The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa, with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event, we are celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Rainbow Fleet is a finalist in the Education category.

“Oklahoma is home to so many outstanding nonprofits, it is an incredible honor to be recognized among them as a ONE Awards finalist,’ said Carrie Williams, executive director, Rainbow Fleet. “It affirms our ongoing work to support Oklahoma childcare providers, children and families.”

Rainbow Fleet was founded in 1972 from the belief that best early childhood teaching methods could be exported and incorporated into child care programs by providing child care professionals with resources and materials that would support appropriate environments for young children. From this concept came their mission to provide innovative, educational programs and services that benefit the lives of children, families and child care professionals.

Each year, they serve 67,000 children, families and child care professionals in Oklahoma and Cleveland counties by assisting families in locating quality, licensed child care options, including their core program that serves children 0-to-6 years-of-age by helping them find licensed child care options. They also offer training and mentoring for child care professionals.

“Rainbow Fleet was instrumental in helping St. Luke’s Edmond when they first opened with classroom arrangement and teacher training,” said Gabrielle Moon, executive director, St. Luke’s Children’s Center, First Kid’s Learning Center and Trinity Child Development Center. “The staff spend long hours with our teachers and we are so grateful to them for the long lasting benefits that both children and staff have received.”

In addition to their childcare placement and training services, Rainbow Fleet is a sponsoring organization of the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program, providing support for 145 family child care home providers and the children they serve. Their programs also include respite care to military families who have children with special needs.

Rainbow Fleet recently opened the Rainbow Fleet Early Education Center, which provides high quality child care and development programming to 108 children, ages 6 weeks through 4 years, in the Oklahoma City area.

“Rainbow Fleet has been a tremendous partner in working to transform early childhood in the State of Oklahoma,” said Justin B. Brown, secretary, Human Services and Childhood Initiatives, and director, Department of Human Services. “Utilizing deep partnerships, innovative ideas and sound practices, they remain ever focused on their mission to equip children, families and professionals with the tools and skills they need to serve their communities.  Rainbow Fleet is a critical component to our state’s collaborative effort to revolutionize early childhood.”

To learn more about Rainbow Fleet visit their website: https://www.rainbowfleet.org/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://okcnp.org/page/one-awards.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa with limited attendance. The event will be live-streamed on OKCNP's website as well. Leading up to the event, we are celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Tulsa Historical Society & Museum (THSM) is a finalist in the Community category.

“Being selected as a finalist by OKCNP brings affirmation to the work that THSM is committed to doing,” said S. Michelle Place, executive director, THSM. “Our staff and volunteers show up every day to tell Tulsa’s stories; all of our community’s stories. While some may say that we are lifting up negative pieces of our history, we think there are lessons to be learned if one looks deep enough. Buried within our history are heroic examples of courage, tenacity, ingenuity, love and care of our neighbors, and the results of having dreamed really big dreams. History can help us meet our future."

Founded in 1963, THSM's mission is to illuminate the past; enrich the present; and inspire the future by collecting, preserving and presenting Tulsa's history. Their service area is primarily northeastern Oklahoma, however, their extensive archives serve a national and international audience.

THSM’s onsite visits total 25,000 annually, however, in 2020, their website visits from January through June reached 4.68 million. In January 2020, they provided a free traveling exhibit, the Spirit of Greenwood/1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The exhibit traveled to five partner libraries in eastern Oklahoma and Oklahoma City. The exhibit was visited 35,000 times.

Onsite visits are free to students of all ages, educators and veterans. THSM also participates in the Museums for All national initiative and pride itself in being the first museum in Tulsa to participate.

Their 30-50 annual community programs offered each year are free and open to the general public. The programs include events such as book signings, panel discussions, musical presentations and historical presentations.

Prior to COVID-19, they hosted free Saturdays on the first Saturday of each month, with attendance ranging from 225 to 250 individuals.

The regular collection includes more than 250 items comprised of photographs, documents, maps, textiles, historical artifacts and fine art in seven rotating galleries.

Their dedication to inclusivity and belief that all stories contribute to our collective history has allowed them to come close to accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums, with 1 of 3 assessment modules left to complete.

In addition to being a finalist for the OKCNP ONE Awards, they have received awards from the Oklahoma Museum Association, the American Society and Local History.

To learn more about Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, visit their website: https://www.tulsahistory.org/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.okcnp.org/page/one-awards.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event, we are celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Compassionate Hands is a finalist in the Community category.

Compassionate Hands was founded in 1994, when the Yukon Ministerial Alliance, while working with citizens, business leaders and Yukon City council members, saw a need to stand in the gap and assist families struggling with temporary crisis.

Compassionate Hands’ mission is: “In response to Christ’s mission to help others, Compassionate Hands serves people in temporary crisis by addressing immediate needs, fostering hope and encouraging positive live change.”

Compassionate Hands serves approximately 2400 clients annually in the Yukon area. Their Care-A-Van provides 2,000 senior citizens transportation for their medical needs and shopping. The Care-A-Van travels within a 30-mile radius of Yukon.

“I would be homebound, if I didn’t have the van to take me to Walmart and Target every week,” said a client.

In addition to their transportation services, they provide assistance for those struggling with rent, utilities, medication, personal hygiene, diapers and wipes.

“God knew what he was doing when he put Compassionate Hands in my life,” said Janelle, client. “Compassionate Hands is doing such a great job and is an asset to the Yukon community.”

COVID-19 has greatly affected Compassionate Hands’ area of service. They were able to not only help families with financial relief, but also connect them with long-term resources for further assistance, food and possible employment opportunities.

To learn more about Compassionate Hands, visit their website: https://compassionatehandsyukon.com/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.okcnp.org/page/one-awards.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event we are celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Tulsa Literary Coalition (TLC)/Magic City Books (MCB) is a finalist in the Arts and Humanities category.

“Being recognized in this way by OKCNP at this critical time is a testament to the big work we’ve done (staff, board, volunteers) for years and the little daily efforts that add up to a larger aggregate impact,” said Jeff Martin, president and cofounder, TLC/MCB. 

TLC was founded in 2016 and opened MCB, an independent book store, as part of their programs to fund TLC. TLC and MCB work to provide literary programs and services for Tulsans of all races, ages, ethnicities, religious affiliations, LGBTQ gender orientations and other underrepresented groups. They pride themselves in having diverse and inclusive programming that reflects the diverse populations and interests within the Tulsa community and beyond.

In addition to MCB, TLC offers literary programing that attracts visitors outside of Tulsa and even Oklahoma. Their programs include book discussion groups, poetry readings, children’s story hours and more. Perhaps their most recognized programs are those featuring acclaimed local, national and international authors.

Prior to COVID-19, they had featured over 100 author programs. They have since shifted to virtual programs, hosting over 75 local, national and international authors. Authors include Margaret Atwood, Erin Brockovich, Ta-Nehisi Coates, John Grisham, Joy Harjo, Matthew McConaughey, John Waters and many more.

“TLC and MCB help ensure we have the kind of thoughtful culture today’s business leaders and talented worker seek,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of Tulsa Regional Chamber.

They realize collaborations are key in their programs offerings and success. They have partnered with over 90 local nonprofits working in arts, social services and education to serve audiences generated from both organizations.

In 2020, many of their featured programs centered on fighting racism, discussing public health and homelessness, the politics surrounding food and gender assignment and identity, domestic violence, water scarcity, immigration, defense of the first amendment and more.

“TLC/MCB are changing the way people feel about Oklahoma,” said Teresa Miller, director emerita, Center for Poets and Writers at Oklahoma State University - Tulsa, advisory board member, MCB. “Writers come and then share what they have seen. This is a big deal because the state still has some stereotypes to overcome.”

To learn more about TLC/MCB, visit their website: https://magiccitybooks.com/.

ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for the OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://okcnp.org/page/one-awards.

Dale K Graham Veterans Foundation from OKCNP on Vimeo.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) hosted the 2020 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on Thursday, August 27, 2020 (rescheduled from Friday, April 24, 2020). The event took place virtually and can be viewed on the OKCNP ONE Awards page. We are spotlighting the 21 finalists in seven categories.

The Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation has served United States veterans in all 77 Oklahoma counties, 45 states and 4 countries, including more than 19,000 total individuals, since their founding in 2016. The Foundation has followed the lead of Vietnam War veteran, Lance Corporal Dale K. Graham, U.S. Marine Corps.

Graham has personally been helping veterans file benefits claims for 30 years. He started volunteering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 1990, learning the rules of veteran benefits procedures. He has since become a federally accredited agent.

“Our mission is to serve military veterans and their families,” according The Foundation’s website. “Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation’s primary focus is to share its collective knowledge and experience to help with the Veterans Administration claims process. The Organization also provides assistance and guidance for temporary sources of food, rent, utilities, shelter and transportation to and from medical facilities when necessary for veterans and their families.”

The Foundation is run completely on a volunteer basis, allowing it to offer services free of charge. Services include helping veterans and their families file claims, temporary food services through their food pantry and assisting veterans with medical testing.

“This is a way of opening doors and providing opportunities to others,” said Stanley L. Evans, retired US Army Colonel and board member. “The way we make others self-sufficient is to provide them with the opportunity and resources to build for successful and strong lives.”

To learn more about Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation, visit their website: https://dalekgrahamveteransfoundation.org/ or view their ONE Awards video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7509642/video/454075640.

The Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org/connect/one-awards/

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2020 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on Saturday, August 22, 2020 (rescheduled from Friday, April 24, 2020). The event will now take place virtually. In the weeks leading up to the event, we are spotlighting the 21 finalists in seven categories.

Positive Tomorrows, located in Oklahoma City, is one of three finalists in the Youth Services Category.

Positive Tomorrows has been dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty since 1989. According to their website, they are “Oklahoma’s only elementary school and social services specifically for children and families experiencing homelessness. We give kids stability and a quality education, while their parents get the support they need to create a better life.”

Positive Tomorrows reports Oklahoma is ranked seventh from the bottom among states in the nation for homeless children, with over 7,500 homeless children in central Oklahoma alone. Of those homeless children, Positive Tomorrows served 149 students in the 2017-2018 academic year.

Not only did they provide accessible education to their students, they also provided 281 health check-ups, 73 dental check-ups, 59 hearing screenings and 22,773 school means. The services they provided resulted in 68% of families showing improvement, 65% improving their housing and 70% of families experiencing an increase in income.

“I never knew places like Positive Tomorrows existed until I was connected to them through my rehab program,” said a mother of a Positive Tomorrows student. “They help children who are struggling and bring families together to get them the help they need. Being able to allow them to be a part of my child’s life, I know she is safe and loved. It is a really special thing.

Like many nonprofits, Positive Tomorrows offers volunteer opportunities for the community to be involved in their mission. Volunteer positions range from mentors to lunch room volunteers, after school program workers, readers and special event/birthday party hosts.

“I have had such a positive experience with the mentoring program at Positive Tomorrows,” said a Positive Tomorrows mentor. “I get to spend one hour a week with Maria (name changed for privacy) and provide a safe and stable relationship for her. Throughout my time with her, I’ve seen her come out of her shell, and she has developed into quite the confident and goal-oriented young lady!”

To learn more about Positive Tomorrows, visit their website: https://www.positivetomorrows.org/

The Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards gala is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the 2020 ONE Awards or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org/connect/one-awards/