Oklahoma cut childcare subsidies, devastating their community made up of many single parents. The work of Restore OKC began in the summer of 2015 helping a community servant feed and care for 125 kids a day at the library so their parents could work. Programs have continued to evolve, from starting a business to provide jobs for single moms to helping neighbors with home repairs and affordable housing. “We listen and then work together to leverage whatever resources we can behind the community because they know best,” said Dodson. By placing volunteer care teams in Britton, Martin Luther King and Thelma L. Parks elementary schools to support students and teachers, in addition to providing professional development, schools have seen a 37 percent increase in teacher retention and a decrease in student suspensions. More than 700 pounds of fresh foods have been harvested from Restore OKC’s 5-acre urban farm, created to engage and employ middle and high school students, provide a fresh food market for immediate neighbors and generate income in wholesale sales to other local stores and restaurants. “You see the news personify store closures, food deserts and frustration, reinforcing stereotypes, when what we saw was a community coming together,” said Dodson. Every second Saturday when Restore OKC hosts work days at their farm, volunteers come from all over the metro, kids included, to pull weeds, complete home repair projects for seniors and make friends. Dodson delights in that opportunity for her own children to serve and have friendships with kids from a variety of backgrounds. “I have a neighbor who talks about progress in ways I can’t even understand,” said Dodson. “I would be angry, and that does exist, but for the majority, [there’s an attitude of] we have overcome, and there’s richness and strength cultivated, for better or worse, in the face of oppression. I want myself and my kids learning that all day long.” It can be challenging for the mom of two to turn off work mode, which is why Fridays have become sacred family time, punctuated by trips to Science Museum Oklahoma and pizza dinners. Dodson ensures they make the time and space as a family to process emotions stemming from friends who don’t have a home or a neighbor who needs a new
MAURIANNA ADAMS WITH HUSBAND ADRYAN SR. AND SON ADRYAN
roof to the concepts of racial injustice and white privilege. “Privilege itself is not a dirty word,” said Dodson. “We all have been given a series of gifts and [it’s about] what we choose to do in terms of how we steward those gifts. I hate that privilege makes such an impact on how we experience life, and I grieve that, but with the privilege I do have I can work to create change. It’s not white savior-ism; that will never heal anything. It is solidarity.” Most important for Dodson as it applies to her work and raising her children is that all humankind shares the broader purpose to seek justice and offer mercy. “I want my kids to know you don’t have to be in ministry or nonprofit to make a difference,” said Dodson. “It doesn’t matter what your job is; you can use any platform to go out and love people well.” Learn more about Restore OKC at restoreokc.org. Maurianna Adams Executive director of Progress OKC Maurianna Adams can look back on her childhood in northeast Oklahoma City and pinpoint the people and events that inspired her career in public service. Whether for the holidays or a typical dinner, her home was full of family, neighbors and anyone in need of a hot meal.
“My family served the families who were underserved,” said Adams. “It made me realize how important neighborhoods are and how valuable it is to open your door to individuals that have less than you. My family modeled that, and that is a reflection of the broader northeast Oklahoma City community.” After earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Oklahoma, Adams has spent the past 10 years supporting community revitalization and public health. As executive director of Progress OKC, she brings a wealth of knowledge about leveraging the assets in communities to support the overall health of its citizens. At Progress OKC, Adams’ focus is the development of affordable housing, promoting economic development opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2015 to support and revitalize Oklahoma City communities that have experienced significant disinvestment. Over the years, leaders have narrowed their focus to northeast Oklahoma City, both because it’s missed out on reinvestment dollars and because its rich history is often overlooked, plagued instead by often misinformed stereotypes about violence or drugs. “When you look at the northeast renaissance taking place, there are public, private and
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