Discussion – 

0

Discussion – 

0
Two women with a pumpkin at "Fall Fun and Festivities at Open Door.

This Fall, Open Door had an exciting lineup of events that brought our community together, celebrated the season, and created lasting memories. From cozy festivals to spooky Halloween fun, we couldn’t have asked for a more delightful way to spend the season! Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our autumn adventures.

Park West Fall Fest

Fall Fest at Open Door Park West Court Apartments had all the fall essentials to get everyone into the fall spirit. We were surrounded by the rich colors of autumn, enjoyed delicious apple cider and other fall appropriate snacks, and, marveled at the abundance of pumpkins available for carving and decoration. With live music filling the air and an array of fun activities to enjoy, it was the ideal way to soak in the Fall feels. Fall Fest truly captured the spirit of autumn and brought the PWCA residents and staff together for a memorable experience!

Next Level Leadership at Young’s Dairy

For the October installment of our Next Level Leadership Training, we enjoyed a fun-filled fall adventure at Young’s Jersey Dairy! After a morning of engaging discussions and activities focused on Just Culture in the workplace, we headed into the afternoon with a delicious lunch, including their famous homemade ice cream.

Following the meal, we had the chance to explore the farm’s many exciting activities. Some of us tested our skills at the batting cages, miniature golf, and the driving range, while others enjoyed feeding and petting the adorable goats and cows in the animal visiting area. It was a wonderful day filled with fun, teamwork, and relaxation, all made possible through the DODD ARPA Workforce Support Grant.

The Circleville Pumpkin Show

Another unforgettable autumn experience that Open Door groups took advantage of for their community outings was the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Known for its giant pumpkins, lively atmosphere, and seasonal delights, it was an event no one wanted to miss. Our groups were in awe of the massive pumpkins, having an absolute blast exploring the show together. Some groups even treated themselves to an array of pumpkin-themed treats, like pumpkin chili, pumpkin burgers, and pumpkin fudge. These outings were days full of fun, food, and lots of laughter!

Trunk-or-Treat

As October continued, we dove into the Halloween fun with our annual Trunk-or-Treat event! The night was filled with creative costumes, fun games, exciting activities, and, of course, plenty of candy. Residents, staff, friends, and family gathered in their Halloween best for a memorable evening of thrills and chills. Attendees relaxed on an accessible hayride through the greenspace, while the brave ventured into a haunted tunnel for a spine-tingling experience. Face painting, games, and a variety of activities kept all ages entertained, and delicious snacks fueled everyone’s Halloween spirit. It was truly a spook-tacular night to remember!

ADS Halloween Party

On Halloween Day, a couple of our Adult Day Service (ADS) Programs came together for a fun-filled and spooky celebration. The festivities kicked off with a lively karaoke session, where everyone sang along to their favorite Halloween songs. The energy was contagious as participants showed off their creativity in a costume contest, showcasing a range of imaginative and fun outfits. Whether on the dance floor or admiring each other’s costumes, the atmosphere was full of joy and Halloween spirit!

CAC Staff Halloween Fun

CAC staff also joined in on the Halloween festivities with a special questionnaire activity that combined spooky fun with team building. The questions encouraged everyone to share their thoughts, personal preferences, and playful insights about the holiday, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Some of the questions included: Which CAC employee would you enter a haunted house with?, What Halloween character would you dress up as for a costume party?, What is your favorite Halloween candy?, What is the scariest Halloween or horror movie?, and Which is scarier: a ghost, zombie, or vampire?

Making Waves: Luisa Helps Others Discover Their Strength

Meet Luisa, whose passion for swimming and supporting others is helping individuals build confidence, independence and new skills—both in and out of the pool. For Luisa, swimming is about much more than moving through water. It is about developing patience, building...

A Heart for Community: Danielle’s Journey at Open Door

Learning, Leading and Building Community This month's Culture Corner shines a spotlight on Danielle Boyle, Open Door's current Columbus State Community College Social Work intern. Through her practicum experience, Danielle has become a valued member of our team,...

Life Can Change in an Instant

What Happened to Mary Could Happen to Anyone Life can change in an instant — and when it does, dignity, community, and support matter. Mary’s story is difficult to tell because it forces us to confront something most people spend their lives trying not to think about:...

Fall 2026 Newsletter

As the seasons begin to change, fall brings new opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate together. In this edition of the Open Door newsletter, we’re sharing the meaningful moments, exciting activities, and personal achievements happening throughout our...

2026 DSP Appreciation Post: We See You. We Thank You. We Celebrate You.

National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week is approaching, and we’re honored to celebrate the remarkable people who make Open Door stronger every day—our DSPs.This year, we’re gathering at Mirolo Sensory Park for a special celebration filled with live...

The Power of Showing Up

Behind every success story is a team that refuses to give up. Some careers begin as a job. Others become a calling. For Sharon Grinstead, House Lead, what started as a necessity, quickly became something much deeper — a passion shaped by relationships, trust, and the...

Culture Corner: Rooted in Respect

How one woman’s journey from Somalia led to a career built on connection, compassion, and learning from others. From Somalia to a Life of Connection and Care Home still feels familiar when Sahra watches videos from Somalia. Born and raised in East Africa, she spent...

Culture Corner: From Ghana to Service — A Story of Heart and Heritage

Roots, Resilience, and a Lifelong Calling to Care Born in Accra, Ghana, Emmanuel’s story is rooted in family, faith, resilience, and compassion. Growing up alongside six siblings, he learned early on the importance of discipline, respect, and caring for others —...

Tonia is a Fighter, Not a Quitter

A Journey of Strength, Creativity, and Finding Home at Open Door For nearly four years, Open Door has been home—but the journey that brought Tonia here is one built on resilience, determination, and learning how to keep going even when life gets hard. Tonia once lived...

Celebrating Decades of Dedication: Paula Young

Decades of Heart, Service, and Impact Since 1987, Paula Young has been a cornerstone of Open Door, bringing dedication, flexibility, and heart to every role she has embraced. She began her journey at Park West, where her natural ability to connect with people and her...

Open Door

Open Door is a Columbus-based nonprofit provider for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our mission and vision are to inspire life journeys and cultivate valued roles for all people. What door can we open for you?

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Fall 2026 Newsletter

Fall 2026 Newsletter

As the seasons begin to change, fall brings new opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate together. In this...

icon

Stay In Touch!

Never miss the latest news and updates from Open Door

You have Successfully Subscribed!