United Way is involved in a new community collaboration called Neighborhoods Engaged for School Transformation (N.E.S.T.). This collaboration is a direct result of the MAPS FOR KIDS project. The process of upgrading Oklahoma City schools means that 22 elementary and secondary schools will close in the next eight years. The question is, what will happen to the empty buildings? The City of Oklahoma City recognizes that these schools are long time anchors in neighborhoods and do not want them to become run down or targets for graffiti.
In May, 2002, Cliff Hudson, president of the Oklahoma City School Board, outlined short- term and long-term goals that needed to be addressed. In the case of one school, Garden Oaks Elementary which was scheduled to be closed in August, 2002, the short-term goal was to devise a use for Garden Oaks Elementary to prevent it from closing. The long-term goal involved creating a template for handling upcoming school transformations. This is where United Way stepped in.
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Seeing this need, United Way of Central Oklahoma helped form Neighborhoods Engaged for School Transformation (N.E.S.T.). Key players including United Way of Central Oklahoma, Possibilities, City of OKC, Metropolitan Libraries, OKC Public Schools, Community Action and other local agencies came together to address this issue. The purpose: to assess the community where the school would be closing. What do they need? What do they want? After this assessment, N.E.S.T. partners would try to fill those needs and wants. In the case of Garden Oaks, 300 door-to-door surveys, a dozen community association meetings and four participatory group sessions found an overwhelming need for senior services. Within the Garden Oaks Community, many grandparents are parenting their grandchildren. One focus group even asked for a “senior” prom. As a result of N.E.S.T.’s neighborhood assessment, Community Action Agency will begin providing some senior services in Garden Oaks School. These senior services will include congregate meals, educational services, adult day services and recreation.
Thanks to N.E.S.T., Garden Oaks Elementary did not close in August. A community center will be housed in the former Garden Oaks Elementary School in the Spring of next year. Recently, the Oklahoma City Public School Board approved the N.E.S.T. process to handle upcoming school transformations.
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