Welcome to Doorstep
Welcome from the Board President:
“Doorstep” is a name associated with short-term emergency assistance in Topeka. It became part of our local vocabulary in 1966. That infamous June 1966 tornado had carved a wide swath of destruction across the heart of the city.
Everyone in or near that path, needed immediate help. Many thousands of people came to our aid. But as expected, they soon returned to their home communities.
Six church congregations located near the tornado path, met and decided to concentrate on short-term emergency aid at their doorstep. So, “Doorstep” was born.
That concept and the immediate action taken by those six congregations proved to be valuable. Their legacy can be seen every day. Today, 52 religious congregations are answering the call to share the load. Our reward is the satisfaction in knowing that people in need are being served. We believe Topeka is a better place in which to live because of the good work at Doorstep.
We still offer short-term emergency aid to our needy neighbors. The scars are not as obvious and dramatic as in 1966 but the needs are just as real.
I have come to appreciate the foresight and dedication of those six congregations. I am pleased and consider it an honor to be part of the Doorstep team. I know I am following in the footsteps of those who saw a need and took immediate action.
Lew Mills, President
February 2008
