One hundred percent of A New Leaf’s Board Members contribute to the organization.
Dave Cleveland, Past Chairman, Business Development
Corporate Performance Group
Dr. Leslie Clark
Tulsa Tech
Rita Garrison
Arvest Bank
Joshua Cole, Chairman
Security Bank
James Langster
ONEGas
Sara Momper, Secretary
Helmerich & Payne
Philip Bell
Financial Planning Resources
Mark Moore
Supporter
Friends,
I feel extremely fortunate to live and work in the Tulsa metro. Why? Because the members of our community consistently dedicate their time, expertise, and financial support to those who need it most. We acknowledge your philanthropic spirit, and we harness it! Only when we unite our efforts toward common goals can we create an inclusive world for people of all abilities to grow, bloom, and thrive.
A New Leaf’s mission is to provide job training, life skills, and residential services to elevate confident independence and self-sufficiency for people with developmental disabilities and autism. Because of your support, we’re able to put our core values into action every day:
Uphold clients and customers at the center of what we do;
Represent professionalism in our industry;
Embrace bold innovation;
And collaborate creatively and respectfully across our community.
As I reflect on the past year, I’m in awe of my staff’s commitment to make sure that people with I/DD have the opportunity to succeed. Our company is an essential business providing 24/7 supports to people who need them to be independent, so we continued to work hard throughout the pandemic. Thanks to the overwhelming support we received from the community, we were able to pay all of our clients and staff without any layoffs or furloughs. As a result, more than 385 of our most vulnerable neighbors were able to access a consistent network of stable supports that met their basic needs and let them maintain forward momentum.
But just as we celebrate our accomplishments, we know our mission isn’t any less urgent. We faced challenges last year that were unexpected and beyond our control. Though our community has productively bounced back against the pandemic, the successes are not felt by all residents equally, especially those with disabilities whose barriers are numerous. Nonprofits and agencies work tirelessly to address these individuals’ needs, but they have never been able to do it alone. And neither can we.
A New Leaf needs the support of every community member if we are to help our neighbors of all abilities secure vital needs and achieve financial stability, but we know you’re up to the challenge. Last year, we were honored to partner with dozens of local businesses, thousands of donors, and hundreds of volunteers to provide jobs, housing, and support for our clients. I can’t wait to strengthen these relationships and build new ones, because I am confident that together, we have the power to change the future.
Every client success story tells me that our collaboration is working, and I’m especially proud of Sue* for her accomplishments. Sue’s upbringing was full of challenges, and as a result, she experienced regular emotional outbursts and opposition to authority that held her back from succeeding on her own terms. She joined our vocational training program in 2011 and was immediately inspired by her work! Through the support of her staff, Sue learned how to manage her emotions and loved gaining new skills to become more independent through her work. As she grew, Sue learned how to provide self-care, manage her finances, and plan household tasks. In 2020, Sue expressed a desire to live on her own and moved into her own apartment. Living alone with residential support only when she needs it allows her the independence and choices she deserves. She was put to the test when her carbon monoxide detector went off one day this winter after her staff had already gone home. Sue was prepared, and she knew what to do – she went to a neighbor’s apartment before it was too late, communicated the problem, and with a little help, stayed safe and sound! Sue’s new life wouldn’t be possible without the barriers she’s overcome, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
What’s on the horizon for 2021?
•Our company will get stronger because we’ve been named a Great Place to Work, and we’re excited to add even more talented, passionate members to our family. We invest in our people, and it shows - more than 90% of our employees recommend working at A New Leaf!
•Our workspace will be more productive as soon as our new administration building construction is complete. We’re building our first new office since 1983!
•Our community will be smarter when we open the doors at the Transition Academy, our groundbreaking 2-year collegiate-style program for young adults with I/DD.
•Our neighborhoods will become more secure since we’re providing 62 residents with I/DD the safe, affordable housing and varied supports they deserve at The Village expansion in Owasso.
•The Tulsa metro will be healthier because we’ll be growing, delivering, and donating more fresh produce from our Blooming Acres vegetable farm as we expand.
•Our lives will be more colorful when we open our new retail garden center in Owasso full of all your favorite plants and flowers.
Thank you for the critical role you play in our efforts to lift up some of our most vulnerable, most inspiring neighbors. The impact you’re making in the fight for disability rights has the power to change lives. As we continue on our journey to a stronger, inclusive community, we are honored that you have chosen to join us as a partner, supporter, and friend.
Mary Ogle
* name changed to protect client’s privacy
