Our purpose is to help people find the missing pieces of their lives and put them back together as soon as possible. We minister to those hurting and in need in a way that promotes a sense of security and dignity, which in turn brings peace and a renewed spirit of hope for the future.

We are a private nonprofit corporation which has served the needy of Northern Tulare and Southern Fresno Counties since 1974.  

Open Gate began as the inspiration of Vivian Martzen as she became aware of the many families living in Dinuba without necessary food and shelter. She served as the first Executive Director until the early 1990s when the responsibility was passed to Roger Neufeld who led Open Gate Ministries until 2011. Rev. Jason Nichols now serves as Executive Director.

Our current shelter was purchased from a grant received in the 1980s. It includes a pantry and a handicapped apartment. The shelter has a current capacity of 8 bedrooms with 33 beds and 6 bathrooms. Open Gate has provided over 150,000 shelter nights since the 1980s.

Our thrift store at 133 South “L” Street in downtown Dinuba was purchased in the 1990s. The thrift store sales supply about one third of our budget.

Our regular food distribution helps 400 to 600 families once a month with a bag or two of groceries.

Our Board of Directors is made up of a group of Christian volunteers from local churches of the Orosi, Dinuba and Reedley areas. Directors are selected by the voting members. Board meetings are usually scheduled for the 4th Thursday monthly. They will next meet Dec. 1, 2011. Contact us for more information.

Financials

Reports available:

2010 Audit Report

2010 Annual Budget Summary (Prints on legal-size paper)

2009 IRS Form 990

To view the above documents, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. To download Adobe Reader (available for many computer configurations), click the following button:

Key Points of the 2010 Fiscal Year

1. Thrift Shop sales were the highest on record. Up 6% from last year.

2. $134,024 worth of merchandised was donated to the Thrift Shop.

3. $275,807 worth of food was given out in our food distribution program.

4. 84 cents of every dollar donated to Open Gate was used directly in either the shelter, direct assistance, or food distribution programs.

5. 4,493 nights were spent in the Shelter by residents (up 6 % from last year.) It costs $35.47 for each person per night.