The Spring Announces Plans for New Property, Transitional Living Program
Our transitional living program will be a crucial next step for survivors of abuse and trafficking.
Sand Springs, OK — The Spring, a Tulsa-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to those impacted by violence and abuse, is excited to announce plans for a new transitional living program. The program is an extension of The Spring’s current services, providing for longer-term housing for individuals and families seeking to build independence and life skills after escaping the darkness of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault or stalking.
“This is something that we’ve wanted to do for a very long time,” Leslie Clingenpeel, executive director, said. “We continue to see the need for a ‘next step’ for the survivors in our care. This will be a life-changing program for so many in our community who need help.”
A recent study by the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board specifically pointed to the lack of transitional housing programs throughout the state as a barrier to survivor well-being. The Spring hopes to step into the gap period that often comes after someone leaves crisis shelter, which can be a key time to finding long-term freedom from abuse.
“These are people who are building a foundation for a stable life for themselves and their family,” Amber Ponder, manager of the new program, said. “They’ve escaped the immediate crisis period, but they still need access to some support and services. We can work with them as they’re creating stable employment habits, learning life skills, and creating new rhythms for their family. This is a next step that can help break generational cycles of abuse.”
The transitional program will be housed on a beautiful property in the Sand Springs area, with twelve cabins for individuals and families and a large main building to be used for group meetings and staff offices. The property will need to obtain a special use permit from the city for the proposed use. The Spring has worked at length with the planning commission of the Sand Springs City Council to create awareness for the community benefit of the project and to seek community feedback. On November 4, after public comment, the planning commission voted to recommend the project for approval to the city council.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, common objections to the project included the proposed site’s proximity to Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, security and safety concerns, and misconceptions about foot traffic. Laura Hamilton, principal at Northwoods, attended the meeting in support of The Spring’s proposal. As a result of the new program, she is excited about being able to welcome new families to the school and to extend the schooling period to many students who already attend.
“Every person deserves a place to rebuild,” Hamilton said. “This project will give Northwoods the opportunity to provide a long-term, stable learning environment while these families work towards a fresh start.”
The Spring remains committed to transparency throughout the special use permitting process. To address common community concerns around the project, The Spring has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions post on their website.
About The Spring:
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 escape and supportive services that assist victims and their children on their journey out of abuse. With over forty years of history, 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.