A few months ago, some of our members learned about a local non-profit organization, The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM), which is working diligently to better the lives of thousands of people across our state. TEEM’s mission is “to reduce poverty, homelessness and unemployment in Oklahoma” by empowering people and changing lives. You can see why Lauren Guhl, OAJ’s community service chair, would immediately begin to spread the word about this organization, and take the lead on a project that would far exceed our expectations.
Oklahoma ranks 10th in the country for people living in poverty and ranks 12th in the nation for homelessness. TEEM’s client base is made up primarily of the homeless, single moms, those currently being assisted by welfare or recovering from addiction, and people recently released from incarceration. This incredible program works to provide clients with a comprehensive solution to change their lives through education, social services and employment. TEEM strives to end poverty and it is their goal to help each individual that comes to their door realize that they have a future and can become productive citizens of this State.
The people who walk through the doors of TEEM each Monday morning have taken a huge step in the right direction, but the road ahead of them is long. Though they have made a commitment to learn, to work hard and to change, many of them have no homes, much less the means to buy clothing suitable to attend job interviews and eventually the workplace. This is where OAJ stepped in.
This fall, OAJ conducted a statewide, month long professional clothing drive to the clients at TEEM. Several of our attorneys in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and Tulsa opened up their offices to serve as “drop spots” for the clothes. We asked all of you to take the time to look through your closets and set aside any clothing items that might be beneficial to the men and women at TEEM. Let me tell you, our members came through in a big way!
As we began collecting the clothing from these drop-off locations, we were absolutely overwhelmed by your participation and generosity. Initially, we had intended to transport the clothing to TEEM in a couple member vehicles but quickly learned we would (quite literally) need a trailer. I wish all of you who donated items could have been present to see the faces of the staff and clients at TEEM when the trailer doors opened to show the hundreds of items that we brought to them. There were well over a hundred suits, not to mention all the dresses, skirts, slacks, shirts, belts, shoes and blouses. For an hour, the students helped carry armloads of clothing upstairs to the TEEM’s clothing closet. This was more clothes than most of them had seen in their lifetime.
Four news station showed up to cover our event, including OETA, KSBI, Fox and News9. The Oklahoman ran a story along with pictures of our members organizing the clothes we donated.
It was inspiring to see our organization come together for such a great cause. This event was the first of what will be a long term service partnership with TEEM, so be on the lookout for other opportunities to get involved.
Thank you to all of you who donated and a special thank you to the firms who served as drop off locations and regional coordinators: Carr & Carr, Gorospe & Smith, Loftis & Barnard, Maples Law Firm, McIntyre Law Firm, Sherwood & McCormick, and Whitten Burrage.