JOURNEY FORWARD
J127's Plan for
Mission Expansion
J127 Ministry’s Community Partners,
Board of Directors, and Staff have prayerfully
felt the call to expand our reach by being faithful
stewards of what God has already entrusted to us.
As we evaluated our current resources, we recognized the tremendous opportunity within our large pavilion space. Rather than letting it sit underutilized,
we are actively developing it into a purposeful
extension of our transitional home.
This space will allow our young women
across Oklahoma to experience life skills classes in an open-air environment, intentional fellowship,
mentorship gatherings, and dedicated areas
for exercise and physical training.
It will become a place where practical growth, emotional healing, and community connection intersect.
All of this will take place within a secure and protected setting where they can grow with confidence, dignity, and safety in a place they call home!
A Loving Home Changes Everything!
Expanding Our Mission
Since our founding in 2020,
J127 Ministry has been committed to providing a haven for vulnerable, aged-out foster care young women.
We equip them with the critical life skills, education support, healthy relationships, and practical resources needed to break cycles of poverty, abuse, and instability for themselves and
for future generations.
Now, more than six years into this mission, our leadership team
is taking the next step in strengthening the environment where
transformation happens.
We are upgrading our transitional
home with fresh interior and exterior paint, durable new bedroom flooring, and organized storage solutions for each of our ten bedrooms to ensure dignity and order for every resident.
We are also enhancing security measures to further protect the young women entrusted to our care and to provide an even greater sense of safety and stability as they rebuild their lives.
Addressing a Growing Need!
As you may know, the need for safe, supportive housing for young adults is more pressing than ever before.
According to national statistics, each year, approximately 20,000 young adults age out of the foster care system in the United States, many becoming instantly homeless.
In addition to homelessness, these young people face significant challenges, including a lack of access to education and healthcare.
By supporting our mission, J127 Ministry can provide critical support of these young ladies, helping them navigate the complexities of adulthood with the resources and stability they need to thrive.
But we can’t do it without YOU!
Phase 1
Journey Forward -
making it their own...
Residents personalize their rooms...
With the generous support of the
Clark Associates Charitable Foundation,
residents are able to personalize their rooms with
fresh paint colors and improved storage solutions.
What may appear simple is deeply meaningful
for a young woman who has experienced instability.
Having a space that feels safe, organized, and
truly her own reinforces dignity and renewed hope.
Phase 2
On-Site Fitness Zone
Through the generous investment of the
Clark Associates Charitable Foundation,
J127 Ministry was able to expand the
functionality of our outdoor pavilion
to better support both physical wellness
and practical storage needs.
The pavilion will soon include a designated
workout area designed to encourage
healthy routines,
strength building, and stress reduction.
For many of our residents,
exercise becomes more than physical activity.
It is a constructive outlet for
trauma recovery, emotional regulation,
and confidence building.
Creating an intentional wellness space
reinforces the importance of caring
for both body, mind, and spirit as they
work toward independence.
In addition to the Pavilion,
there will be an additional storage area for outdoor equipment, grills, and patio furniture.
This improves organization, protects ministry resources, and ensures the space can be used efficiently for group activities, life skills training, and community gatherings.
These enhancements reflect more than
physical upgrades. They represent stability,
stewardship, and an environment intentionally
designed to empower young women and to build sustainable, healthy futures.
Phase 3
Life Skills Pavilion Expansion
The pavilion also now features a dedicated seating and life skills area, creating a structured space for mentoring, group discussions, and practical instruction.
Comfortable seating allows residents to gather for budgeting classes, employment preparation, healthy relationship education, and faith-based life skills training within a setting that feels both
welcoming and purposeful.
This space supports intentional community. Many of the young women we serve have not consistently experienced safe group environments where they can learn, ask questions, and grow without fear.
Providing a designated area for life skills development reinforces accountability, structure, and shared responsibility while strengthening peer connection.
The seating layout also allows for flexibility. The area can transition from instructional use to small group mentoring, devotionals, or community meals.
This adaptability ensures that the pavilion serves not only as a physical gathering place but as a foundation for personal growth, leadership development, and long-term independence.
Together, the workout, storage, and life skills seating areas reflect an environment thoughtfully designed to support healing, structure, and sustainable success.
Phase 4
Outdoor Living!
The pavilion expansion will soon include an enhanced dining area and outdoor kitchen intentionally designed to foster meaningful connections.
This space allows us to host “Dinner with Friends” gatherings, where residents share meals with mentors, volunteers, and community partners in a welcoming and dignified setting.
The expanded dining area provides room for intentional conversation, life skills instruction, budgeting classes, and hospitality training.
Preparing and hosting meals builds confidence, responsibility, and practical independence while strengthening relational skills that are
essential for long-term success.
The outdoor kitchen supports healthy cooking classes, shared meals, and special community gatherings.
These experiences reinforce structure,
accountability, and belonging.
Connection remains a vital part of healing.
When young women who have experienced instability gather around a table where they are seen and valued, transformation deepens.
From the pavilion, residents and guests can look out over the newly refreshed prayer garden and the freshly painted exterior of the J127 Ministry transitional shelter. The visible beauty of these improvements reflects the deeper work happening within.
The grounds communicate care, stability, and stewardship. Every detail reinforces that this is a place of restoration, growth, and hope for the next generation.
Community Garden &
Picnic Area
The inclusion of raised beds for growing vegetables and picnic tables for shared meals will also be a welcome addition to Phase 5 of our expansion.
This space would allow residents to grow some of their own food, engage in hands-on activities, and gather for communal meals, cultivating a strong sense of community and connection for all who CALL J127 MINISTRY THEIR HOME!
Thank you for reading this far!
We humbly ask that you prayerfully consider how you might support the expansion of J127 to serve even more vulnerable young people in Oklahoma.
You can donate to this project NOW by clicking the button below, or scroll down to view other giving options.
Please reach out with any additional questions you may have!
Sincerely,
Connie Pettitt
Executive Director, J127 Ministry
4 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR GIFT
01.
Give online by clicking the "Give Now" Button below.
02.
Give by mail at: P.O. BOX 1034 DURANT, OK 74701
03.
Give by direct withdrawal by clicking "Give Now" Button below
04.
Donate in-kind goods by contacting us at info@j127ministry.com