Community engagement is the cornerstone of a thriving city. In Oklahoma City, various organizations and programs are dedicated to empowering residents and fostering unity. Here are some notable initiatives making a difference:
Arts Council Oklahoma City
The Arts Council Oklahoma City believes that a healthy community has a vital and accessible array of art offerings that support lifelong education and participation in the arts. They host year-round events like the Festival of the Arts and Art Moves, celebrating artists and all forms of art throughout the city. Their All Access Arts program provides visual and performing arts experiences to underserved schools, libraries, parks, and community agencies, serving approximately 10,000 people annually. Learn more.
Open Vessels
Open Vessels is a community movement built on compassion, aiming to restore dignity and hope across Oklahoma City. Founded in 2018, they have rallied over 500 volunteers to serve more than 150 families, proving that when a community comes together, extraordinary transformation happens. Their initiatives include building wheelchair ramps and providing home repairs for those in need. Discover their story.
OKC-County Health Department’s Community Engagement Program
The Community Engagement program works collaboratively with residents, community partners, and schools to identify the needs most important to residents. They utilize Community Health Workers to address those needs through resource connection, referrals, healthcare navigation, and outreach. Services offered include assistance with food insecurity, patient navigation, housing assistance, and behavioral health care navigation. Find out more.
WithLove Project Foundation
WithLove Project Foundation is a community-centered arts and education nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Northeast Oklahoma City and underrepresented communities across Oklahoma. Through public art, cultural programming, and youth development, they activate spaces, amplify voices, and invest in the creative potential of the community. Their flagship event, Juneteenth on the East, brings together thousands each year in celebration of culture, resilience, and civic pride. Explore their programs.
Junior League of Oklahoma City
Since 1927, the Junior League of Oklahoma City has contributed more than a million volunteer hours to the community. They partner with numerous nonprofit agencies to provide services and support, including Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County, City Care, and YWCA. Their signature project, Project EmpowHer, is committed to ending period poverty in central Oklahoma by providing access to menstrual supplies and health education. Learn about their impact.
These initiatives exemplify the spirit of community engagement in Oklahoma City. By participating in or supporting these programs, residents can contribute to building a stronger, more connected community.