The ORU Report

In a significant gesture of community support, the OEC Foundation has awarded more than $41,562.21 in grants to local organizations and families. This funding will bolster a range of initiatives, from enhancing fire department capabilities in Slaughterville and Newcastle to supporting the vital work of South Central CASA in aiding foster children within the legal system.

$25,000 was awarded to organizations hoping to bring holiday cheer and love to at-risk families and children. Organizations like Bridge Creek Community, Grady County Child Welfare Advisory Board, Fostering Futures, Mission Norman’s The Christmas Store, and Paula M. & Bob D. Magarian Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner Foundation.

The fire departments of Slaughterville and Newcastle received grants of nearly $8,000 for portable foam systems and gas monitoring devices.

South Central CASA (court-appointed special advocates) of Oklahoma received $10,000 to continue their essential mission of supporting children in foster care within the legal system. South Central CASA represents over 300 children annually in Cleveland and McClain counties, but at the time of this application, over 786 children were in the Cleveland County Foster Care system alone.

“This grant will help South Central CASA reach more children,” said Donna Stamper, executive director of South Central CASA.

Cavett Kids Foundation received $7,850 to help with transportation to their annual summer camp. Camp Cavett is free of charge to children and teens diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness. The goal is to create a summer camp experience “where illness does not define the child.” Kids with life-threatening illnesses can participate in traditional summer camp activities while under the care of a highly qualified volunteer medical team.?

Expected outcomes include increased independence, confidence, and motivation.

Neighborhood Services Organization received $10,000 for their oral health outreach program.

“Oklahoma’s dental care rankings are disastrous,” said Stacy Ninness, president and CEO of NSO. “More than 50% of Oklahomans don’t have dental insurance; tens of thousands more are underinsured. NSO’s Low-Cost Dental Clinic is the only one of its kind in the state and makes sure everyone, regardless of race, age, or income, can access high-quality, affordable care in a state-of-the-art clinic. 31,774 children, adults, and seniors were treated last year.”

Community After School Program (CASP) and Little Read Wagon received $2,000 each for literacy programs. CASP provides free literacy tutoring to elementary students reading below grade level and whose families have limited financial resources. Little Read Wagon is dedicated to increasing book access to underserved and marginalized populations. This grant will allow Little Read Wagon to place approximately 400 books at five Head Start book cart locations in Norman, Moore and Noble.

“Allowing each child to self-select one book each week to add to their at-home library promotes continued emphasis on the importance of early literacy,” said Rose Marie Sondergeld, board member of Little Read Wagon.

Individual grants of $16,562.21 include aid for vision care, HVAC system repair, roof repair, and a new mattress for a fire victim.

For those seeking assistance or wishing to apply for ORU grants, the applications are readily available at okcoop.org/oru. Individuals can contact Tory Tedder-Loffland at [email protected] or (405) 217- 6726 for further inquiries. Applications received by March 18 will be reviewed at the April 4 meeting.