It is an exciting era at The Genesis Project as we look to the New Year and dream about the future, strengthen our program, and provide more opportunities for boys who have been abused and neglected.
We like to say, “We Give Hope” and it’s amazing when we see the boys realize life can be better while learning they have the potential and ability to make it happen.
When Justin came to us, he was non-verbal, and wouldn’t look anyone in the eye, and it took a few weeks before he would trust us enough to help him figure out what was going on inside his mind.
A lack of trust is understandable after you learn most of our boys have failed foster placements an average of 13 times before arriving on our doorstep. They’ve been disappointed by the abuse, false hopes and promises, and an inability to make decisions by themselves. Many are aggressive and impulsive and have little or no hope.
Our great staff and educators through Edmond Public Schools were determined to break through Justin’s communication barriers. Through our trauma-informed therapeutic approach, individualized education, life skills training, and a lot of willpower, Justin left Genesis with confidence after 6 months. His demeanor dramatically changed, he spoke full sentences and we found out he could shoot a basketball that would amaze a professional.
Justin is one of 26 boys we served this year in fiscal year 2023, placed into our care by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Through community grants and private donations, we are now beginning a music therapy program for the first time. Our boys are actively involved in YMCA sports. We experienced the benefits of Equine therapy. Our new partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is helping us stretch our food budget.
Our boys are doing better with managing their behaviors, building new skills, and gaining hope for a brighter future. Last year, 92% of our boys maintained or improved their overall hope.
Our culture is more mission-centered than ever. Employees want to work here. Turnover decreased 33% from the previous year.
We know we’ll have to work hard as we dream big. We have an outstanding board of directors who are committed to serving our youth in their governance role. From wrapping Christmas gifts for our boys, helping raise support, and ensuring accountability, we are fortunate to have their support.
Here are just a few of the many people and organizations who have made our year memorable:
The Genesis Project Board of Directors
Bob Masterson, President - Frates Irwin Risk Management Solutions
Mitch Frankfurt, Vice-President - Wells Fargo Advisors
Gregory V. Brasher, DDS, Secretary
J. Michael Sanner, Treasurer - OG&E Energy Corp. Board of Directors
Matthew Howard - REHCO LLC
Connor Poss - A.C. Owen Construction
Nicole Thomas - Epic Events LLC
Joyce Baker - Former Genesis Employee and Volunteer
Jane Lowther - Retired Educator
William Sultemeier - OG&E Energy Corp.
Lee Graves - Simple Modern
Grants and Funders
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
OG&E Energy Corp Foundation
Kirkpatrick Family Fund
Oklahoma City Community Foundation iFund for Children
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Cox Charities
Wegener Foundation
Sarkeys Foundation
Thomas Family Foundation
Friends and Partners
Rotary Club of Edmond
Langston University HPER Department
Oklahoma City Blue
First Presbyterian Church of Edmond
Seas the Day Mobile Library
YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City
Jones, Oklahoma Kiwanis Club
Jones, Oklahoma Kiwanis Key Club
Cut it Forward
BNI Business Leadership Network - OK West
Flogistix
Comeback Kids Society
Citizens Caring for Children
Nexus Equine
City of Jones, Oklahoma
New City Church
Howard Family Charitable Foundation
Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank
Beta Sigma Phi-Iota Gamma
Oklahoma Caring Foundation
Boy Scouts of America
Edmond Public Schools Administration
FBI
Santa Fe Presbyterian Church
Marcum’s Nursery
Caleb Effect Foundation
Oklahoma City International Auto Show
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Big Country Lawn and Landscaping
Epic Events
Cycle 66
Our vision states “We are working for a world where every child has a safe home.” We hope you will join us in our effort. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Scott Coppenbarger
Executive Director
