From a press release:

Residents from Open Door Mission, a faith-based recovery and rehabilitation facility dedicated to transforming the lives of the addicted, destitute, homeless or disabled, recently took home a first place trophy and the sportsmanship award trophy, showing that they not only know how to win, but how to play the game.

The first place trophy is nothing new for this winning team, but the sportsmanship trophy means a lot to these former addicts, some of whom were homeless. “We couldn’t be prouder of the men.” says Open Door Mission Executive Director Richard H. Hill, Jr. “The sportsmanship trophy is another validation that our programs are working to help transform these men’s lives. It’s an incredible achievement for the guys!”

Good sportsmanship is defined by an athlete going all out to win without violating the rules of the sport. He must have respect and concern for his opponent and grace in both victory and defeat. The code of sportsmanship demands that he does nothing before, during, or after a contest to cheapen or detract from a victory.

The Sober Recreation Committee, working through the Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston, organizes tournaments and leagues in softball, golf, volleyball and basketball. Twelve-step groups, churches and rehabilitation programs send teams, which compete against each other. Open Door Mission’s team has won every tournament in which it played. There is one tournament left – on November 22 at P.J.’s Softball Park on Gosling Road off Spring Stuebner.

Open Door Mission is a faith-based recovery and rehabilitation shelter dedicated to transforming the lives of the addicted, destitute, homeless or disabled. Programs include a drug and alcohol recovery program, a convalescent care center, an education center with a free GED program open to the public, other educational opportunities and job readiness training; a transitional program, low-income housing, a community service program and an alumni association.

The Mission employs a holistic mind, body and spiritual healing approach to the complex, interwoven issues facing the most marginalized people in our community. Each individual faces unique and labyrinthine challenges to becoming and remaining self-sufficient. In short, that person will need programs that heal and strengthen mind, body and spirit. For fifty-five years, Open Door Mission has been fine-tuning such programs to prepare the most substantial foundation possible onto which our residents will build their new life.

The current economic crisis, which has snatched jobs, homes and life savings from hundreds of our neighbors, will undoubtedly have a negative effect on any progress recently made toward ending homelessness in Houston. But, Open Door Mission is committed to continuing to give hope to the despondent, guidance to the lost, and faith to the despairing.

For more information on Open Door Mission and all its programs, please visit www.opendoorhouston.org or call 713.921.7520.