Oklahoma City, OK − United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) recently announced its 2024 WayFinder Innovation Grant recipients during the annual fundraising campaign kickoff reception at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club.
Two UWCO Partner Agencies were awarded funds for their proposed pilot programs.
A Chance to Change received $21,850 in funding for a Strength in Solidarity: Empowering Teachers Through Mental Health Support Groups in Oklahoma program. The agency will create and tailor curriculum and host innovative teacher support groups in the public school system. These groups will be researched, designed and initially led by a Licensed Behavioral Health Professional in Spring of 2025. At the end of each semester, data on surveys, participation and facilitator retention will be gathered, with hopes of growth to more schools by end of the third semester.
By providing a unique, guided support system for teachers, it will not only support their mental well-being but will positively impact every individual in their environment. These groups will be one semester long and come at no cost to educators.
The Homeless Alliance received $228,150 for a Homeless Response System Diversion program. The pilot program prevents homelessness by identifying immediate alternatives to entry into the Homeless Response System and connecting clients to services and financial assistance at their point of entry into the system. Diversion Advocates will assess individuals entering the shelter to find safe alternatives, using problem-solving strategies to explore options, engage in conflict resolution with friends and family, and offer financial assistance in some cases to avoid homelessness or shelter status.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to A Chance to Change and The Homeless Alliance,” UWCO President & CEO Rachel C. Holt said. “We are so proud of the innovative work they continue to do for our community and look forward to seeing the positive impact made by these new programs.”
Since 2019, more than $1.3 million has been awarded to 19 new health and human services programs throughout central Oklahoma. Local nonprofits submit proposals to UWCO to be considered a WayFinder recipient. Selected agencies must “sell” their ideas Shark Tank-style to a group of volunteer community leaders, who make the ultimate decision in which programs will receive funding. Sherri Lance, managing partner and president of Gaming Capital Group, chairs the WayFinder Sharks panel, as well as the Strategic Growth Committee for United Way.
UWCO offers up to $250,000 in WayFinder funding every year. For more information about WayFinder, visit UnitedWayOKC.org/WayFinder.
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About United Way of Central Oklahoma
United Way of Central Oklahoma celebrates 100 years of serving the communities of central Oklahoma since 1923 and raising more than $700 million for its Partner Agency network. United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to 68 accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its citizens. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call 405-236-8441.
Media Contact
Karla Stinnett, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
405-523-3534
kstinnett@unitedwayokc.org