JOURNEY FORWARD
A Loving Home Changes Everything
Expanding Our Mission
Since our founding in 2017, J127 Ministry has been dedicated to providing a safe haven for vulnerable young women in Oklahoma, providing them with the critical skills, education, relationships, and resources needed to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and future generations of their families.
Now, nearly 7 years later, the J127 leadership team has felt the call to expand our mission to serve even more young people, including foster families and young men in our community—because we know that a loving home can change everything!
Addressing a Growing Need
As you may know, the need for safe, supportive housing for young adults and children is more pressing than ever. 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 lack of access to education and healthcare.
By expanding our mission, J127 Ministry can provide critical support to even MORE of these young adults, helping them navigate the complexities of adulthood with the resources and stability they need to thrive.
But we can’t do it without YOU!
Journey Forward
Phase 1
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Mom & Baby Cottages
After much prayerful deliberation, J127 Ministry has decided to embark on a crucial initiative to build 4 fully furnished cottages dedicated to young moms and their babies. These cottages will provide young moms with a private home to foster self-sufficiency, financial management, and property responsibilities, all while remaining close to J127 staff for ongoing support.
This pivotal project will empower a young mom at J127 to focus on her education, pursue employment opportunities, and develop independent living skills within a supportive community that can help her navigate motherhood successfully, breaking the cycle of poverty for generations still to come.
The cottages will allow us to partner more closely with a local pregnancy center, to provide a safe, ideal space for young women who choose to parent their babies, helping them build a stable rental history while paying a small amount of rent based on their income.
Currently, less than 3% of young moms in similar situations enroll in college, but with the support provided by this community at J127, 30% of our young women are currently enrolled in college programs.
Phase 2
Studio Apartments
In Phase 2 of the expansion, J127 Ministry hopes to construct 12 fully furnished studio apartments, complete with a laundry facility, providing an important next step for the many young women working toward independence in our current program.
This initiative will allow “J” to continue focusing on her education and employment, gain independent living skills, and build her rental history while maintaining close proximity to J127 staff for the ongoing support she needs.
Residents will pay rent based on their income, making it an affordable and sustainable option that teaches financial responsibility in an environment where it’s safe to make some mistakes. We already know this is how “J” learns to thrive!
In addition, these apartments will allow J127 to partner with a women’s crisis center and a local mission. Young women 17-25 who have successfully graduated from these programs can apply to live in these studio apartments, ensuring a supportive and seamless transition into independent living.
Additionally, funds raised for Phase 2 of the project will be used to expand parking capacity, office space to accomodate additional staff, and purchase a vehicle dedicated to meeting resident’s transportation needs.
Since opening our doors in 2020, generous donors like YOU have provided a safe, loving home for over 58 young women!
Will you help expand our mission to serve even more?
On-Site Playground
Additionally, an on-site playground will enhance the quality of life for both moms and children at J127, providing a safe outdoor space for recreation, fostering social skills and promoting physical health.
By expanding our campus, J127 Ministry can meet the immediate housing needs of young moms and their babies and empower them to build a brighter future through education, employment, and independent living skills.
Phase 1 of this expansion project represents a significant investment in the well-being and success of vulnerable young families in Durant and surrounding counties in Oklahoma, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to thrive.
Phase 3
Foster Family Homes
Another area of critical expansion for J127 Ministry is an initiative that would build 3 large homes for foster families, designed to accommodate hard-to-place sibling groups, rent-free.
Keeping sibling groups together is an important endeavor for foster kids, but is often impossible for many small families to accommodate in their current homes.
Studies show that foster children who remain with their biological siblings have lower rates of behavioral issues, higher rates of permanency, as well as enhanced relationship security and development.
This stability leads to better performance in school and mitigates the impact of trauma, boosting children's self-esteem and sense of security.
The family-style atmosphere provided by these homes significantly reduces depression and anxiety for children in care, while improving their social skills.
For foster parents, having access to such a support system and resources, including respite care, is invaluable. The availability of a large, rent-free home encourages more couples to foster, as it provides the appropriate space and environment needed for effective care.
Foster families often take on the immense responsibility of caring for children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. These families can become overwhelmed, particularly when they lack adequate support and resources.
Providing rent-free housing for these families not only improves the well-being of the children in their care but also makes it possible for more foster parents to say YES to providing a safe home for children in need.
While J127 Ministry focuses on providing the housing and support structure, case management will be facilitated through a referral partnership with ‘Circle of Care,’ ensuring comprehensive support for foster families living at J127.
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 3 of our expansion.
This space would allow residents and foster families alike 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 home.
Thank you for reading this far!
Our humble ask is that you would 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 offline giving options.
Please reach out with any additional questions you may have!
Sincerely,
Adrean Stinnett
Founder & Executive Director, J127 Ministry
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