Our Story & Mission
Rooted in faith. Grounded in compassion. Dedicated to the restoration of women who deserve a second chance.
The Door of Hope, operated by The Shepherd's House, Inc., is a long-term women's transitional home in Rochester, New York. We are a Christian-based organization dedicated to demonstrating the love of God in Christ Jesus by fostering the independence of women in a safe and secure housing environment.
We serve women who are transitioning from incarceration, homelessness, or struggling with addiction — women who, in many cases, have few places to turn. We come alongside them with patience, structure, and genuine care.
Our 9 to 12-month residential program is centered on holistic restoration: spiritual healing, emotional growth, practical life skills, and connection to community resources.
The Door of Hope has been in operation since 2010 and has served over 60 women.
John 10:9 — "I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, they will be saved." Our name is a declaration of the transformative power of Christ's love.
The Door of Hope desires to affect lives for the Kingdom of God by demonstrating His love and value for each individual.
We envision a community where every woman — regardless of her past — has the opportunity to discover her God-given worth, rebuild her life, and become a contributing member of society in general.
Because you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
— Psalm 139:14
Every service, every conversation, and every plan is guided by the love and truth of Jesus Christ. We believe God has a plan and a future for every woman who walks through our door.
We welcome women without judgment, regardless of their background. Every resident is treated with dignity and respect — as a person of infinite worth and value.
True restoration means healing in every area of life — spiritual, emotional, relational, and practical. We invest in the whole person, not just their immediate needs.
We partner with social services, local agencies, and healthcare providers to ensure our residents have access to the full spectrum of support they need.
Our home provides a stable, structured, and secure environment — a sanctuary where women can focus on healing without fear or instability.
Our goal is not dependency but independence. We equip women with the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive long after they leave our program.
Our heart is to see women and their children back together again. For those who are able, we try to make it possible. We know separation caused by addiction is painful and we believe that reconnecting early is a big part of real healing. That is why we support visits with young children from the very beginning. Those moments together can bring Hope, motivation, and remind each mom what she is fighting for.
Many of our residents come directly from prison or jail, lacking the support system, housing, and life skills needed to reintegrate successfully into society.
We welcome women whose struggle with drug or alcohol abuse has displaced them from stable housing and healthy relationships.
Coming off the streets, women find in our home the safety and stability they need as a foundation for lasting change.
For women open to faith as part of their healing, we offer a community grounded in God's love and grace.
"The Door of Hope is a safe place for women to come and be touched with the Love, Truth and Hope of Yeshua Messiah, Jesus Christ — through a 9 to 12-month process of restoration."
— The Door of Hope Mission StatementIf you or someone you know needs safe housing and support, we want to hear from you. Our referral process is designed to be compassionate and straightforward.
Referral Process → Contact Us
Director, The Door of Hope
"We provide the life skills they need to truly transition from prison into a healthy lifestyle."
Our program is led by Director Danell Guesno, a compassionate and dedicated leader committed to serving the women God sends to The Door of Hope.
Our leadership team and board of directors share a unified vision: to serve with excellence, integrity, and the love of Christ — ensuring every resident receives the highest standard of care and support.
Meet Our Board →