Sisu Youth; Helping Metro Youth & Young Adults Succeed Against All Odds

There's a relatively new organization serving the OKC metro that not only is the perfect organization for youth aging out of the system, but their very name seems to have been designed with foster youth and alumni in mind.

Sisu Youth Services was started after Penny Reynolds, who is an adoptive mother of 5, decided not to accept "there's no other option" when discussing emergency services for the OKC metro's teens and young adults in 2010. By 2013, the original project of trying to put together resources had turned into the basis for a nonprofit program to enable emergency support services. In 2014, the belief that our community can, and will, find a way to protect and care for our most vulnerable youth proved true. In the last few years, using only volunteers and small donations from hundreds of OKC residents, Sisu has emerged victorious on the other side of this community-wide social experiment. Ms. Reynolds officially opened the Sisu Youth Day Center in June of 2014, making this its third year serving endangered youth ages 15-24.

The Day Center included a snack kitchen, library, clothing closet, and media room. Case managers were available, and providers of services such as counseling, hair styling, yoga instruction, artists, and tutors often came in to help.

Over time, though, it became clear that without a place for at-risk youth to sleep each night, Sisu Youth's goal of serving them was unfinished. So they moved to a larger location that would enable them to provide more services. This new location also offers free laundry facilities and showers, a supply room, a place to house food supplies, and of course an overnight shelter dubbed "The Dorm" for teenagers aged 15-17.

Currently, The Dorm is only able to be open for Sunday and Monday nights each week starting Sunday, August 13th. The center is currently open on Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm and Saturdays from 11am-2pm. During these two days, youth aged 15-24 and experiencing homelessness or unstable housing can access food, clothing, showers, and connections to resources that cover other basic needs and services. On Saturdays they can also eat a hot meal, hang out in the youth recreation room and utilize multimedia activities for some down time in a safe, supportive environment. Sisu's eventual goal is to be able to be open every night; however that requires more donations and volunteers.

As Sisu Youth is 100% funded by private donors, they rely on the support of the community to enable them to continue providing services. Other than rent, insurance, and internet (which they estimate to be just under $1,700/mo), all other funds raised go directly to serving youth. They are able to accept goods and services EXCEPT BEDS (due to storage space). Clothing, shoes, NEW underwear, and NEW socks are always welcome. Special requests will be posted to their Facebook page. Of course, monetary donations are always welcome. Recurring donations are especially encouraged to provide even more stability in planning. Suggested donations vary from $10-$100 per month. Please click here if you'd like to donate.

Because Sisu Youth is entirely run by volunteers, they are continually seeking volunteers for overnight volunteers, community outreach, mentorship, office assistance, facility care, fundraising, donation collection and general program operations. Some volunteer positions have age requirements and may also require a background check. All positions require a volunteer application. To find out more about volunteering, please visit their volunteer page here.