The Norman Transcript

Two local nonprofits are among the recipients of grants announced by the Sarkeys Foundation.

The Norman-based foundation awarded $2,201,720 in semi-annual grant amounts to Oklahoma nonprofits.

"We're happy with the amount, as well as the caliber, of organizations we were able to fund this grant cycle and look forward to a successful relationship with each," said Executive Director Cheri Cartwright.

Local organizations receiving grants include Second Chance Animal Sanctuary, awarded $29,984 to assist with the spay/neuter program for pets of low-income families.

"We're very excited," Director Mary Katherine Long said about receiving the grant.
Long said there are many pet owners who are unable to pay to spay or neuter their animals for whatever reasons.

"Right now, we average 80 calls a day requesting that we take animals in," she said. "Anything that we can do to address the pet overpopulation problem is really important."

Long said Second Chance has the capacity to offer between two and three clinics per month. Veterinarians perform surgery on anywhere from 45 to 60 pets.

The animals belong to low-income families who live in Cleveland and surrounding counties, Long said. The organization bases its fees according to the federal poverty guidelines.

East Main Place, Norman, was awarded $50,000 in support of emergency funding to maintain case management services.

Christy Blair, executive director of East Main Place, said the grant will cover costs for case management purposes for 2007 and 2008. It also pays for part of the program whose goal is to help people overcome their homelessness.

"Case managers work one on one with each resident to help them set goals and teach them what they need to learn to meet those goals," Blair said.

She said case workers hook residents up with other resources in the community teaching them how to budget or working with them on parenting skills.

"I want to say how grateful East Main Place is to Sarkeys not just for this grant but because they are a continuous presence in this community and work to address the very real needs that our agencies face each day," she said.

Other recipients include the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Tulsa, awarded $15,000 to fund technology upgrades in order to maximize marketing and fundraising efforts.

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, was awarded $250,000 to assist with the renovation of the Plaza Theatre and an old grocery story in a historic district of Oklahoma City.

Katheryne B. Payne Education Center, Oklahoma City, was awarded $184,040 to fund the expansion of the All-School Training Program to two additional at-risk Oklahoma City schools.

Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation, Oklahoma City, was awarded $200,000 to assist in the expansion of a public awareness campaign and to help with the implementation of the Strengthening Families program.

Town and Country School, Tulsa, was awarded $17,260 in support of a security and safety program, emphasizing building security.

Lincoln County Arts and Humanities Council Inc., Chandler, was awarded $50,000 to assist with historic restoration of the 1937 WPA era National Guard Armory building.

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, was awarded $650,000 in support of a capital campaign and the Food4Kids home backpack program.

Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, was awarded $120,000 in support of the permanent contraception program for working poor individuals in central Oklahoma.

Armed Services YMCA of the USA, Lawton, was awarded $90,000 in support of childcare scholarship assistance for families of enlisted personnel deployed or returning from overseas.

Community Crisis Center Inc., Miami, was awarded $30,000 to fund emergency operating costs and allow the center to reopen its doors and help launch an annual fundraising campaign in Delaware County.

Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Tulsa, was awarded $65,436 in support of emergency aid for counseling and case management services.

St. Simeon's Episcopal Home, Tulsa, was awarded $250,000 in support of the organization's Assisted Living Expansion campaign, including a Wellness Center, new apartments and an access road.

Western Plains Youth and Family Services Inc., Woodward, was awarded $150,000 to assist in a building campaign that will house all three components of the program, including the shelter, counseling center, and administrative offices.

YWCA of Tulsa was awarded $50,000 to assist with a capital campaign targeted to improve childcare and community rooms, purchase a permanent home for career/counseling programs, upgrade health and wellness facilities, and increase endowment funds.

The Sarkeys Foundation, established by S.J. Sarkeys, is one of the largest private foundations in Oklahoma, with assets over $110 million. The foundation, whose mission is "to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma," funds nonprofit organizations throughout the state. To learn more about Sarkeys Foundation, visit www.sarkeys.org.