The Center of Hope

Today I wanted to take a minute to talk a little bit about our Center of Hope, many know it as the "homeless shelter" but really, it is a full service social service center. Here is some great information about some of the programs offered there EVERYDAY! 

Did you know? 

• The Center of Hope is the largest homeless refuge in NE Oklahoma with a capacity for over 500 and has separate living areas for single men, single women and families. Three daily meals are served for shelter guests.
• Nightly chapel services are available. Participation is voluntary.
• Primary physical and mental health care services are provided at on site clinics.

We offer Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA)

• Utility assistance (electric, natural gas, propane and water/sewer services)
• Limited prescription assistance is provided following the same application requirements for EFA. A current original prescription must be submitted with application.
• Restricted Travel Assistance is available to send “stranded” travelers safely back to their homes and employment. Application for Travel Assistance does not guarantee assistance will be available or approved.

Our Supportive Housing program helps to reduce the number of permanently homeless in Tulsa by:

• Teaching effective financial management
• Fostering healthy nutritional habits
• Strengthening families through parenting development
• Establishing solid family structures and values
• Developing desire to seek lifelong learning opportunities
• Acquiring, stabilizing and maintaining housing.

The PATHWAYS program has the goal to help those facing homelessness follow a clear path to self-sufficiency.

• Step One – Genesis
• The Genesis Program is designed as a starting point and is the guest’s opportunity for a new beginning.
• Step Two – Joshua/Ruth
• The Joshua/Ruth Program is designed to move the guest towards desiring and obtaining a fulfilling successful life.
• Step Three – Josiah
• The Josiah Program is designed to eliminate obstacles that guests experience which hinder progress towards housing stability.
• Step Four – Gideon
• The Gideon Program is designed for guests who work full time and are preparing to return to permanent housing.
• Goliath – This program complements Steps One through Four and is exclusively for guests struggling with addictions by focusing on proper treatment opportunities and recovery that leads to lifelong sobriety.
• Abraham – A Family Focused Program
• The Abraham Program is a life skills class designed for families, which provides guidance towards appropriate individualized housing placement in either on-site Supportive Housing or permanent housing.

Project Able is a program for single individuals who are HOMELESS and are willing to work towards self-sufficiency through employment education and skills training. It includes:

• Two-year supportive program (transitional housing)
• Comprehensive assessment of individual needs
• Individualized case plan developed by the individual and case management team
• Group sessions to specifically target problem areas
• Education and job training opportunities
• Intensive case management services including client-linkage, advocacy and coordination of services
• Assistance with basic necessities .

I hope you learned something about the Center of Hope that you didn't know! Have a great weekend!

~Lindsay

Keeping kids busy!

Almost everyday, I get the opportunity to talk to the staff at our 6 local Boys & Girls Clubs about what they are doing this summer, and I am blown away!! I wanted to share a short list of things the kids at some of the clubs have been doing in the last week or so.

At the North Mabee Club they had 100 kids show up for the first day of football practice! They also visited the Blue Bell Creamery in Broken Arrow and sent four of their kids to Space Camp at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.  Today they are going golfing, tomorrow they will go skating and on Friday bowling! Think that is already a lot? They are also keeping up with their new vegetable garden and the kids have been picking cucumbers, squash and peppers!

Broken Arrow also has a pretty big list of activities! They have had an art day, went to Laser Quest, Dave & Busters and the water park in Muskogee! They even took a trip down the turnpike and spent a day at Frontier City! The list of "fun days" I got from Janis Fraley, Broken Arrow Unit Director, includes: Olympic Day, Bike Day, PJ Day, Splatter Day, Eat all Day-Day and so many more. Those kids are having some fun!

Sand Springs has not missed out on any of the fun, their kids visited Woolaroc, went to Incredible Pizza, visited the traveling planetarium dome, went roller skating and had a 50's day! Their upcoming events include going glow-putting and a 70's day! The Club is also hosting about 12 basketball games a week in the evenings and football practice just started!

In Sapulpa this week they have already taken 65 kids to the public pool and went skating with the Sand Springs kids. Today is "Ready, Set, Chill" day, the kids are wearing their PJ's all day and just "chilling out." They will be watching movies on the wall in the gym (their drive-in) and enjoying popsicles and popcorn, just a lazy camp day to escape the heat (I think I'm going to sneak over and join them)! Tomorrow they will be playing Laser Quest and on Friday it is Water Wars!

Doesn't it sound like these kids are having a great summer? Remember, our Boys & Girls Clubs are open year-round and depend on donations to help make sure ALL our programs are available to ALL children. To donate $10 to support The Salvation Army, text "TULSA" to 85944. Your gift will be used to make sure our programs are always available to those in need!

~Lindsay

Glass Flowers Bloom for Mabee Red Shield

About 20 kids from the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club recently learned how to create glass flowers at the Tulsa Glassblowing Studio. Young Rembrandts art teacher Miss LaDonna arranged for the Club’s older kids, counselors, counselors-in-training and staff to take the class.

The Glassblowing Studio is a non-profit organization, and it covered the cost of the kids’ tuition with scholarships. The class started with a professional glass artist demonstrating how to heat a metal rod with some glass on the end in a furnace. The students then dipped the glowing glass into different colored glass chips to form the stem. Afterward, the glass went back into the fire to melt the chips. In its heated state, the kids shaped petals with giant tweezers and pulled the glass to create a stem. Then the glass flower was put in a kiln to cool over several days. Students retrieved their artwork later to take home. Many thanks to Tulsa Glassblowing Studio staff for giving Mabee Red Shield an experience they will always remember!

-Sallie

July 8-9: “Invisible People” to Feature Photos of Center of Hope Guests

It’s not every day that our homeless guests staying at the Center of Hope are asked to model for a photo shoot, but that’s what happened about a month ago. Shadia Dahlal, a founder of the Tulsa Folkloric Dance Theater, was familiar with the Center of Hope because her son lived there last year. She was inspired to bring Tulsa’s homeless issue to the forefront through theatre, dance, and music in the Dance Theater’s annual production. In “Invisible People” large photographic portraits of the guests from the Center of Hope will be used as a backdrop during the performance. Shadia said she wanted to use “real people, living in Tulsa” for the photographs and we supported her effort. To thank the many guests who posed for photos, Shadia gave them keepsake portraits and a ticket to see the performance. To order your tickets for “Invisible People” go to  http://www.tulsapac.com/ticketoffice.asp.
-Sallie

BA Welcomes New Officers

Captains Mike and Lori Lucas started their new assignment in Broken Arrow last week and they are thrilled to be in BA. "Everything is so easy to find and I like all the amenities,” Capt. Lori said. Both Captains are also excited about working with the experienced and knowledgeable staff at the B. A. Boys & Girls Club. The Lucas family moved to the BA Corps after being the officers in charge of The Salvation Army in Ponca City.

The Lucas family includes Hannah,10; Mark, 9; Jacob, 7 and Gracelynn, 13 months. The couple had tried for years to have birth children, but each of four pregnancies before Gracelynn ended in miscarriage. They began the complicated process of adoption while serving in Ada, and had an instant family when they adopted a sibling group who was in foster care. “The process went so unexpectedly fast, it was a God thing,” Capt. Mike said. And just as amazing was when Capt. Lori gave birth to Gracelynn on June, 7th, 2010, whom they nicknamed “Miracle Baby.” The three older children are enjoying Day Camp at the Boys & Girls Club and Club Director Janis Fraley held a surprise open house at the Club last week to introduce the couple to the community. Welcome to the Tulsa Area Command, Lucas family. It’s good to get to know you!

-Sallie

Stay Cool at the Center of Hope

With temperatures in the triple digits and little hope for relief, here’s a reminder that The Salvation Center of Hope at 102 N. Denver is designated by the City of Tulsa as an official Cooling Station. That means anyone can stop by for a cool drink of water and sit in the air-conditioned lobby 24/7. The Center’s front desk employees have not seen many new guests coming in to cool off yet, but as air conditioners break down, this could change. Although the Center of Hope is a homeless shelter and social services center, a person does not have to be homeless to use its services during extreme weather. Remember, drink plenty of water and watch for signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, feeling weak and/or confused, dizziness, nausea, headache and fast heart beat.  Stay cool!

-Sallie

Buffalo Wild Wings Helps Tornado Victims

Buffalo Wild Wings® Grill & Bar announced on June 22 that it will donate 10 percent of non-alcoholic sales to The Salvation Army’s Tornado Relief Fund. Tulsa location in Broken Arrow and Tulsa will be participating in this great event!

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our local community and hopefully help our guests as well,” said Kathy Benning, Buffalo Wild Wings® Executive Vice President Global Marketing & Brand Development.  “By offering 10% of sales on June 29 to The Salvation Army, Buffalo Wild Wings and our guests are supporting our friends and neighbors. We are confident that our combined efforts will greatly help the lives of those impacted by the recent horrific tornados.”

Over 400 restaurants are participating nation-wide including both Tulsa area locations. Guests can visit any participating Buffalo Wild Wings® on June 29 and 10% of the food sale will benefit The Salvation Army Tornado Relief.

“Buffalo Wild Wings’ dedication to service is a blessing.  Through this partnership, Salvation Army caseworkers and disaster response personnel will serve even more survivors as they rebuild their lives and homes.” Jeff Jellets, Territorial Disaster Coordinator for The Salvation Army.

Customers unable to visit a restaurant can also donate online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

Personally, I love Buffalo Wild Wings! It has been too long since I visited one so I am super excited for this opportunity to enjoy my favorite wings and help The Salvation Army at the same time.  So, get a group together for lunch or load up your family for dinner, just go! I promise you won't be disappointed! 

~Lindsay

Mabee Red Shield Leaders Honored

It’s not often a person gets to be the warm-up act for sixties music legend Chubby Checkers, but that’s what happened Sunday. Well, kind of. Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club Director Jerome Smith and Red Shield Athletic Director Sam Berry both took the stage at the Jazz Depot to be honored for their contributions to youth and music. The awards ceremony was the last in the Juneteenth celebration, held Saturday and Sunday. Leon Rollerson, MC and originator of the event, said Jerome’s work with the young people at the North Harvard Club was outstanding.

“A lot of people talk the game, but you do the game. You’re telling kids, not hundreds, but thousands of kids through the years, ‘we’re here for you’ and you are,” Rollerson said. When he recognized Sam, he said that 10 years ago there were 10-15 gospel groups performing in Tulsa and now there are only four or five. “You are the last of the gospel singers and you’re passing it on to the kids,” he said. Rollerson teased the audience by pretending to introduce several celebrities during the event, then saying they couldn’t make it to Tulsa. So by the time Chubby Checkers was introduced, the audience was prepared to be let down. Instead, Mr. “Let’s Do the Twist” took the stage to wild applause. But for The Salvation Army, parents and kids, Jerome and Sam deserve the most applause for hanging in there, year after year. No one-hit wonders at Mabee Red Shield! Congratulations Sam and Jerome!

-Sallie

Good Turnout for Fun Day

Approximately 150 visitors, parents and kids showed up at the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club Saturday for “Fun Day,”   according to Jerome Smith, the Club’s Director. The purpose of Fun Day was to showcase the many activities the Club offers to attract new members. Participants were offered a variety of activities including sports, arts and lunch. Despite temperatures of 97 degrees, football enthusiasts learned new moves in a mini clinic while the StarZ Dance Team performed in the gym. North Mabee Athletic Director Kenny King flipped burgers on the grill and kids had their faces painted by Young Rembrandts representatives.  Parents talked to reps from the Boy Scouts, H&R Block, Pratt College and Mary Kay. Young kids enjoyed a Jupiter Jump while moms and grandmas listened to Red Shield Athletic Director Sam Berry and a member of his gospel quartet sing gospel music. Many thanks go to KJAMZ 105.3 radio for promoting Fun Day on the air. And thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make Fun Day a smashing success!


  -Sallie

Wanted: Couch Potatoes

To get couch potatoes off the sofa and into fitness, the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club has begun an “After Hours Sports” program at the Club on 1400 W. Washington. On Mondays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., all ages can play volleyball. Tuesdays, also 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Men’s League meets for basketball. Kids ages 13 to 16 get to play basketball on Thursdays, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday evenings, all ages play rugby from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All of the Sports Night programs cost $2 a night and participants must be a member of the BA Club to attend.

Boy Scout Troop 995: Heroes in BA

You might have seen them serving food at the BA Bouncin’ Barbecue. Maybe you were there when they conducted a flag ceremony at an awards dinner. They might have handed you a cup of water at the BA Family Triathlon. They are the members of Boy Scout Troop 995 and they are heroes to the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club. Just ask a Challenger kid. The Challenger program is designed for developmentally disabled kids to participate in activities at whatever level they can. Troop 995 members help the Challengers in their swimming and art classes.

From left at the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast are: Lt. Russell Clay; Alex Walker, Troop 995 member and State Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year; Tammy Pinley, Scout Leader; Janis Fraley, BA Boys & Girls Club Program Director.

Troop 995 leader Tammy Pinley added up the troop's volunteer hours and estimated 300 hours, but that’s probably low. “The troop gives The Salvation Army a tremendous gift of time, especially when you consider that they are in school most of the day,” said Rhonda McDaniel, volunteer coordinator. Last Christmas, Tammy and another leader, Mike Hall, put in five Saturdays, 12 hours each day, taking hot chocolate and snacks to the Scouts while they served as bell ringers last Christmas. They raised $9,000. Only one Troop 995 member could attend the recent Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast because the rest were in school, so here is your shout out: The Broken Arrow Salvation Army loves you and could not do the good they do without your help! 

-Sallie

Get to know our Midtown Worship Location - The Citadel

 

Come by and learn about all the programs and worship opportunities that are available at The Tulsa Citadel! 

~Lindsay

Midwestern Tornado Relief

The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division is responding to storms across the Midwest. The Tulsa mobile feeding unit was dispatched last night to the Joplin area with Captain Warren Jones from our Sapulpa Corp and one volunteer ready to serve. In Joplin, they will serve alongside other officers and volunteers to help all of those in need. Please continue your prayers for all of those affected.

To give a gift to support relief efforts text the word JOPLIN to 80888, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or give securely online here.

New “Mabee Baby” Honored with Trip to Disney World

The National Salvation Army honored North Mabee Boys & Girls Club member and McLain High School senior Ramone Malone and his family recently by giving them a complimentary weekend trip to Disney World and showing a video of Ramone’s life at the National Advisory Organizations Conference. The video illustrated how Ramone had overcome obstacles in his life with support from the North Mabee Club. 
After the video, Ramone and Major Roy Williams stood on stage in front of 2,000 people and Ramone thanked the Salvation Army and the North Mabee Club for helping him. He received a standing ovation. The stage had been occupied by former first lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna the day before.  Ramone has been accepted to North Eastern Oklahoma State University in the fall and is looking forward to studying business. Long-time North Mabee Club Director Mrs. Jo Bright said Ramone is a “true Mabee Baby”,  her nick name for former members of the Club who have become  outstanding adults.  “Time spent, lessons learned and appreciation shown has been Ramone’s history here at the Club. He was always willing to help, try new things and he worked hard to be the best he could be,” Mrs. Bright said. 
Congratulations to Ramone, his mother Christi and eight-year-old brother Ja'Shaun, who is also a member of the Club. It was great to see you at Disney World and watch you represent Tulsa with dignity and grace. I hope you had the time of your life!

-Sallie

Ramone was also featured in this National Salvation Army commercial seen on television across the country this past holiday season!

Mary's Letter

This letter was sent to our Center of Hope and I wanted to share. It is always nice to know that our work each day touches lives and makes a difference :)  Mary applied for utility assistance and an $80 payment kept the water on in her home.  Utility assistance programs like this keep many from becoming homeless. ~Lindsay


Dear Salvation Army,

I am writing you this letter to thank you so much for helping me with my bill. At that time I was needing help BAD! I am very thankful for you all and your help. You paid my water bill, thanks very much for your assistance. I say again, from the bottom of my heart God bless you and your caseworkers and workers and their families.

Know that God loves each one of you.

Mary

PS. Remember you're always in my prayers, always. Just remember you help a lot of people Salvation Army. Smile.

Breakfast Celebrates Volunteers

It was a beautiful spring morning when the Tulsa Area Command honored its volunteers by treating them to breakfast and giving them their Presidential Awards.

 Volunteers from four of six Boys & Girls Clubs and the Center of Hope came to the Central Center at Centennial Park to hear comments from Major Roy Williams and each of the Tulsa Area Command directors who count on their volunteers. “Without you, we could not do what we do,” Major Williams said.

The variety of volunteers was impressive; an 88-year-old Aquatics teacher, four ladies from US Cellular who translate Spanish at the Center of Hope and a lady who rings bells five days a week at Broken Arrow Walmarts. 

Volunteer Coordinator Rhonda McDaniel told the story of the Presidential Awards, which are divided into bronze, silver and gold categories, and are signed by President Obama.

 Congratulations to all our volunteers. We appreciate you more than you could ever know!
-Sallie

Women Helping Women through Golf

Warm hearts and cold hands filled the dining room at the Fourth Annual Women Helping Women Golf Tournament held at Meadowbrook Golf Club Monday.  It was 40 degrees at the shotgun start of the tournament, but the “saving grace” from the cold was the lack of wind and rain, Michael Dishman, Salvation Army Special Events Director said.  The women’s tournament raised $50,000 that will help women and children staying at the Salvation Army Center of Hope homeless shelter and social services center. After playing golf, 14 women’s teams settled into the club dining room for a delicious lunch of warm taco salad. Advisory Board Chair Billie Barnett said that the Center of Hope helps an average of 60 women and 60 children every night. She thanked tournament chair Sandi Pittman for her dedication to taking the event “up to the next level.” The women had such a good time at the club that they have already scheduled next year’s tournament at Meadowbrook June 4, 2012. With a little luck, they won’t need to wear warm up suits next year! Thanks to everyone who braved the cold to do the greatest good for women and children who need it the most.

-Sallie

Claremore Kids Skip Prom to Paint Playground

Many thanks to Matthew Patrick who recently skipped his prom at Claremore High School to paint playground equipment at the West Mabee Boys & Girls Club. Matt brought a group a friends from the "Next Generation" youth group from First United Methodist Church of Claremore. Members included: Nakylan Walker, James Jones, Tommy Howe, Jose Ibanez, Jaime Willis, Paige Fingerle, Nicole IbanezCassandra Scott. A reporter and photographer from the Tulsa World were also on site to get the story of this amazing group of kids.

Thank you to Matt and your amazing friends - you did a great job! 


Sallie

Happy Easter

Are you and your family looking for a place to celebrate and worship this Easter? Join us in Sapulpa, Sand Springs or Broken Arrow!

The Sand Springs Corps will be combining for a "SonRise Service" at 8 a.m. with the Sapulpa corps at their building (1721 S. Hickory). Afterwards, there will be a breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Sapulpa Corps for attendees.

The Sand Springs Corps will then be hosting their Easter Celebration service at 11a.m. at their facility (4403 S. 129th West Avenue) in Sand Springs.

The Sapulpa Corps will open a Good Friday Prayer Station Service beginning at 1 p.m on April 22. On April 23rd they will have an amazing Youth Easter Rally with musical entertainment by “Consumed by Fire” a local Christian Rock Band.  On Easter, they will have the early “SonRise Sevice” (see above) as well as their main Easter Service at 11 a.m. at their facility (1721 S. Hickory) followed by a lunch and Easter egg hunt!

Broken Arrow Corps is conducting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at their facility (1400 W. Washington) on Thursday April 21st at 5:30 (ages 0-12)  with 5 prize baskets per age group. Easter Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Easter is a great opportunity to find a place to worship that meets your spiritual needs. We hope that you will join us. Hoppy Easter :)

~Lindsay

In Sand Springs, Tuesdays are totally fit and totally cool!

The problem of childhood obesity is in the news every day and one Boys & Girls Club in the Tulsa area is rising to the challenge of doing something about it. “Totally Fit Tuesdays” at the Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club make it fun for kids to eat healthy, stay active and learn to reduce stress.  Program director Nathan Nevers said he is already seeing results. “We’ve only taught the program for two months, but I can see a change in attitude.  Kids are getting more involved in playing,” Nevers said. 

Nathan said kids who used to think that exercise had to be strenuous to be good for them are learning that any kind of activity is not only good for them but fun.  Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Nathan and program aides Mary Bechtold and Jennifer Bryant divide sixty plus kids into three rooms where they teach three twenty-minute sessions about nutrition, fitness and relaxation techniques. Of course, Boys & Girls Clubs are well known for organized sports, but on Totally Fit Tuesdays the kids play games in which kids of all ages and sizes can feel competent, such as jumping rope.