The Open Door

is a sober living home for men in recovery from substance abuse. Established in Toledo in January of 1984 the Open Door responded to a critical need in the community to help homeless men. In December of 1983 a brutal winter storm gravely affected many homeless men, living on the streets of Toledo. It became essential to all concerned that a non-threatening environment be provided to care for the needs of these men. The programs evolving from these humble beginnings have seen the establishment of the Open Door.

The Open Door’s first residents moved in on March 1, 1984. The original property was donated by the Toledo Catholic Diocese and is currently known as “House 2” located on Cherry Street in Toledo, Ohio. The generosity of many other local organizations assisted with initial in-kind gifts of furniture, house wares and other essential items. The initial administrative services were provided by volunteers from other agencies and concerned family members.

The Open Door Ministry, Inc. was established in 1986, received their 501C (3) tax exempt status in August of 1988 and currently remains a unique organization focusing on recovery from substance abuse in Toledo. The Open Door currently operates three properties that house 24 men in sober living, recovery housing. Qualified residents may stay up to 24 months prior to returning to their life as a productive, sober member of society. The personal success’s of residents of the Open Door is well known within the local rehabilitation industry. There have been hundreds and hundreds of individual success stories. Along with the individuals themselves, the Toledo area has been the major recipient of these successes.

The primary goal of the Open Door is to provide a calm, supportive, therapeutic environment in which men afflicted with substance abuse addiction may be empowered through the spirituality of the 12 Steps and other proven program requirements that will enable them to deal with the problems they face as they seek to re-establish themselves as self-supporting, sober, productive members of society.

 
 

The Open Door Staff

The Open Door Staff possesses qualifications that include a strong passion for recovery and a thorough understanding and application of the principles of The Twelve Step recovery program.  Administrative oversight is minimal, providing a home-like atmosphere. Staff is responsible for screening and selecting residents and for referring residents to local community social service agencies as needed. Emotional support exchanged between staff and residents include a sense of caring, empathy, belonging, encouragement, hope, friendship, and trust. Click on their name to contact our staff via email.

  • Joe Celusta — Executive Director

  • Dale Schaefer​ — Inventory & Facilities Manager

  • Michael Wilkes — Program Coordinator


The ​Open Door Board of Directors

The Open Door would not be where it is today without the help and dedication of our past and current Board of Directors. We appreciate all of their hard work and commitment.
THANK YOU!

  • Pat Mills — Chairman

  • Mike Bugert​ — Treasurer

  • Valerie Pitzen — Secretary

  • Timothy Gallagher

  • Eric Morgan​

  • Joe Pacer

  • Eddie Knight

  • Dan McMurray

  • Dave Parker