Doors of Hope empowers women to break the cycle of addiction, homelessness and incarceration in Rutherford County and other counties across Middle Tennessee.

Through support and education, the nonprofit helps women become self-sufficient and productive members of the community.

“The Doors of Hope organization was started 12 years ago,” explained Jacob Morphis, executive director of Doors of Hope. “Our mission statement is to empower women to break the cycle of addiction, homelessness and incarceration. That’s what we have done very well for 12 years. Doors of Hope was driven by volunteers in the early years,” Morphis added. “These were people who originally moved the organization forward, with a heart for the mission. Now, we have a sizable, incredible paid staff who are the backbone of our success. Our team is passionate, cohesive and does work that makes a difference in our community every single day.”

The organization works with women currently in jail, staying alongside many of them after their release from incarceration back into the community.

“In our reentry program, serving women post-incarceration, we have complete wraparound services, and we provide housing for 12 months,” Morphis said. “Most clients entering the program have contended with substance abuse issues in the past, so most clients benefit from our very involved and robust recovery focused services.”

Doors of Hope board member and volunteer Dr. Pam Singer has been associated with Doors of Hope for several years and has seen the impact it has had.

“Meeting Maridel Williams, the founder of Doors of Hope, was my first look at nonprofit organizations in Rutherford County,” Singer said. “There are so many, and all doing so much good!

“What struck me was Maridel’s passion for empowering women to break the cycle of addiction, incarceration and homelessness. Many good causes do the important work of rescue and shelter, but transformation of women’s lives—that’s a game changer!”

Dr. Pam Singer, pictured with husband Ray, left, and executive director Jacob Morphis

Singer is a Doors of Hope board member and was recently honored as a volunteer of the year.

“Doors of Hope helps women see themselves as the amazing people they were meant to be,” Singer said. “Teaching classes in jail, I was surprised to find women in the program to be funny, bright, thoughtful and humble.”

The ministry has served over 1,000 women to date, according to Morphis.

“Our work starts in the jail, and in both pre-release and post-release programs we provide mental health counseling, recovery services, life skills coaching and wellness classes,” he said. “One of the key strengths of our program is having CPRSs on staff, which stands for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists— someone who is in recovery and has gone through similar life experiences as the women we serve. These professionals have the invaluable ability to connect with clients right where they are, and lead them with unique knowledge and life wisdom.”

Carrie Garner is one of the many women who has gone through the Doors of Hope program. She says that she cannot imagine where she would be today without Doors of Hope.

“Addiction is a battle, and four years ago I almost lost that battle. Doors of Hope welcomed me, guided me, and supported me in my recovery journey every step of the way,” said Garner, who now serves on the board of directors for Doors of Hope. “I have seen countless other women thrive in this program. Doors of Hope empowers, challenges, and supports women who otherwise have no resources to get their lives back. Doors of Hope is such a valuable resource to our community. It saved my life, and will save countless others.”

The organization is supported primarily by grant revenue. One of those grants is allowing Doors of Hope to double the capacity of one of its homes, adding the ability to serve eight more women at a time.

Morphis said he hopes to compel more recurring contributions from businesses and corporations as well as personal donations coming into the organization, so that Doors of Hope can help even more women and further advance the mission going forward.

“We want to be a household name because of the work we do—a shining light for our community,” Morphis said.

To find out more about Doors of Hope, visit opendoorsofhope.org.