This month, we celebrate the amazing team members whose dedication, skill, and heart make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals we serve. Through their work—whether supporting daily needs, fostering growth, or creating opportunities for connection—they help individuals build confidence, express themselves, and feel a true sense of belonging.

And here, we’re proud to spotlight the individuals at the heart of it all — the ones whose strength, personality, and unique gifts inspire everything we do.

Their contributions go far beyond a job; together, they open doors to inclusion, independence, and moments of joy that truly matter.

Finding Purpose at Open Door

Jessica Bond, Social Worker

When asked what working at Open Door means personally, the answer comes down to one word: purpose.

There’s a deep belief that this work is what Jessica was meant to do. Helping others has always felt natural — lifting burdens, guiding people through challenges, and supporting them as they navigate life. At Open Door, that calling becomes a daily reality. The role itself centers around helping others, and being part of that mission brings a strong sense of fulfillment and completeness.

In this position, support is hands-on and meaningful. The work includes providing guidance, teaching new skills, encouraging self-advocacy, and helping individuals find and use their voices. It also means supporting individuals in engaging with the community and shining a light on the strengths of the population served.

One of the most rewarding parts of the job is celebrating milestones — both big and small. Often, it’s the small victories that make the greatest impact. Watching someone achieve a goal, especially when you know how hard it has been for them in the past, is incredibly meaningful. Seeing individuals grow in confidence and advocate for themselves is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

What makes the Open Door team special is the shared compassion and drive to help others. While each team member brings different strengths and levels of experience, together they form a strong, collaborative force. Communication, teamwork, and a willingness to seek out additional resources or partnerships help the organization stand out. The team supports one another just as they support the individuals they serve.

If there is one message to share with the community, it is this: Open Door empowers individuals. The focus is on celebrating abilities rather than limitations. The mission is to build a more inclusive and welcoming world — because at the end of the day, that is what truly matters. 

A Calling, Not Just a Job

Gretchen VanNatta, Social Worker

Working at Open Door has never been “just a job.” For Gretchen, her work reflects her core values—service, compassion, dignity, and meeting people exactly where they are. Open Door isn’t just where she works; it’s where her principles and profession come to life.

Her motto is simple: “I do what I can.” And she truly does.

No two individuals are supported the same way. Some days she is a mentor. Other days a teacher, counselor, advocate, travel planner, or problem-solver. Behind the scenes, Gretchen secures funding and benefits—critical work that keeps lives stable, even if it’s not the glamorous part. But what brings her the most joy are the moments that create meaning: helping someone plan a vacation, attend camp, participate in Special Olympics, or simply enjoy a night out with friends.

Her favorite moments happen one-on-one. For the past six years, she has worked with two individuals to help them learn to read. Six years of patience. Six years of small victories. Six years of growth. Watching their progress unfold has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Gretchen lights up when she sees photos from trips she helped coordinate—smiles in airports, snapshots from beaches, group pictures at social events. Those images represent more than fun. They represent confidence, independence, and possibility.

What makes the Open Door team special, she says, is that they are a true melting pot—different personalities, talents, and quirks—but united by one shared goal: helping individuals live their best lives.

Her message to the community is honest and heartfelt:
Open Door isn’t perfect. But we care. We listen. We adapt. And we keep working every day to create better opportunities, greater independence, and fuller lives for the people we serve.

And for her, that makes all the difference.

Making Every Bite Count

Anne White, Dietician

Anne has worked at four intermediate care facilities (ICF) over her career, but when she filled in at Open Door while the dietitian was on leave, she immediately knew this was where she wanted to be after retiring from her state job. When the position opened, she jumped in, working 60-hour weeks until she could fully transition to Open Door. From the start, she felt a true sense of belonging—being part of a team that genuinely supports each other while improving the lives of the individuals they serve. Every day, she sees the difference her work can make and finds it personally fulfilling to help others thrive.

Her role focuses on improving the health of the individuals so they can live more fulfilled lives. She educates staff on healthy diet options, assesses nutrition needs, and makes recommendations for therapeutic diets—like diabetic, heart-healthy, higher or lower calorie, or allergy-specific meals. She writes menus for the ICFs, provides simple recipes for staff, and calculates tube feedings and fluid needs.

Anne emphasizes choice and individuality, recognizing that each person has likes, dislikes, and personal goals. Even small changes—like switching to diet soda, reducing daily pops, or choosing a regular cheeseburger instead of a Big Mac—can make a difference. Seeing individuals make progress, whether it’s maintaining weight over the holidays, losing more than 100 pounds, or enjoying foods that help them gain weight, brings immense satisfaction.

She values the teamwork at Open Door and the joy of celebrating small successes with the individuals they serve. The team collaborates closely, each member bringing a unique role, but working together like a big, caring family. Challenges happen, but everyone shares the same goal: helping individuals thrive.

To her, Open Door is a place filled with dedicated, compassionate employees who put the needs of the individuals first, supporting them to achieve their goals and live their best lives. Being part of such a caring organization is both a privilege and a joy.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

Jason Davis, Fleet Manager

For Jason, the best part of Open Door is the opportunities and growth it provides — not just for the individuals he serves, but for the staff as well. There is a genuine commitment to development and helping everyone move forward.

In his role, Jason supports individuals by keeping vehicles moving safely on the road. Transportation plays an important part in their journeys — whether for daily activities, community outings, or vacations. Ensuring people can get where they need to go helps create meaningful experiences and opportunities.

Jason’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. He genuinely enjoys supporting others and making a difference in their day.

What makes the Open Door team special, according to Jason, is their willingness. Team members go above and beyond for employees, staff, and the individuals they serve, fostering a culture of care and commitment.

If Jason could share one message about Open Door with the community, it would be this: it’s a great organization with great people and strong values — a team truly dedicated to making a positive impact.

Behind every safe, welcoming space is a team that makes it possible.

Matt Delay, Maintance/Facilities Manager; Mike Delay, Maintenance Technician; Shane Ingles, Maintenance Technician

At Open Door, our Maintenance Team is the steady force working behind the scenes to ensure our facilities are not just operational—but truly welcoming. They respond quickly when something breaks, anticipate issues before they become problems, and take pride in creating environments that feel secure, clean, and cared for.

From repairing HVAC systems and plumbing to maintaining lighting, accessibility features, safety equipment, and overall building upkeep, their expertise keeps our programs running smoothly every single day. They don’t just fix things—they protect the integrity of the spaces where individuals learn, grow, connect, and thrive.

Their work allows our staff to focus on delivering quality support without interruption. It ensures families feel confident in our care. Most importantly, it reinforces the dignity and comfort of the individuals we serve.

We are deeply grateful for their consistency, craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Because of them, Open Door isn’t just a place people enter—it’s a place where they feel safe, valued, and truly at home.