In late 2022, ECBF received a phone call about an atypical funding request. A group of Episcopal congregations in the Oklahoma City area had been moved by Becca Stevens to do something to help women find a new way forward by forming Magdalene House OKC. They had a plan, they had the perfect house for the residential program, but the funding they thought they had secured was incomplete. They were at risk of losing their earnest money if they could not close the mortgage by the end of the year. The question on that phone call was, “Can you help?” The answer was, “I’m not sure, but I think we can at least arrange a follow-up meeting with our team.”
That meeting took place, and after reviewing the project, the engagement by range of Episcopal congregations, and the support of The Rt. Rev. Poulson Reed, ECBF was thrilled to say, “Yes, we’d love to help!”
The residential property was purchased before Christmas that year, and received its first resident by fall 2023. In the spring of 2024, the first fundraiser was held and Ann Fleming of ECBF was delighted to attend and see first-hand the care and thoughtfulness that was put into the renovation so Magdalene House OKC could become a safe haven for women to engage in a two-year program to build skills and confidence and have a fresh start.
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- Seating area furnished by volunteers to allow space for group meetings
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- Comfortable seating area for residents
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- Comfortable and open sleeping areas for program residents
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- Space for gathering around a table
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- L-R: Ann Fleming, ECBF; LaKitia Bates, Program Director; Shannon Hartsock, Executive Director, The Rev. Tim Baer
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- Computers and work stations for residents
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- Multilayered spaces to allow groups sessions and downtime
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- Thoughtful spaces that allow individual and groups to develop new ways of living
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- Space for reflection and study
