OKLAHOMA CITY – Upward Transitions has been awarded a grant of $25,000 from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund to be used in continuing its Community Outreach Program and services to address poverty and homelessness in Oklahoma County.
The Community Outreach Program continues its work preventing families and seniors who are at risk of eviction from losing their housing, thereby preventing homelessness in our community. It also provides documents, such as IDs and birth certificates, to individuals who are already experiencing homelessness. A study completed by The Homeless Hub found that 70% of the individuals they encountered who were experiencing homelessness did not have access to these crucial documents, and they cannot obtain employment, housing, or social services without them. The Program also helps to provide emergency travel for stranded travelers and victims of domestic violence and human trafficking to get them to a safe place with support.
Upward Transitions is an Oklahoma County nonprofit 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.
For 100 years, Upward Transitions has touched the lives of Oklahomans in need. The organization’s mission is to prevent generational poverty through community collaboration, emergency relief, and empowerment, therefore inspiring hope with our neighbors experiencing housing instability.
Upward Transitions’ CEO, Periann Pulliam shared, “We are so grateful to receive this grant from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. Their ongoing support and partnership in our mission assists the most vulnerable citizens in our community. We truly appreciate them.”
The Kirkpatrick Family Fund was founded in 1989 by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick and quickly became the largest affiliated fund in the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Through the leadership of Trustee and President, Christian Keesee, the fund remains committed to adhering to the priorities and guiding principles of its founders. To date, the fund has contributed almost $80 million through project, operating, and endowment-building grants to qualified nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to address the greatest needs in their communities.
To learn more about Upward Transitions, go to www.upwardtransitions.org or contact Conna Dewart, Development and Public Relations Manager at 405-232-5507 or cdewart@upwardtransitions.org.
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