Community News
University of Oklahoma announces expansion to address critical nursing shortage
A new solution to the nursing shortage in Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma is announcing a new initiative that hopes to meet the state’s workforce needs by dramatically increasing enrollment. For the first time in OU history, the university plans to accept 100% of all qualified applicants. For the incoming fall 2022 class, that’s 555 nursing students – compared to last year, when the university was unable to admit more than 225 applicants due to a lack of space. - KFOR (Local NBC Affiliate)
Oklahoma City non-profit gearing up for annual LitterBlitz
“We look at the big litter blitz campaign as a big spring cleaning for the city,” said Natalie Evans with OKC Beautiful. Evans and the team at OKC Beautiful are gearing up for next month’s LitterBlitz – getting garbage bags and gloves to those who want to make a difference in their community. “We engage businesses, civic groups, churches, neighborhoods, families, friends,” Evans said. “Anyone can put together a team to come pick up trash.” - KFOR (Local NBC Affiliate)
The Good Stuff: Oklahoma City woman looking to push veteran care forward
This month is Women's History Month, and for one woman in Oklahoma City, she is using her past experience to help push veteran care forward and change the way you and your loved ones can get care in Oklahoma City. Now healthcare may never be the same. Rochelle Alexander, EEO Manager at the VA, also serves as the Federal Women’s Program Manager for and is an Army Veteran. Alexander is living with one mission right now. That's to help boost the healthcare system she works so hard to fix from the inside. - KOKH (Local Fox Affiliate)
Muscogee names former Oklahoma health commissioner to post
Dr. Lance Frye, Oklahoma’s former state health commissioner, has been appointed surgeon general of the Muscogee Nation, the tribe announced Tuesday. Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill and tribal Secretary of Health Shawn Terry said Frye would be the tribe’s first-ever surgeon general. “Just as the United States Surgeon General focuses on pressing public health challenges at a national level, Surgeon General Frye will focus on combating the public health challenges we face here at home,” Hill said in a statement. - AP
Local Organizations
The Hugs Project, started May, 2004 in Oklahoma by Ray and Karen Stark, is a non profit 501 C 3 organization. We were the first ones to send cool ties (affectionately nicknamed “hugs” since they go around the neck) to the Middle East. We recognized the need to help keep American Troops and our allies cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Our dedicated group also sends care packages and other handmade items to our Service Men and Women.
Feed the Children Teacher Store
Established over 40 years ago, Feed the Children is one of the leading anti-hunger organizations. The Teacher Store provides free classroom and student school supplies to teachers in pre-approved Title 1 schools to shop near our three locations. The goal is to reach as many Pre-K through 12th-grade students as possible by providing books and educational materials to full time teachers in the local public school district.
Citizens Caring for Children serves the needs of Oklahoma children living in foster care, the most vulnerable children in the state, by providing clothing, personal hygiene and continued support focused on education to build a brighter tomorrow.
Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women
The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women educates and empowers women around the world economically, socially and politically. We do this through our signature PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® program, which uses a four-pronged approach focused on in-country education in Afghanistan and Rwanda, US-based Leadership Development, mentorship with American women and men, and paying it forward in local communities. For the past 15 years, IEEW has educated and empowered 979 women business owners in Afghanistan and Rwanda.
Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform
Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform is a 501(c)3 non-profit that works to catalyze systemic change in Oklahoma's criminal justice system. We educate our fellow Oklahomans on the harms of mass incarceration and advocate to reduce those harms.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is the sixth largest nonprofit blood collector in America. OBI employs nearly 700 Oklahomans and works with 1,000 volunteers and 2,600 blood drive coordinators. Blood needed by patients in more than 160 medical facilities in Oklahoma is provided by donors with OBI. This includes exclusive service for every hospital in the metro-OKC area. More than 125,000 donors provide more than 250,000 gifts of blood yearly for transfusion and associated clinical services.
American Indian Cultural Center Foundation
American Indian Cultural Center Foundation is a cultural, ethnic awareness group in Oklahoma City, OK whose mission is: To construct and operate an American Indian Cultural Center and museum.
Filling Tummies enhances the lives of underprivileged mothers, infants, children, the elderly & extended families by providing food, formula, and basic resources. Our organization supports the community by feeding children, adults, and seniors of all races, and ages across Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. We focus on Food Deserts, and at risk areas where people are suffering from food insecurity. Our focus is to provide as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible to support community health.
Food is an important part of community. We take donations from local businesses and use them to fight hunger. Help us connect with Donors and with people in need. Every Sunday, we mobilize our teams of volunteers to make a real difference. Join us and see what can be accomplished when you get an impassioned team to focus on change.
The role of the Oklahoma Autism Center (OAC) and the Oklahoma Autism Center Foundation (OACF) is to enhance the capacity of systems, individuals and communities across the state so they may effectively serve Oklahomans with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. This is accomplished through increased awareness and understanding; training; advocacy; and, research and program development. Though not a direct service delivery organization, OACF supports partner organizations in meeting identified needs by providing funding, technical assistance and other resources.
Recent Events
Join the Office of Diversity & Inclusion's book club as we read "This Land Is Herland," which explores the varied experiences of thirteen women activists in Oklahoma, from the territorial period to present, who have sought to change and uplift their communities through political activism.
Upcoming Events
Local Hero Spotlight
Members can nominate a local hero for recognition on their local LoveJustice.com city page!
Anyone and everyone can make an impact, and at LoveJustice we believe that they deserve to be recognized for their good, necessary work!
Recommend A Local Hero
Volunteer Opportunities
OKC in Action!
Featured Charities
