June’s 8 Hope Highlights

"Will you come see me again?"

It had been 5 years since Nicole saw her son. At the time, he was 18 months old. She was nervous that he wouldn't remember her or want to be with her. At the end of their first visit, he asked, "Will you come see me again?" With joy, Nicole said, "yes." This month, she threw a party for his 6th birthday. We celebrate Nicole's graduation from Stand in the Gap and all she has accomplished (driver's license, job, improved trust). But more than anything, we celebrate that "yes"! Nicole plans to stay with her Stand in the Gap family as a volunteer for another woman coming out of incarceration. The best is yet to come...

From Prison to Pastoring

Investing in Each Other

Did you know that Life.Church supports Stand in the Gap in two amazing ways? First, they share Stand in the Gap as a volunteer opportunity for their people. We are grateful to have had so many "Life.Church-ers" volunteer their time for young adults from hard places and women coming out of incarceration. Life.Church also supports Stand in the Gap financially. In fact, in 2020, Life.Church was our single largest donor. Over the years, their investments have connected hundreds of people in need with people who care. This month, we got together to celebrate another year of our partnership and all that God has done through this relationship. Thank you Life.Church!!

New Women in Transition Small Groups

This month, we launched 3 new Women in Transition small groups. Team Tina is our first small group representing Sand Springs First United Methodist Church. Team Ashley (pictured) was formed out of our partnership with His House in Edmond. And Team Kelsey out of OKC met for the first time! We can't wait to see what God does in and through these small groups.

New Life Launch Small Groups

"We are family"

Janessa's Stand in the Gap small group celebrated 6 months together. Lorenda, one of her volunteers, said, "I hear the song, 'We are family. I got all my sisters and me.'" The team has obviously bonded well! They are meeting regularly and celebrating each others goals and accomplishments. Grateful for this family!

Congratulations Cody

Over the past year, we celebrated Cody getting a stable job at Lowe’s and his driver's permit. One of his mentors lets him drive his car often to help him practice for his driving test. Cody graduated this month, but his team still plans to meet. Cody will graduate high school this fall and his Life Launch team will be there for the celebration! Congratulations on all you've achieved this year, Cody. The best is yet to come!

Working Together

Providing services in Tulsa and Oklahoma City means that our team is usually on opposite ends of the Turner Turnpike. So it's a good day when we get to be together in real life! This month, our Life Launch and Women in Transition staff met together to discuss how to better serve our people and share our stories. What a blessing to work on this team!