Posted By Linh Sasser, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits,
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
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 CARES is a finalist in the Health category.
“Tulsa CARES is honored to be a 2021 ONE Awards finalist,” said Kate Neary, CEO, Tulsa CARES. “It’s humbling to be included among so many worth organizations and causes, and we’re grateful that our impactful work serving low income individuals living with HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) has been recognized. As our agency celebrates its 30th anniversary, this special recognition is certainly appreciated and one to celebrate!”
Founded in 1991, Tulsa CARES delivers specialized wrap-around care for individuals impacted by HIV and Hepatitis C in northeast Oklahoma.Services meet the physical and mental need of 1,200 low income individuals each year.
Programming like care coordination, housing, mental health services, and nutrition help Tulsa CARES address the social determinates of health while reducing cost.
“When I came to Tulsa CARES, I wasn’t sure I was going to live another day,” said one client. “I was in the darkest place in my life and they were my light at the end of the tunnel. I came feeling hopeless, I had no insurance, and was trying to get my son back. Because of Tulsa Cares, I am no longer behind on bills, I have health insurance and I am alive.”
Two years ago, Tulsa CARES added HCV services realizing that the illness is disproportionally concentrated in marginalized communities and that Oklahoma has the second highest disease rate in the country. HCV is now curable when proper care and treatment are in place. Tulsa CARES works to reduce any additional barriers by providing co-pay assistance, transportation assistance and treatment costs if necessary. The nonprofit takes pride in having a reputation of being a safe place to access care without blame, shame or judgement.
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.
Posted By Marnie B. Taylor,
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Updated: Thursday, April 1, 2021
I am hearing from nonprofits that their optimism of getting back into offices and seeing one another at events is giving everyone hope about our future. With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, many of the families our nonprofits serve are getting further relief after a tumultuous last year. CARES Act funds have helped our sector immensely through PPP loans, eviction prevention assistance, grants from the Oklahoma Business Relief Program, funding specifically for arts organization and may other initiatives helping our organizations in a time of great challenge.
A survey from BKD found that 61% of nonprofits lost fees and donations in the last year and that 29% intend to cancel programs or reduce services. Nine of ten had to drastically alter operations. Nonprofits need relief. Now.
With the new American Rescue Plan, there will be further funds coming to Oklahoma to help individuals and businesses. My hope is that we will also develop a mechanism to get money from the ARP straight to nonprofits. The last rounds of stimulus for nonprofits were truly stop-gaps to help organizations survive an unpredictable economy. While donors stepped up in a big way last year, nonprofits will continue to need more cash to sustain programs and help Oklahomans long-term following the Pandemic.
I can tell you that most nonprofits increased service delivery over the last year. Needs were great, and nonprofits responded. However, few were funded for this extra work. When they did receive support, much of it had to cover budget holes created by lack of special events or major donors focusing on recovery.
Increased services were part of the operations of nonprofits. For instance, call volumes to our 211 system statewide increased 600-800% at times in the past year. All of our direct service organizations reported higher need. To sustain this into the future, we must continue investing in these programs so that they’re ready for the next civil disaster.
Nonprofits will need continued support. We expect high needs to continue long after we reach herd immunity. I urge our state leaders to consider using some of the America Rescue Plan funds to underwrite the work of nonprofits. While the situation looks less challenging, the people served by nonprofits may not see the relief for years come.
Posted By Linh Sasser, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits,
Monday, March 29, 2021
Updated: Monday, March 29, 2021
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. Oklahoma State University– Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS), is a finalist in the Health category.
“Our state has faced the unimaginable during the past year,” said Johnny Stephens, chief operations officer and senior vice president, OSU-CHS. “I am proud to say that OSU Center for Health Sciences stepped up to help our state meet these challenges head on. OSU-CHS was able to partner very early in the pandemic with OSU and the Animal Diagnostic Lab (OADDL) in Stillwater, thanks to the leadership of President Burns Hargis and Dr. Kayse Shrum. The exceptional faculty and staff at CHS, OSU Office of Research and OADDL were able to transform the existing diagnostic lab into one operational for human testing in 10 days. This provided a solution for the state of Oklahoma to expand its capacity for COVID-19 testing. When we started, we were one of the bottom five states for testing. In a short amount of time, Oklahoma was able to move into the upper half of states testing per capita. To date, the OSU Diagnostic Lab has processed more than 250,000 tests.”
OSU-CHS was founded in in 1972 in Tulsa. OSU-CHS is dedicated to educating and training osteopathic physicians and healthcare professionals, emphasizing on serving rural and underserved Oklahomans.
Project Extension for Community Health Care Outcomes (ECHO) was launched in 2016, followed by the National Center for Wellness and Recovery in 2017. In 2020, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first tribally affiliated medical school, welcomed its inaugural class.
“Education about COVID-19 and how to treat patients was shared to the healthcare workforce across the state through our Project ECHO platform,” said Stephens. “The COVID-19 Oklahoma Update ECHO was presented three times a week, with a total number of 31,600 participants to date. Our clinics transitioned to virtual visits, which allowed for more than 1,500 patients per week to see their doctor, and we placed 54 telemedicine carts in rural hospitals.”
More than 130 clinics have been held through Project ECHO for COVID-19. 31,000 physicians and community stakeholders across the state joined in the sessions. The savings from utilizing the Medical ECHO platform is estimated to be $1,173 per patient, saving Oklahoma millions of dollars.
OSU-CHS continues to produce graduates who are dedicated community leaders that are advancing medical research and innovating in education.
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.
Posted By Linh Sasser, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits,
Friday, March 26, 2021
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. Shortgrass Community Health Center (Shortgrass) is a finalist in the Health category.
Located in Hollis, Shortgrass has been providing medical, dental and behavioral health services to their community since 2012. They service 2,900 people through approximately 6,000 visits annually in Jackson, Green and Harmon counties.
Their services are open to anyone in their communities, however, their largest population, 75% of those served, are those at or below the poverty level and are uninsured.
Shortgrass provides stationary medical and dental care in Hollis, and provides telemedicine through their mobile unit, collaborating with Operation CARE in Altus. Shortgrass assists clients with transportation to their medical facilities in Hollis, if needed.
“I could not manage my health condition without shortgrass and the mobile unit,” said Roddy Rodriguez, client, Shortgrass.
Shortgrass also provides mental health services for women in recovery through a collaboration with Amethyst House, located in Altus. Other mental health services are provided through telehealth to the schools.
They have made it their mission to find the needs of their community and find creative solutions in meeting basic medical and dental needs. They are working to add optometry and medication assisted opioid addiction treatment.
To learn more about Shortgrass Community Health Center, visit their website: http://shortgrasschc.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.
Posted By Linh Sasser, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits,
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, March 16, 2021
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. SixTwelve – The Young School (SixTwelve) is a finalist in the Education category.
“Oklahoma Contemporary congratulates our friends at SixTwelve on this honor,” said Eddie Walker, executive director, Oklahoma Contemporary. “Their spirit of innovation is a refreshing alternative, and we wish them much success.”
Founded in 2011, SixTwelve serves 1,500 individuals annually. Their mission is “sharing tools to build a better community.” They succeed in their mission by providing educational opportunities for anyone interested in creativity and sustainability. Their scholarships allow access for anyone of any age, socioeconomic class, gender identity or place of residence.
SixTwelve’s programs include their pre-kindergarten community (with classes limited to eight students during COVID-19, with plans to expand the classes back to students), after school programs, Oklahoma Sierra Camp and Girl’s Rock and Roll Camp for youths.
“SixTwelve has been a blessing to our entire family, as both my daughter and son have attended. When SixTwelve decided to suspend its after school program and events, and transform its grounds into an outdoor classroom in order to conduct the Young School Pre-K Program, it made for an easy decision on where to send our son for preschool,” said Stephen G. Butler, parent, SixTwelve, and Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Relations, Oklahoma City University Law School. “My son is receiving a world-class education in the safest possible environment.”
SixTwelves’ creativity and sustainability workshops bring in 15-30 individuals each month, up to 300 adults in a normal year.
In addition to the sustainability workshops, their programs support the arts. At any given time, their residency program houses up to five artists, musicians, writers, dancers, chefs, film makers, farmers and other creatives from Oklahoma City, Savannah, Chicago and Memphis. When a residency artist takes place in Oklahoma City, a local Oklahoma City artist will take residency in place of the traveling artist.
“SixTwelve has been such a positive and vital part of our community,” said Denise Duong, Oklahoma City (and beyond) artist, and owner, The Paseo Art District’s Little D Gallery. “They’ve been such a great supporter of the arts by integrating in their community and school programing. Educating others with the vast genres of art is integral to a growing mind and also a curious community. We thank SixTwelve for helping water those curious minds!”
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.
Posted By Linh Sasser, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits,
Monday, March 15, 2021
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.”
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.
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. Bartlesville Education Promise (BEP) is a finalist in the Education category.
“BEP is a community group with the goals of improving the Bartlesville Public Schools’ third-grade reading scores and the high school graduation rate,” said Chuck McCauley, superintendent, Bartlesville Public Schools. “The leaders, Martin Garber and Ginger Griffin, asked the district what kind of support it needed to meet these goals. Bartlesville Education Promise provides Bartlesville Public Schools with funds for after school tutoring for struggling students, STEM leadership opportunities, instructional support for students experiencing trauma, and support for students during transitions from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. The Bartlesville Education Promise vision and support are making a positive difference for all our students.”
BEP has been serving the Greater Bartlesville Area since their founding in 2015. The mission of Bartlesville Education Promise is to guide their community towards assuming greater ownership for improved educational outcomes for all students of their schools, with special focus on improving graduation rates and readiness for higher education, technical school or full -time employment.Working with the schools, this involves special attention in identifying and helping students who are struggling and at risk of dropping out of school before graduation.Based on work with the schools, they identify unmet needs, develop appropriate programs and fund these with contributions from individuals, corporations, civic clubs and foundations.
Over 3,100 students in grades first through twelfth are provided education programs, such as after school tutoring with provided transportation home, weekend leadership programs for low income students in fourth and fifth grade and summer programs at the Boys and Girls Club, Tri-County Tech and other locations.
“Many of us became concerned with the falling graduation rates and how students were testing, as compared to international students,” said Ginger Griffin, co-founder, BEP. “As a result, we started to review national trends, options to improve these results, and study what we could do to improve outcomes in Bartlesville. After discussions with school administrators, local business leaders and teachers, we decided efforts needed to focus on third grade reading, the transition to and from middle school, and high school studies. As a result, BEP was founded with a focus on these three areas and the needs of struggling students, many of whom face multiple traumas. After creation of our foundation, we started with after school tutoring at the high school. Then we focused on elementary school reading and tutoring at the middle schools. Now we help over 3,000 students a year, provide after school tutoring at all nine Bartlesville schools, and fund a strong third grade tutoring program, and many additional programs to stimulate learning, and even virtual programs to enhance learning because of the pandemic.”
With schools teaching virtually due to the pandemic, they extended their programs to include virtual reading tutoring for elementary students, reducing the not passing rate to 1 percent from 15 percent not passing the fourth grade. In addition, the graduation rate has raised from 83 percent in 2015 to 91 percent in 2020, when the pandemic hit.
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.
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.
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.
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. Southern Oklahoma Library System (SOLS) is a finalist in the Community category.
SOLS has been serving the community since 1960 by providing easy access to information, inspiring curiosity, empowering the mind and expanding opportunities to advance the quality of life. Based in Ardmore, their programs reach Carter, Atoka, Love, Johnston and Murry counties.
“I have used quite extensively the reference section, the Septuagint that is provided, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible for my studies,” said Howard McMurry of Ardmore. “I also used the generous number of resources on Greek culture and Roman life. I was able to incorporate that into my dissertation, which I was able to finish up this summer.”
The SOLS community is comprised of 98,000 individuals of varying age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and education. Not only do they offer their branch locations, they also offer the Big Red Bookmobile, bringing access to books to their clients.
SOLS programs are mindful of the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the residents in their communities. Their programs provide informational resources, inspiring conversations and connections that lead to lifelong enrichment.
“Kinley just got a library card about a month ago,” said Neshia Crane, branch manager. “She comes in every Saturday with her mother and brother to check out books. She’s a huge fan of Erin Hunter, and for being in elementary school, she already reads at a high school level. Friday was Kinley’s 11th birthday. Her mother called me earlier in the day to see if I could stay a little late. All Kinley wanted to do was visit the library on her birthday. I made her a little gift bag with candy and pencils. She picked a book from the book sale room as her birthday present. On her way out, she told her mom I was her favorite librarian. This may be my day as the Love County Librarian.”
SOLS services include 24/7 access to digital resources. They also offer internet/computer use, e-books, DVDs, health literacy, tutoring (including English as a second language), passport assistance, faxing, notary services, financial education, income tax help and printing services, among many others.
Their programs not only serve private individuals, but also businesses.
“The manager of the local Dairy Queen, Whitney Hurley, stopped by on December 16 to use the Microsoft Excel program we provide to the public,” said Michael Henthorn, branch manager, Johnston County. “She was very appreciative and happy to have been able to find a computer with Excel that she could use to get caught up on some bookkeeping.”
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.
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.
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.
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. Oklahoma Youth Orchestras (OKYO) is a finalist in the Arts and Humanities category.
“I am exceedingly proud of how our wonderful board of directors, staff, families and volunteers have come together through challenging times to encourage and inspire students with music education and leadership training,' said Melody Garza Mikkelsen, executive director, OKYO. “OKYO has enriched the lives of thousands over the past forty years, and we are so grateful and honored to now be recognized by OKCNP!”
Since OKYO’s founding in 1987, they have been serving the mission: “Through quality instrumental music education programs for students and accessible cultural offerings for the Community, OKYO provides opportunities for artistic excellence to central and western Oklahoma.”
Their programs include providing a weekly orchestral ensemble experience for over 300 students located in central and western Oklahoma. Students range from 8 – 18 years of age. In addition to being challenged beyond their traditional classrooms, OKYO provides a summer camp for middle school-aged string instrument students.
“I can’t imagine a life not performing with other people,” said Jaylin Vinson, violinist, senior, Midwest City High School. “Even just one rehearsal was transformative for me. I hadn’t played in an ensemble since March. That one single moment while we were playing Sibelius changed my life.”
OKYO adds to the student experience by bringing in world class guest artists and featuring their own senior members as soloists.
OKYO provides students with the confidence to continue their passion in music by giving younger students the opportunities to be involved in non-auditioned ensembles, and later auditioned ensembles, such as string orchestras, wind ensemble, guitar ensemble, etc.
“OKYO is a blessing to our family,” said Michelle Seybolt, parent volunteer. “It has allowed my son to find an extracurricular that speaks to his passion of music.”
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.
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.”
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.
Posted By Marnie Taylor,
Thursday, February 4, 2021
This week, the Legislature convened for the 2021 legislative session. Last year as you recall, COVID-19 created a number of barriers for our state Legislature to get much policy work completed or bills passed. This year, they are hopeful that they will be able to return to a more normal session.
And they have their work cut out for them.
Oklahomans will be dealing with several important issues this year, and many of those directly impact the nonprofit sector. One of the most talked about is Oklahoma healthcare. Last week, the Healthcare Authority voted 5-4 to allow for managed care in Oklahoma. It was announced later that Oklahoma had chose four third-party managed care providers to help oversee the management of our state’s Medicaid population.
The possibility of managed care has both proponents and detractors, including within our nonprofit sector. It will have enormous effects on the way healthcare providing nonprofits are paid in Oklahoma and will influence their business practices. Additionally, the state will need to find nearly $200 million to fund the Medicaid expansion that was narrowly passed in a statewide vote.
Education – particularly K-12 schools – are also going to be a focus of the Legislature again this year. From operating during a pandemic to funding issues and school outcomes, there are a number of bills that address learning. For nonprofits that work alongside schools (early childhood programs, school supporting charities and foundations, along with other nonprofits), education funding and transparency will be major issues this session.
We are also hopeful that our Legislature will make changes to the Open Meetings Act, allowing once again nonprofit boards to meet virtually. It is our understanding that this will be addressed early in the session based on remarks made last week by Senate and House leadership at the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce online event. Sen. Greg Treat made mention that other issues for the Open Meetings Act would be addressed with other legislation later in the session.
And nonprofits will again need to carefully monitor various bills this year. I am encouraging nonprofits to again have advocacy at the forefronts of their mission. I also encourage board members to “Stand for the Mission” and get more involved in advocacy and government affairs. Nonprofits must continue working to keep a seat at the table for advocacy, and this year will be a pivotal moment for nonprofits working in healthcare, education, criminal justice reform and community services.
Posted By Linh Sasser,
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Updated: Friday, December 4, 2020
The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is honoring seven nonprofit leaders in six categories on December 3, 2019, at Visions: A Celebration of Nonprofit Leaders. Over the next few weeks, we will spotlight the honorees in each category.
One of the 2019 Pat Potts Visionary recipients, Jean Winfrey has dedicated over forty years of her life to Little Light House, Inc. (LLH). In 1976, with the desire to help special needs children learn and grow, Jean began volunteering with LLH. Jean retired from the organization as their executive director in June 2019 to enjoy more time with her family.
“The work I have been involved in at the LLH has been one of fulfillment as I see parents encouraged by the support they have received by our staff and realize they are not alone,” said Jean. “No parent ever expects to have a child with special needs. When they first receive the news, they’re not prepared for it, and most of the time they feel like their entire world is turned upside down. In many cases they must become medical professionals, learning the lingo, being trained to use equipment and scheduling constant doctor and therapy appointments. Then there is the emotional, financial and social impact it has on them, as well as the extended family. At LLH, not only do we offer a community of support and encouragement, but the tuition-free services we are able to provide is an additional blessing for these families having already been impacted by so many other expenses.”
Over the last forty years, Jean has served LLH as a volunteer, Volunteer Coordinator, Fund-Raising Chairman, Community Relations Coordinator, Director of Operations, Associate Director and as a Board Member, before becoming Executive Director in 2008.
In 2010, Jean and the LLH Board of Directors began a $17 million capital campaign that led to the expansion of their facilities, allowing them to serve more children and their families. Under Jean’s leadership, LLH was able to operate debt-free, increase their budge and expand their programs to serve more special needs children.
During Jean’s service, LLH was named a top nonprofit in Oklahoma by Guidestar for transparency and stability. Charity Navigator recognized LLH as a top-ten nonprofit implementing best practices.
“I know there are many deserving people across the state of Oklahoma that do so much to help others,” said Jean. “I am honored to receive this recognition and hope that in doing so, I am representing the amazing work being done statewide. Also, I believe all who work with non-profits, especially in the leadership role, must recognize we are not able to do what we do without the help of our devoted staff and volunteers.”
The Pat Potts Visionary award is named for the founder of OKCNP. The award goes to an individual executive leader who, through focus, tenacity and leadership, has inspired the success of a singular organization in carrying out its charitable mission.
Posted By Linh Sasser,
Monday, October 28, 2019
Updated: Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Over the next few weeks, as we spotlight the 2019 Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) Visions honorees, we are spotlighting a nonprofit meaningful to each of the honorees.
Bill Citty, 2019 Visions President’s Award recipient, was instrumental in the development of Palomar: Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, and currently serves on their advisory council. In December 2015, Citty, along with the rest of the Palomar strategic planning committee, met with 120 service providers and survivors of domestic violence to learn about the barriers that keep survivors from receiving services. Six committees were formed from professionals and leaders of 47 diverse service agencies. A little over a year later, on February 2, 2017, Palomar held its grand opening.
Palomar, located at 11th and Hudson in midtown Oklahoma City, houses 28 agencies, allowing survivors to go to one location for needed services instead of going to multiple locations, when transportation is often a barrier for those in need of services.
One of the first barriers a survivor may face is knowing where to go to for services and feeling safe while doing so. When the Palomar website is first accessed from a browser, a pop-up appears on the screen letting the viewer know they can press the “exit” button if their sense of safety is at risk. The button will redirect the user to their browser’s default home page.
When a survivor is ready to receive help, they are welcome to go to Palomar at any time during business hours. When they arrive, the survivor will have a one-on-one session with a Client Navigator, who guides and connects them to the agencies from whom they will receive services.
Palomar understands, through hearing from survivors and agency workers, when a survivor arrives in need or services, they are not always an individual and they may have children or pets who are in need of services as well. Palomar offers the Rainbow Fleets for children of all ages, while their guardian receives services. In addition, Palomar partners with the Oklahoma Humane Society to provide foster care services for the pets of survivors.
Thus far in 2019, the OK Humane Society Animal Advocacy Program at Palomar has served 140 human clients and 262 animals. Other agencies and services housed at Palomar include: Department of Human Services, Young Women’s Christian Association, Oklahoma Humane Society, Oklahoma City Police Department, Family Builders, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, etc.
“Getting to utilize the Animal Advocacy Program (AAP) immediately relieved so much anxiety,” said a Palomar client. “I was struggling with leaving my spouse and finding a place for all of these pets we’d adopted as a family. Rehoming them felt like a punch in the gut after everything else we were losing. The relief that the AAP gave by sheltering our family members while we regroup has been immeasurable.”
To learn more about Palomar’s services, visit their website: www.palomarokc.org
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