For Immediate Release:

August 21, 2024

Oklahoma County, OK - Today, Commissioner Carrie Blumert announced the allocation of her portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to several vital community nonprofit organizations in District 1 of Oklahoma County. These funds, approved at today's Board of County Commissioners meeting, will provide pandemic relief support to various programs benefiting the County's residents.

"I am thrilled to award ARPA funding to the community for a second time. These organizations provide vital services to our neighbors such as supportive housing, mental health care, and after school support", said Commissioner Blumert. Blumert continues “I am a proud advocate for each of these organizations and the incredible work they do to serve District 1. My office led the effort to allocate as much of the County's ARPA funds back into the community as possible and I am very proud of what we did today.”

Blumert's $1.9 million in awards go to organizations that focus on community health, children and adult mental health, supportive housing, food insecurity, afterschool programs, and job training programs. A majority of her awardees are organizations led by a person of color or a 2SLGBTQ+ person.

Selected Recipients:

• SISU Youth Services- Transitional Living Apartments for Unhoused Teens
• Urban Bridge- Mental Health Services for Middle & High School Students in NEOKC
• Mid-Del Public Schools- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
• Variety Care- Behavioral Health Services at Variety Care at Crooked Oak
• Lillian Timber Farms- Serenity Blooms Project: Cultivating Mind-Body Wellness in the Community Garden
• Paseo Avenues- Pathway to Independence Housing Program
• Opportunities Industrialization Center of OK County- Tech Prep & Job Readiness
• Freedom City- Spencer After School Program Expansion Project
• Bonnie's Helping Hands- Senior Meal Delivery in NEOKC
• Eastside Pride Wrestling- Tutoring and Social-Emotional Learning for Club Participants
• Mid-Del Youth and Family Center, Inc.- Stay Safe and Connected Program for survivors of domestic violence
• Diversity Center of Oklahoma - Qmmunity Circle Mental Health 2SLGBTQ+ Program

ARPA funds were provided to local governments to help offset the public health and economic needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2024, the County announced it was seeking new proposals for community-based projects and received 287 proposals. Before today's announcement, the County's consultant reviewed proposals for eligibility and impact within the County.

For More Information Contact:

Oklahoma County District 1 
405-713-1501

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