect which was not provided to me at my previous job.  Overall, you provide a smooth run, pleasant environment, that I am ever grateful to be involved with.  I absolutely love working with this team. -- Staff

     Open Door hopes to continue helping people in our community with improved and new programs. To do this we are working with a consultant to help us expand our Board of Directors and create more volunteer committees to help with the additional tasks that will be needed to support Open Door in the future.  

     For more information about how you might help Open Door expand its services to better serve the Royersford Community and beyond call Laurie Faust, Executive Director, at 610-948-4818 or email at opendoor.ministry@gmail.com