The Open Door Christian Center is preparing to unveil its newest ministry effort, a Transitional (Rehabilitation) Home for Women, designed to help women rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society after overcoming addiction or other dependency issues. The grand reveal and ribbon cutting will take place Tuesday, October 7, at 1 p.m.
The home is still putting finishing touches in place, but even in its unfinished state, it radiates warmth, hope, and purpose.
Charles Brewington, who oversees the project, provided a tour of the house. The home features two bedrooms located across the hall from each other, each with space for two women per room—a total of four residents. Brewington noted that the furniture has been ordered and is on its way, saying, “This project has been a big investment, but one we’re proud to see come together.”
One of the bedrooms includes two closets, one of which was built from scratch. The team also plans to enclose part of the home to create a dedicated laundry area. The bathroom is still under renovation but is expected to be fully complete and presentable by the ribbon cutting.
The living and dining area is inviting, with a dining table crafted by Mennonites and donated by T&F Installations serving as a centerpiece of community generosity. The kitchen features donated appliances and cabinets crafted by Al Young, adding a beautiful, custom touch to the space.
“This project has been a lot of work and at times stressful,” Brewington said. “But it’s also been a blessing to see how many people stepped up to help.”
The Open Door Christian Center has a long history of community service. Founded in 1993 by Brewington’s mother, Geraldine Hastings, the ministry has grown to include a church, soup kitchen, and addiction recovery programs. Charles Brewington joined the effort in 2000, expanding on his mother’s vision of faith in action.
Many women in recovery often come from outside the area and do not want to return to their previous environments, where negative influences remain. The new transitional home provides a safe, structured place where they can continue healing and rebuilding.
Brewington recalled that a men’s church group reached out asking how they could help, and he invited them to the home site. “They were ready to help,” he said. “That’s really how this project came together—people who wanted to make a difference.”
While the project has been costly, community contributions made it possible. Chestnut Ridge and several local churches played significant roles in making the home a reality.
The goal is for the home to eventually become self-sufficient, supported through a small program fee and ongoing community involvement. In the future, a privacy fence and other additions are planned to make the house even more welcoming.
“Just about everything we do is based on my mother’s vision for ministry,” Brewington said. “We’ve been blessed to carry that forward. God’s got a good thing going here—and I’m just hanging on the back of the train.”
As the finishing touches are completed, The Open Door team invites the community to attend the ribbon cutting on Tuesday, October 7, at 1 p.m., to see the transformation for themselves.
“This home represents second chances and new beginnings,” Brewington said. “It’s a place of hope—and we need the community’s support to keep it going.”
