Hardesty Family Foundation Announces $500,000 Grant to Roots of Renewal Campaign
“We knew immediately that we wanted to be a part of bringing this dream to life in the Tulsa area. We’re proud that the Hardesty name will forever be a part of this very worthy project.”
Sand Springs, OK — The Spring is excited to announce a $500,000 grant from the Hardesty Family Foundation towards its Roots of Renewal Capital and Expansion Campaign. The campaign funds the purchase of a new property, the launch of a brand-new transitional living program, and much needed renovations at The Spring’s current shelter — adding an additional twenty emergency crisis beds for the most vulnerable in Tulsa.
“We’re confident that this fundraising campaign addresses a major need in the Tulsa area,” Leslie Clingenpeel, The Spring’s chief executive officer, said. “The Hardesty name means something to the Tulsa community. There’s a legacy of generosity, community development, and caring for the people here. Having them come alongside us for this project provides an added level of confidence, and we couldn’t be more excited about this partnership.”
As part of the grant, Hardesty Family Foundation will become the naming sponsor of the 5,000 square foot lodge that stands at the heart of The Ridge, the new transitional living property. The building will function as office and meeting space for the program, allowing residents to participate in the services available to them in a comfortable environment. A small portion of Hardesty’s grant also provides for The Spring’s 2025 operating costs — helping the organization to continue offering emergency crisis services to those escaping abuse, violence, and trafficking.
“We’re proud to be able to participate in a campaign like this,” Dana Wilkes, Hardesty’s program manager, said. “There’s a real, demonstrable need for this kind of transitional housing in our state, and we knew immediately that we wanted to be a part of bringing this dream to life in the Tulsa area. We’re proud that the Hardesty name will forever be a part of this very worthy project.”
Michelle Hardesty, executive director of the Hardesty Family Foundation, added, “Our partnership with The Spring is a natural alignment with our mission to support organizations that create lasting, positive change in the Tulsa community. We have full confidence in the leadership and management at The Spring, and we are excited to see the profound impact this project will have on survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. We are honored to contribute to a campaign that will provide much-needed resources to those who need them most.”
In total, the Roots of Renewal Campaign is an $8 million effort by The Spring to bring lasting change to survivors of abuse and trafficking. It includes the purchase and renovation of The Ridge property, extensive shelter upgrades, a maintenance endowment, and operating expenses. It also includes $2.5 million for future expansion — namely a vision for affordable long-term housing for past guests and residents and a dedicated solution for juvenile human trafficking survivors.
The Spring is a shelter, service provider, and advocacy organization for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. We offer a safe home and supportive services that assist victims and their children on their journey out of abuse. The Spring has helped thousands of victims from many different situations move into more stable situations and restore their identity through Christ’s love and grace. For more information, visit www.thespringok.org.
If you or someone you know needs help escaping domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking or stalking, please dial 911 or call our 24/7 hotline at 918-245-4075. You can also consider joining the fight against abuse in Oklahoma by donating or exploring volunteer opportunities.