Oklahoma City is overflowing with generous groups—too many to list them all. However, we have highlighted a few local gems below, along with their greatest needs. We hope you discover a nonprofit that inspires you to do a little good this season, and, perhaps, recruit a few friends to do a little more.
“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.” – Harold Kushner
- Wings – Inclusion is at the core of Wings. Though members have diverse disabilities, the community unites when they discover and celebrate the abilities in others. They unite as they volunteer at local nonprofits. They unite as they enjoy a meaningful, purposeful life. Wings helps adults with developmental disabilities live their best lives through social, vocational, and residential programs. The nonprofit is currently serving 63 adults, aged 18 to 63, but is working to expand its operations and reduce the wait list. For those unable to attend daily programs, it offers monthly social events, like themed dinners and dances. About 100 people attend every “Social Club” gathering.
Greatest need: financial support to grow the Wings community, transform lives, and continue serving adults with developmental disabilities. High school students graduate every year needing Wings’ services. At the same time, the organization’s members never graduate; they need lifelong support.
- La Luz Organization – La Luz Organization turns victims into survivors by providing trauma-informed services to the underserved Latino and Hispanic victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Certified by the attorney general, La Luz Organization provides crisis intervention, legal assistance (case management and court support), support groups, and advocacy. Its certified interpreters act as liaisons with government agencies and other victim-service providers. The organization offers laundry services inside its confidential location. as well as new and gently used clothing. Everything La Luz Organization does is in Spanish, confidential, and free.
Greatest need: funding is most important, but there is also a need for volunteers, clothing, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and gift cards for clients.
- Pier 34 – By making counseling services available to all, regardless of income, Pier 34 pulls people out of life’s sometimes choppy waters, and gives them a safe platform to be seen, be heard, and become whole. Pier 34 addresses the mental health treatment gap for those who don’t qualify for help from the state, but who can’t afford a copay for therapy sessions. The organization consists of highly qualified therapists strategically located throughout the metro, which helps minimize travel barriers in receiving care. In addition to receiving an initial 12 sessions of counseling, clients are gifted a six-month membership to the YMCA of Oklahoma City.
Greatest need: individual or corporate donations for the program, in addition to partnerships on Pier 34’s fundraising and awareness events.
- The Dragonfly Home – Since opening in November 2016, Dragonfly Home has been a lifesaving resource for women recovering from sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Its human trafficking crisis center has served more than 500 victims, while its 24-hour helpline has fielded more than 5,000 calls. Soon, it will open the state’s first state-certified Human Trafficking Transition Home—a place where victims can live, participate in Dragonfly’s comprehensive services, and receive support while working toward the goals that will help them build a new, independent future for themselves and their children.
Greatest need: financial support to open the Dragonfly Human Trafficking Transition Home.
