New Hope Oklahoma

For over 30 years, New Hope Oklahoma has provided support to children with justice-involved parents. Research indicates the devastating, lifelong impact that parental incarceration can have on the children we serve. The need for these intervening services has never been more evident as Oklahoma continues to hold record incarceration rates. Our programming engages local resources and research-backed curriculum to meet the complex needs of children and their caregivers, all at no cost to qualifying participants. This is done through after-school programs, summer camps, case management services, and community events which meet targeted physical, social, and emotional needs. Our staff works daily to break the generational cycle of incarceration and see some of our states most vulnerable kids achieve their highest academic, career, and life goals, rather than falling victim to the staggering odds they face. New hopes after-school program focuses on developing the intellectual, social, and emotional competencies not provided within a traditional classroom setting. We utilize current research around trauma and healthy development such as benevolent childhood experiences (bces), adverse childhood experiences (aces), and the child Hope scale. Our specialized program supports our childrens need for healthy development, decision- making abilities, and critical thinking skills. The expertise of our staff and best practices focused on youth development, mental health strategies, and trauma-informed care are critical to the success of our site-based support. Twice-weekly after-school support groups occur at childrens schools, including kendall-whittier elementary, springdale elementary, walt whitman elementary, monroe middle school, the tulsa mabee red shield boys and girls club, as well as mark twain elementary in Oklahoma city. Our after-school programming also includes weekly community nights for middle and high school students within the tulsa public schools system with lessons focused on building life skills, participation in arts and sports, and educational presentations over healthy choices. New Hope's vibrant summer camps run in the months of june and july, and are offered for youth ages 5-14 years. New Hope has strategic partnerships with both st. crispin's conference center in wewoka, ok and trinity episcopal church in tulsa, ok which allow for summer camp sessions to be held in both a day-camp structure and a residential camp structure. Camp experiences typically include opportunities for field trips, canoeing, hiking, archery, ropes courses, creative and performing arts, swimming, volleyball and basketball. New Hope's case management services include the employ of a master's level social worker to facilitate referrals to services both within New Hope's scope and to the services of other nonprofits and state agencies where needs and services align. Current case management activities also include regular visits to two Oklahoma correctional facilities and a strong partnership with the Oklahoma department of corrections and the Oklahoma commission on children and youth. Throughout the calendar year, New Hope offers regular community events and resource events for justice involved families. Examples of events include, back to school bash, halloween carnival, thanksgiving meal distribution, christmas holiday wish list adoptions for every enrolled youth, family bingo night and family skate night.