MBA Business Spotlight: Saralyn Temple of Midland’s Open Door
This spotlight series is from The Midland Business Alliance.
The Midland Business Alliance is continuing their spotlight series, introducing the remarkable individuals behind Midland’s businesses. This time they sat down with Saralyn Temple, Executive Director of Midland’s Open Door.
Saralyn joined Midland's Open Door two years ago, initially inspired by the meaningful work of her predecessor, Renee Pettinger. "I came here because I admired how Renee truly cared for people," Saralyn explained. "To me, love for God and love for neighbor are central. Open Door embodies that by treating everyone with dignity and compassion, recognizing each person’s inherent worth. We have the opportunity to see people that others sometimes overlook, to care deeply for them, and to remind them of their value."
Midland’s Open Door, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, provides essential services, including two crisis shelters and a daily soup kitchen. The shelters primarily serve residents of Midland County, offering not only a safe bed and warm meal, but also extensive case management. "We address real-life issues—relationships, finances, health concerns—problems everyone faces," Saralyn emphasized. "People experiencing poverty often don't know where to turn or lack the resources to find support. Midland is a remarkable community where nonprofits collaborate beautifully, ensuring we can connect our guests to all available resources."
The soup kitchen provides nutritious, hot meals six days a week, partnering with First United Methodist Church on Sundays to ensure a daily meal is always available. Community members volunteer each day, prepping and serving food to anyone who arrives. "Our volunteers and donors make it possible," Saralyn noted. "This community continually steps up to serve, donate food, provide financial support, and offer their time. It's truly inspiring."
Reflecting on her role, Saralyn emphasizes Open Door's mission: "We're here to lift up those who feel downtrodden, to offer hope and practical support to individuals during their toughest moments. It’s about helping people regain independence and a sense of purpose, which ultimately strengthens our entire community."
Looking ahead, Saralyn’s vision is clear: "I want everyone in Midland to know exactly what Open Door is. When people see someone in need, I want their first thought to be directing that person to our resources." She stressed that community awareness is crucial—not just to secure necessary support, but also to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. Additionally, Saralyn shared that Midland's Open Door is exploring options for future facilities, recognizing current limitations. "We’re operating out of three older homes right now," she explained. "We know that poverty and disability often go hand-in-hand, and we’re determined to improve accessibility and enhance our services for everyone in our community."
Saralyn concluded by expressing deep gratitude: "Midland is truly a generous, compassionate community. We couldn’t fulfill our mission without that constant support. It makes all the difference."
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?