Newcastle Christian Church
Minister Billy Collier spoke on behalf of Newcastle Christian Church.
“At Newcastle Christian Church we want to serve you,” he said.
He said the church and its members are very active in the community.
On August 10, Meet Your Community will be at the church. It is free for chamber members, and $50 for nonchamber members. Church members said as people move here, this is the best way for new residents to see what the community offers.
SPONSOR:
Oklahoma City Abstract — Leslie Denton, Business Development Heather Hamilton Escrow Officer Cindy Ferlaino Escrow Officer
Tri City Hope Center
Shannon Kowals, founder and director of the Tri City Hope Center, spoke of the 100% volunteer organization.
She said they are here to provide free food, clothing and toys to those in need in the communities of Newcastle, Blanchard, Tuttle and Bridge Creek.
They have to purchase 99% of their food, she said, so they are always seeking donations from area churches, businesses and individuals.
They are open every Thursday and average about 130 familes per week.
Kowals said they can always use more volunteers to help.
SPONSOR:
Pioneer — Robin Fielder Public Relations Specialist
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library treasurer Nancy Wynne said the organization funds many of the Newcastle Library activities. The Friends paid for a new book shelf, summer reading incentives, and various program needs.
They have one fundraiser per year: the Friends of the Library Craft/Book Sale in June with quilt raffle.
They are looking for a place to store the donated books throughout the year, but cannot afford to buy a place.
They also are looking for new members, and hold meetings on the second Wednesday of the month during the school year.
SPONSOR:
Physical Therapy Central — Emily Littlejohn, PT Kalie Greene, PT and Clinic Director
Lions Club International of Newcastle
Wearing one of her many hats, Lions Club President Robin Fielder explained the many activities of the Newcastle club. Lions Club provides eye glasses and eye exams to those in need.
They sponsor a family during Christmas, and they provide backpacks with needed items for the homeless.
Lions Club has a Fill the Bucket campaign for the STRUT fundraiser at Newcastle High School. They help with community events including bingo each month at the senior center. They also have their own quarterly Bingo fundraiser at LaLuna Cantina & Grill.
They meet on the last Thursday of the month at Gigi’s Restaurant for breakfast.
SPONSOR:
Pioneer — Robin Fielder Public Relations Specialist
Newcastle Senior Citizens Center
Sarah Howard told of the purpose and the activities of the Newcastle Senior Citizens Center.
She said the center is a safe space for seniors and others to have a hot meal, or to have a hot meal delivered. They are able to socialize, play games and enjoy other activities including art projects.
She said the center has an impact on the area seniors, and provides a sense of purpose, connection and hope.
“Together we can combat food insecurity, social isolation and loneliness among these seniors,” she said.
SPONSOR:
Ruby’s K-9 Corral — Vicky and Ryan Simpson Owners
Frontline Family Solutions
Executive Director Mindy Bellack said Frontline Family Solutions is a community- based family support, education and mental health service. They provide individual, family and group counseling.
One of their main functions over the last five years has been providing licensed therapists for more than 100 students at Newcastle Public Schools. This service, however, has been paid for mainly by federal dollars. These are now going away, she explained.
Frontline is working on a different way to provide the same service, Bellack said.
SPONSOR:
Edward Jones — Michael Edmonds Personal Investment Advisor
Friends of the Shelter Foundation
Farah Payton Snider, founding president, provided an overview of the Friends of the Shelter Foundation and their foster-based rescue for dogs and cats.
They are an all volunteer group which started in 2013 as a local rescue group.
They began in Newcastle, but also helped in Blanchard and Tuttle. After the 2013 tornado hit the area, they became a foster-based shelter.
Snider said they are constantly overrun with animals, and they get a lot of sick or injured pets, which creates an “astronomical monthly veterinarian bill.”
Their main fundraiser is a fireworks stand at the volleyball courts on Main Street during the Fourth of July.
SPONSOR: OEC/OEC Fiber
Jericho Young Mothers Home
Jayna Kinnamon, founder of Jericho Young Mothers Home, is being built to serve foster children who are pregnant and want to keep their child. Kinnamon said they are working with the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services, which will provide state funding for living expenses.
Jericho Young Mothers Home is working on renovating a property in Newcastle with a residence, an apartment and an educational facility. Kinnamon said they are seeking donations to help with the renovation. They have a goal of $200,000 and have raised $50,000 of that.
She said, “These girls already don’t feel worthy. We are going to make the difference.”
SPONSOR:
Focus Federal Credit Union — Abigail Cabello Marketing Director
Grace Home OK Blanchard
Minister Jeff Cockroft said Grace Home OK is a maternity home for women ages 18-30 who have had an unintended pregnancy. Grace Home OK is a 5,000 square foot home with six rooms on five acres, which averages 4-5 women and babies in the home.
Cockroft said they provide support such as help through daily life and parenting skills. They provide help for those without a high school diploma to obtain their GED, and they provide healthcare through Norman Healthplex. As well, they help the women with any legal issues they may have.
He said, “God is doing amazing work in this place.”
SPONSOR:
Knippelmier Chevrolet — Jeff & Kaitlin Lister
Newcastle United Methodist Church
Minister Ashley Green-Young said the Newcastle United Methodist Church has worship at 11 a.m. every Sunday.
She wanted to share some of the church’s outreach ministry.
Church member/lay leader Sabrina Martin said the church has a food pantry and they accept in-date non-perishable goods. They have a Blessing Box in their parking lot where you can take what you need, or drop off items for others. They have a Cups of Love ministry to reach out to the homeless. They specifically work with women who are coming out of the Women’s shelter in Norman.
SPONSOR:
Focus Federal Credit Union — Abigail Cabello Marketing Director
Tri-City Cruisers Newcastle
President David Gayanich said the Tri-City Cruisers is a social club which raises money for those in need.
They have a car show every year in Newcastle, and cruise in to Sonic on the first Saturday of the month. They have a cruise and eat program, participate in parades, and drive in the Talimena Fun Run.
Their car show is in the last weekend of April each year, and this year was the largestsponsored car show in Oklahoma.
They had more than 300 cars participate, not including 50 more that drove through, and another 20-plus members’ cars. They’ve donated in the past to tornado victims, to individuals for healthcare, and water for fire departments.
SPONSOR:
Superior Structures — Janelle Cotrell
Pioneer Library System
Branch Manager Roxanne Pico-Lenz said the Newcastle Branch of the Pioneer Library System focuses on programs that can help with the residents’ needs.
She said the library is a space to learn, grow and connect.
They work on artistic expression and creativity, school readiness, health and wellness, and a love of reading.
Pico-Lenz said the library has an outreach to local daycares and seniors.
“Events like Yoga with Alpacas blends physical wellness and fun, creating a memorable experience for participants,” she said.
She said one of the library’s next activities will be a visit by Extreme Animals.
SPONSOR:
Physical Therapy Central
