Some Frequently Asked Questions about The Spring’s New Property
A crucial chance to break generational cycles of abuse.
The Spring is committed to transparency as we seek to acquire a new property and launch a groundbreaking transitional living program. Here are some of the common questions we’ve been asked throughout the process, compiled and answered in one location.
What’s the property going to be used for?
The new property will house The Spring’s brand-new transitional living program. Residents will be able to stay for 6-18 months as they build life skills, find stable employment, and begin building foundational habits for a life free of abuse.
If it’s a transitional living program, why is The Spring seeking to obtain a special use permit for a “residential treatment center”?
Although the city of Sand Springs does make provision for a usage called “transitional living”, this limits the stay of residents to 90 days. Since The Spring’s program will last much longer than this, in consultation with their legal counsel, they chose to seek the “residential treatment center” permit. This is the city permit that most closely resembles what The Spring plans to do on this property.
So, it is basically just a drug and alcohol rehab center?
This is not a rehab facility! It’s a transitional living program for those who have come out of situations of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and stalking. These are people who have experienced dark situations and are looking to break free into a safe, secure life with their families.
Wait – have you bought the property? What’s happening right now?
The Spring is currently under contract to acquire the property, but we’re undergoing a process with the Sand Springs City Council to obtain a special use permit that will allow our proposed usage. The planning commission of the city council has already recommended that the project be approved.
Who’s going to live there?
Most of the residents will be those who have completed their stay at The Spring’s emergency crisis shelter – meaning they have come out of immediate crisis, have created space from their abuser or trafficker, and are ready to begin building back their autonomy and independence. It’s worth noting that these are not people in high-risk situations. If they were, they’d still be staying at our crisis shelter.
Others staying there might come from The Spring’s nonresidential program or from other community partners The Spring works with – like the Tulsa Police Department’s Human Trafficking and Vice Unit.
It’s not close to any stores or public transportation – how will the residents get around?
Many residents will simply bring their own cars with them. We at The Spring also provide transportation as part of our services to guests and residents. There won’t be situations where safe transportation won’t be available to these residents, though they sometimes might choose to walk for exercise or enjoyment.
Is Northwoods Fine Arts Academy okay with this?
We’ve been in open communication with the school staff and district officials about what our project is and what it would mean for the school. They’ve been excited, and even spoke in support of our proposal during public comments at a meeting of the planning commission of the city council.
Have all the families at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy been notified?
While this is an issue outside of The Spring’s scope, it’s worth reiterating that Sand Springs school district officials and Northwoods Fine Arts Academy administration are in favor of this new program moving in next door. Most of the children from the transitional program who will attend Northwoods already attend Northwoods. Their move to the transitional program will extend their enrollment, bringing added stability to those students and the student body.
Is it secure? What if there are emergencies?
Every part of the property will be monitored via video, and we’ll have secure access gates to monitor who enters our property. It’s important to know, again, that these are not “high risk” guests – they have entered a much more stable part of their recovery journey and aren’t actively at risk from their abuser or trafficker. In the case of an emergency, staff would simply call the police – like any other property.
It’s also worth noting that, even at our emergency crisis shelter, serious threats are extremely rare. We have a wonderful relationship with the Sand Springs police department. It’s our job to keep residents and guests secure, and it’s a job we take very seriously.
Will there be 24/7 staffing?
In line with Oklahoma Attorney General’s standards for transitional living programs and best practices of similar programs, The Spring’s transitional living program will be staffed during normal business hours. In addition, the property will be monitored via security cameras 24/7. All transitional residents also have 24/7 access to our emergency crisis line, per OK Attorney General standards.
Who oversees the standards for programs like this?
Our transitional living program will be accredited and overseen by the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. We must remain in compliance with their standards and procedures, and they keep us accountable to make sure we’re providing the highest level of care possible for those we serve.
Is this simply a front for a “sanctuary city” for those who came to America illegally?
Not at all! While we are not legally allowed to discriminate based on citizenship when determining who we provide services to, we are not seeking to run any kind of sanctuary for those who may have entered our country illegally. In fact, when we encounter a victim who does not have US citizenship, we work closely with our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and other entities to either safely get them to their home country or get the necessary paperwork to legalize their stay.
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.
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.