The Spring Announces Roots of Renewal Campaign for Expansion and Transitional Living Program
The campaign program is a crucial next step for survivors of abuse and trafficking in Oklahoma.
Sand Springs, OK — The Spring, a Tulsa-based nonprofit organization providing programs and services to those impacted by domestic violence and human trafficking, is thrilled to announce the launch of a capital and expansion campaign to increase the resources available to those they serve. The Roots of Renewal 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.
“This campaign is a huge step forward for The Spring and for the people we’re serving,” Leslie Clingenpeel, chief executive officer, said. “More beds in our shelter means more people finding safety in our communities, and the launch of a transitional living program meets a dramatic need that has existed in Oklahoma for years.”
The Spring closed on this new property in December of 2024. Formerly known as Canyon Crossing, the three-acre space is just minutes from downtown Tulsa. It features a large main lodge, where programming for residents can take place, and twelve cabins. At The Ridge, individuals or families can find shelter and independence for a longer period than they can at The Spring, which continues to function as a haven for those navigating immediate crisis.
“The idea here is that people can build a foundation for themselves,” said Amber Ponder, manager of the new transitional program. “We can work with them to find good employment and create healthy habits, and we can be that support system for them they might not have elsewhere. This can often be the difference between someone choosing to return to an abuser or staying safe.”
A recent study by the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board pointed to the lack of transitional housing programs throughout the state as a barrier to long-term survivor well-being.
“Oklahoma currently has a critical shortage of this type of housing,” State Representative Mark Lawson, house majority leader, said. “This means that many deserving victims don’t receive the care they desperately need. Being able to fill this gap will be beneficial to our Tulsa community and to the state.”
The Roots of Renewal Campaign is an $8 million effort to bring lasting change. This funding will cover 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. This next phase represents an incredible opportunity to break cycles of abuse and meet a recognized need throughout the state.
“The demand for sustainable, affordable housing for those recovering from abuse and trafficking isn’t going away any time soon,” Clingenpeel said. “That need isn’t unique to us at The Spring, either. It’s a state-wide problem. We have to find a way to break the cycles of recidivism and create better futures for our people.”
For information on the campaign and instructions on how to contribute, please visit thespringok.org/roots-campaign.
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 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.