Open Door Ministry Marks 26 Years of Service, Seeks Support for Renovations and Programs

As 2026 moves quickly into its third month, leaders at Open Door Ministry are reflecting on nearly three decades of service to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents — and looking ahead to both needs and opportunities in the months to come.

On April 1, 2026, Executive Director Charles Brewington will mark 26 years of serving those in need across Laurens County, alongside his wife. Since its founding, Open Door has expanded its mission to address multiple areas of hardship: serving the homeless since 1997, assisting individuals battling addiction since 2003, and providing meals to the hungry since 2012.

“Our greatest pleasure in life — aside from our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — has been the opportunity to serve ‘the least of these,’” Brewington shared. “It has given us purpose and taught us so much about life and ourselves.”

Ministry Report: Hundreds Fed Each Month

The ministry continues to operate a busy soup kitchen, serving hundreds of meals to community members in need. In January alone, volunteers prepared and distributed 821 cooked meals, followed by 640 meals in February.

Open Door also operates transitional housing programs. Currently, one woman is enrolled in the female transition home, while beds for men remain available.

Temporary Pause for Renovations

Plans are underway to renovate the kitchen and bathroom in the female program house — upgrades the ministry says are urgently needed. During construction, the program will pause intake of additional female residents until the work is completed.

In addition to interior improvements, leaders are seeking assistance to address rising utility costs. Heating expenses for the two-bedroom home exceeded $600 for natural gas during the winter months, highlighting the need for improved insulation and energy efficiency upgrades.

The ministry is actively seeking financial support from the community to complete these projects.

Celebrating Recovery Milestones

February brought encouraging news as three men successfully graduated from the program. Leaders expressed regret that they were unable to capture photos before the graduates departed but emphasized that each graduation represents lives changed and renewed hope.

Looking Ahead

As Open Door reflects on its history, the ministry emphasizes the importance of learning from the past while continuing to serve with compassion and faith. Leaders note that each new day offers an opportunity to extend mercy, help, and practical support to neighbors in crisis.

Annual Golf Fundraiser Set for May 2

Community members will have an opportunity to support Open Door Ministry’s work at its annual golf fundraiser scheduled for May 2. Proceeds will help fund daily operations, housing programs, meals, and upcoming renovation projects.

Those interested in participating, sponsoring, or donating may contact:

• Wesley Harrell — 864-981-6087

• Jimmy Webb — 864-833-4949

• Charles Brewington — 864-923-1642

A Call to Community Support

For nearly three decades, Open Door Ministry has quietly served as a lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, hunger, and hardship in Laurens County. As the organization approaches its 26th anniversary, Brewington says continued community support will be essential to sustain and expand that mission.

With renovation needs, operating costs, and ongoing programs to fund, the ministry hopes neighbors across the county will consider partnering with them — whether through prayer, volunteerism, or financial contributions — to ensure the doors remain open for those who need them most.