Center for Social Innovation

?? Innovation. Impact. Community. ?? The CFSI Team had an incredible opportunity to present at Restore OKC and the Eastside Market—bringing our mission to life in a space deeply rooted in community, restoration, and hope. ?? We weren’t just presenting a program—we were inviting others into a movement. ???? A movement where second chances become success stories ??, where potential is seen before credentials ??, and where hope isn’t just spoken—it’s activated. ?? We are building bridges ??, not barriers ??—and we’re grateful to Restore OKC and the Eastside Market for welcoming us with open arms. This is how change happens. Together ??. We’re not just changing lives. We’re changing systems. ???? And we’re just getting started. ?? ?? #CFSI #OSUOKC #RestoreOKC #EastsideMarket #SecondChances #PurposeDriven #WeAreCFSI #RewritingTheNarrative Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City RestoreOKC John Standfill Caroline Smith LaDawna McMichael Tabatha Overstreet Shawna Stephens

?? Victory Through the Storm ?? From rock bottom to rising strong—Skyler Jenkins, a current student who just achieved something truly extraordinary: graduating from the Oklahoma County Drug Court Program. ?? This moment isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a bold declaration. ?? A declaration that healing is possible ??, that transformation is real ??, and that with accountability, support, and relentless courage, lives can be rebuilt. ????? He didn’t just check boxes. ? He looked his past in the face ??, took ownership of his story ??, and chose a different path—day by day, choice by choice. ?????? Skyler, you define your future now. ???? Keep shining. ?? Keep leading. ?? Your story is a light for others still finding their way. ??? #CFSI #OSUOKC #FromStruggleToStrength #RecoveryIsPossible #BreakingTheCycle #SecondChances #PowerOfChange Skyler Jenkins Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Hon. Kenneth M. Stoner Diversion Hub Joe Pellow

?? An Unforgettable Morning of Creativity and Connection! ?? This morning’s Painting with a Twist experience was nothing short of inspiring! It wasn’t just about putting brush to canvas—it was about self-expression ??, stepping outside our comfort zones ??, and embracing the beauty of creativity ???. Each stroke told a story. Every color reflected emotion. And together, we created something truly meaningful. Experiences like these remind us of the power of art—to heal ??, to unite ??, and to ignite our inner spark ??. Grateful for the energy, the laughter, and the inspiration today. Life, like art, is what we make it. ?? #CFSI #OSUOKC #PaintingWithATwist #CreativityUnleashed #ArtThatInspires #EmbraceTheJourney Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Painting with a Twist

?? Powerful Lessons in Growth ?? Eric Chase brought the power of improv to the room, reminding us that the way we respond—to challenges, to others, to life itself—shapes everything. His insights left us with powerful takeaways: ?? Be curious, not judgmental. ?? ?? Be curious, not critical. ?? ?? Action + Empathy = Compassion. ?? The "Yes, and..." mindset isn’t just for improv—it’s a tool for mindful leadership ??, adaptability ??, and resilience ??. It teaches us to build bridges ?? instead of barriers ??, to lean into vulnerability ??, and to create spaces where growth thrives ??. ?? The challenge now? Lead with curiosity. Act with empathy. Embrace the power of "Yes, and..." The impact we make starts with the mindset we choose. ?? Thank you, Eric, for an unforgettable session! #CFSI #OSUOKC #EMSImprov #YesAndMindset #LeadWithCuriosity #CompassionInAction #MindfulLeadership #GrowthThroughVulnerability Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Eric Chase

The Power of R.A.I.N. with Lauree Dash Diving deep into mindful meditation, exploring what it truly means to be with difficult emotions—not resist them, not judge them, but sit with them in awareness and compassion. We practiced R.A.I.N., a tool for self-inquiry and emotional resilience: ?? Recognize – Become a witness to what’s stirring inside you. Name it. Label it. No running, no numbing—just noticing. ???? ?? Allow – Remove the judgment. Let it be. No emotion is “wrong,” no feeling is “too much.” ???? ?? Investigate – With kindness, curiosity, and gentleness, explore what’s present. Not to fix or force, but to see what is true for you. ???? ?? Non-identify/Nurture – The mindful self-compassion step. You are not your emotions. They move through you, but they do not define you. Offer yourself the care you would give a dear friend. ???? This practice is transformative—a way to meet life’s challenges with awareness, grace, and deep self-compassion. Healing doesn’t come from avoiding discomfort, but from allowing ourselves to fully experience it without fear. ???? Grateful for this space of growth. Grateful for the tools that help us stay grounded. Grateful for the journey. ???? #CFSI #OSUOKC #MindfulMeditation #RAINPractice #SelfCompassion #EmotionalResilience #GrowthMindset Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Lauree Dash

Judge Stoner’s Powerful Insights on Addiction Addiction isn’t about bad choices—it’s about ?? genetics, ?? mental health, ?? trauma, and ?? early substance use. Judge Stoner broke it down with the 4 C’s of Addiction: ?? Compulsive use ?? Loss of Control ?? Continued use despite harm ?? Cravings ?? A key lesson: Abstinence is not recovery. ?? Abstinence means avoiding substances, but true recovery means ?? healing mentally, physically, and socially, rebuilding purpose and finding community support. ? Oklahoma is taking action! Treatment Courts offer a life-changing alternative to incarceration, with an impressive ?? 83% graduation rate. These programs ?? break cycles of addiction and crime while saving ?? taxpayer dollars and restoring ?? lives. ?? The reality? Incarceration is expensive, ineffective, and often makes addiction worse—especially for low-risk individuals. It’s time to invest in solutions that actually work. ?? Recovery is possible. Support saves lives. Treatment brings hope. #CFSI #OSUOKC #AddictionRecovery #TreatmentNotIncarceration #BreakTheCycle #HopeAndHealing #4CsOfAddiction Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Hon. Kenneth M. Stoner

?? Welcoming Our New Interns: Caroline & LaDawna! ?? We are excited to introduce two amazing team members through AmeriCorps Oklahoma & Red River Community Corps! ?? ?? Caroline Smith – Community Outreach Coordinator ?? With a passion for building bridges and strengthening community connections, Caroline will lead outreach efforts to expand our impact and engage more individuals in our mission! ?? LaDawna McMichael – Mentorship Program Coordinator ?? A dedicated advocate for growth and empowerment, LaDawna will develop and enhance mentorship opportunities, ensuring that individuals receive the guidance and support they need to thrive. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make—join us in giving them a BIG welcome! ?? #CFSI #OSUOKC #AmeriCorps #RedRiverCommunityCorps #WorkForceDevelopment #CommunityOutreach #MentorshipMatters Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

?? TEDx Talk – How to Speak So People Listen + Student Presentations ?? This morning, we explored one of the most powerful skills we can develop: the ability to communicate so people truly listen. We don’t just want our words to be heard—we want them to make an impact. Inspired by the TEDx Talk – How to Speak So People Listen, we learned that effective communication isn’t just about what we say—it’s about how we say it. Authenticity, tone, clarity, and intention all shape whether our message resonates or fades into the background. But the real magic happened when our students took the stage! ?? They created their own unique acronyms to represent the key elements of powerful communication—then delivered their insights in front of the class. It wasn’t just about theory; it was about action. They owned their voices, embraced the challenge, and spoke with purpose. ?? Key Takeaways from Today: ?? Authenticity Wins – Speak with honesty and heart. People connect with what’s real. ?? Tone & Delivery Matter – Your voice carries energy—use it to engage, not just inform. ?? The Power of Pause – Silence is a tool, not a weakness. Let your words breathe. ?? Intent Shapes Impact – Speak to add value, not just to be heard. Each student’s acronym was a testament to their creativity, growth, and commitment to becoming stronger communicators. Because when we speak with clarity and intention, people don’t just hear us—they listen. ?? What’s one acronym that defines YOUR communication style? Drop it in the comments! ?? #CFSI #OSUOKC #TEDxTalk #HowToSpeakSoPeopleListen #Leadership #CommunicationMatters #StudentVoices Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City DeAirra’ Cox

?? Unlocking Potential through Group Coaching ?? This morning’s Group Coaching Session with Charles Gosset of Full Integration Coaching was nothing short of extraordinary! Charles masterfully guided us through practical and transformative strategies to unlock our TRUE POTENTIAL. ?? Through this session, we explored: ? The importance of clarity and alignment in decision-making. ? Tools for managing life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. ? How to connect our personal values to our daily actions. Charles’s wisdom reminded us that growth is a continuous process, and the path to transformation starts with a single step of courage, commitment, and confidence. ?? Immense gratitude to Charles for leading such a transformative session, inspiring us to think bigger, act bolder, and unlock new possibilities. Your guidance empowers us to take meaningful steps towards our goals. ?? ?? What bold move will you take next? Share your inspiration with us below! ?? #CFSI #OSUOKC #FullIntegrationCoaching #GroupCoaching #EmpowermentJourney #InspiredAction Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Charles Gosset, PCC, CPRC Full Integration Coaching

?? Harnessing the Power of the Five Voices with Tracy Rader ?? This morning was a ?? transformational experience ?? as we dove into the Power of the Five Voices with Tracy Rader of GiANT Worldwide! ??? Foundational Voice: We uncovered how our foundational voice ?? shapes our perspective, decisions, and interactions. ?? By recognizing its potential for ?? positive influence—and identifying areas for growth —we’re building authentic leadership that uplifts everyone around us. ?? ?? Relational Intelligence Matrix: Self-awareness is the heartbeat ?? of impactful leadership. ?? Through the Relational Intelligence Matrix, we explored how knowing ourselves deeply ?? equips us to lead ourselves effectively. ?? Because the foundation of leading others well starts with mastering our own journey! ?? This experience was more than a lesson—it was a call to action! ?? Leadership begins with the courage ?? to look inward, the discipline ?? to grow, and the passion ?? to create a ripple of positive change. ???? #CFSI #OSUOKC #GiANTWorldwide #FiveVoices #LeadershipMatters #SelfAwareness #PersonalAndProfessionalGrowth Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Tracy Rader GiANT Worldwide