Owasso group works to assist residents requiring social services

One of the lesser-known areas of growth in Owasso has a rising number of residents who need social services.

Owasso has been one of the top three fastest-growing cities in Oklahoma the past five years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"The city has done a wonderful job in bringing economic growth," said Jeanette North, executive director of Owasso Community Resources.

North said more people are moving to Owasso to work lower-paying jobs at retail businesses and restaurants.

"We're getting hospitals and four hotels, but we're also getting maids and janitorial workers," she said. "We're inviting all these minimum-wage jobs to town. It's not just teenagers; it's single parents."

On Sept. 27, Owasso Community Resources, held a forum for city leaders and community organizations to address the issue.

"It gave our city a real picture of what is going on. We're growing, and where we couldn't help, we send them down (U.S.) 169," North said. "We don't even have a place to sign up for food stamps in this town."

Owasso Community Resources, a nonprofit organization that has served the area for more than 10 years, offers utility assistance, counseling, school supplies and a food pantry. The agency, located at 109 N. Birch St., is funded through the Tulsa Area United Way and corporate and private donations.

"We're emergency assistance," North said.

Other services require registration in Tulsa.

Melody Rock, who used OCR's utility assistance last year, works at an apartment complex and has referred some residents to the organization.

"We have a lot of single moms. We have a lot of seniors living on disability or Social Security," Rock said. "There's no shelter, no assistance with protective orders. It's good to have something in Owasso."

The Rev. Chris Tiger, pastor at First United Methodist Church of Owasso, said the church uses the agency.

"They've helped with different projects we do," he said. "Christmas gifts -- we get the names from Owasso Community Resources. We're also participating in spring cleaning -- families that need help with lawn work."

The church has also donated funds to the agency.

"We've always had a good partnership," Tiger said. "It goes both ways. We give them financial support, and they know the people who are in need."

North said that in the future she hopes OCR can offer counseling through Domestic Violence Intervention Services and provide transportation for those without a vehicle.

"Transportation is a big thing. People can't get to the doctor," she said.

Rock agreed.

"They can't get to Tulsa to apply for the assistance they need and need is immediate," Rock said. "Applying for anything with (Department of Human Services), you have to have transportation (which can be difficult for those working during the day). Just because they have a need doesn't mean they're sitting around doing nothing. They're working or taking care of their kids."

Rock, who has three children, was in a similar situation in September 2005 when she was laid off.

"I had the choice of going to Pawhuska or Tahlequah or go on unemployment. I chose to keep my kids in Owasso schools," she said. "I had a huge electric bill. I still had a water bill and rent."

Her children were also starting school, so she was able to receive school supplies from OCR.

Tim Bradshaw recently turned to OCR for help.

"My electric bill was huge," Bradshaw said as he filled out paperwork for utility assistance. "They're real good people. They've helped me out in the past."

Bradshaw, who moved from Beggs, said he collected $110 worth of aluminum cans to help with an electric bill.

"The move from Beggs, we just haven't been able to catch up," he said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Owasso's population grew from 11,151 in 1990 to 23,771 in 2005.

BY THE NUMBERS

Owasso Community Resources assistance given from 2004 to 2006:

	2004	2005	2006
School supplies	$1,392	$2,000	$8,625
Thanksgiving meals	57	42	NA
Value of donated food	$2,295	$7,000	NA
Holiday Angels	636	636	NA
Utility assistance	$14,363	$17,090	$15,250 (as Oct. 19)