August’s 11 Hope Highlights

"Family I never knew I had..."

Ruth Ann has an all-star Stand in the Gap family! She is surrounded by Marti and her husband, Officer Jenkins, and two Stand in the Gap graduates, Felicia and Shaunte! But, Ruth Ann isn't the only one feeling the love. Volunteer Marti says, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I needed these girls in my life. They feel like family I never knew I had."

"It gave me hope for a future"

New Life Launch teams!

Over the last month, we've launched a couple new Life Launch teams - some by Zoom and some by social distance! Pictured is team Mason. Mason was previously on a Life Launch team in Tulsa, but moved to Norman to be adopted. Now he's got a new team! Mason, who wants to be an engineer, was matched with two professionals in the engineering field! We are looking forward to walking with Mason through this new chapter in his life.

Back at it!

Some of the ladies in our small group for widows at Asbury United Methodist Church have had enough time in quarantine! They have decided to resume their monthly meetings at a safe social distance AND by Zoom! We love to see this community showing up and staying safe. (They were so distanced, we couldn't quite fit everyone in the picture!)

Reunited!

Here's a text that it's fun to get from Women in Transition Program Director, Rhonda Bear: "We got babies home from DHS tonight." This is one of Rhonda's passions, reuniting healthy mothers with their children and breaking the cycle of generational incarceration and addiction.

Beginning of a Beautiful Partnership

This month we were blessed to receive a donation from one of our newest church partners, Church on the Move in Tulsa. We are talking about becoming one of their official focus mission partners, empowering their people to get out into the community to serve! Thank you to Mike Shields and the entire Church on the Move team.

Still Forming New Small Groups

In spite of these strange circumstances, we are still forming new Women in Transition and Life Launch small groups and new partnerships for the widow program! One of our newest Women in Transition teams is Team Ashley. The ladies had already met through Prison Fellowship and have formed a fast Stand in the Gap family bond!

And Still Celebrating Graduations

In addition to forming new small groups, we are also still celebrating those that have completed their one year commitment and are ready to "graduate"! Team Ericka spent the last year investing in her life. Ericka says that she grew spiritually and in her sobriety with the support of her Stand in the Gap small group!

"Firm Foundation"

Women in Transition course facilitator, "Kathy [Peacock] not only walked through the class with me, but upon my release, she stayed with me." Tammy speaks so well about why Women in Transition makes a difference. And what a beautiful, important life Tammy has built! She's been a Stand in the Gap volunteer and employee, and now works full time for Prison Fellowship. Tammy is also helping us create a facilitator manual for the Women in Transition course, so we will be able to share this life-changing material far and wide. Tammy is a God Sighting! Click her photo to watch.

Bless you, Bartlesville!

It feels like just yesterday that we launched our first Stand in the Gap small group in Bartlesville. But we've already celebrated a graduation! Team Kaybre poured into her life and we are so grateful for the amazing community and volunteers that are helping make Bartlesville home for some of our Women in Transition ladies!

Out and About

Life Launch Team Karmen is coming up on their graduation. But until then, they are finding ways to get outside and spend time together -- most recently at Oklahoma City's Botanical Garden! It's great to see the small groups who feel up to it getting back together in the community again!