Opening Doors to a Brighter Future

by Trevor Watson

Around the world, thousands of young men and women return home each year from serving full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For many in impoverished and rural areas, the joy of returning home is quickly met with the reality of limited opportunities. With few local resources for education or employment, these dedicated young people often face a difficult path forward.

That’s where Open Door International steps in. Founded on the belief that because these returned missionaries have sacrificed so much to serve, we want to do what we can to serve them — to provide them free, safe housing in cities where educational and career opportunities are within reach. By removing the burden of housing costs, we open the door for these young adults to pursue higher education, vocational training, or job opportunities that simply aren’t available in their remote hometowns.

We work closely with local Church leaders to ensure our residents receive both the educational opportunities and the spiritual support they need. Through these partnerships, we help returned missionaries enroll in affordable online degree programs, connect them with mentoring and leadership opportunities, and make sure they have a strong network of support as they transition into self-reliance. Open Door provides a safe place where they can create a plan to improve their life and continue to serve their Church and communities.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: empower returned missionaries to lift themselves, their families, and their communities. Many who receive support from Open Door International go on to secure stable jobs, complete degrees, and become leaders in their congregations and neighborhoods — breaking cycles of poverty and creating lasting change.

We believe that faith and service should lead to hope, not hardship. Through the generosity of donors, the guidance of The Church, and the life-changing educational opportunities provided by BYU–Pathway, Open Door International is turning that belief into action, one open door at a time.

You can be part of the miracle. Your support — whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word — helps open the door for a returned missionary to step into a brighter future. Join us today and change a life forever.