OKLAHOMA CITY – The E. L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation awarded a general operating grant of $20,000 to Upward Transitions supporting its mission to prevent generational poverty.
CEO of Upward Transitions, Periann Pulliam, shared the gratitude of the non-profit organization. “We are so grateful to receive this generous gift from the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation,” said Pulliam. “Their continued support allows us to work in collaboration with community partners to prevent homelessness in Oklahoma County.”
Upward Transitions is an Oklahoma County non-profit that serves families and individuals who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or stranded by providing case management and stabilizing resources to help meet basic social needs.
Since 1925, Upward Transitions has touched the lives of Oklahomans in need. Research shows that the most effective programs work by giving one-time cash assistance to those on the brink of homelessness who can demonstrate they will be able to pay rent in the future. According to a 2016 Notre Dame study, those who received assistance were 76% less likely to become homeless after six months. Upward Transitions’ program results show that 74% of clients maintained stable housing with utilities connected for one year after receiving assistance, and 3,164 clients surveyed in fiscal year 2023 stated that the felt more hopeful after receiving services from the organization.
Edward L. Gaylord and his wife, Thelma, established the E. L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation in 1994 to support a wide range of charitable activities. The foundation continues Gaylord’s commitment to improving the lives of Oklahomans.
To learn more about Upward Transitions, go to www.upwardtranstions.org or contact Conna Dewart, Development and Public Relations Manager at 405-232-5507 or cdewart@upwardtransitions.org.
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