Alpha Community Foundation of Oklahoma

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Alpha Community Foundation is seeking funds to assist with the renovation efforts of the Garden Oak's Community Center. We purchased a vacant school building (formerly Garden Oaks Elementary School) and have begun renovations efforts to convert the property into a community center. The Garden Oaks Community Center will have amenities that include a community garden, community library, computer lab, business incubator space, conference rooms for community organizations, a recreation center for neighborhood students, and a multipurpose room that can provide free activities for community members, including martial arts, dance, and exercise classes, plus much more. Our four leadership pillars include civic engagement, educational outreach, health and wellness and community service. The Garden Oaks Community Center will be the hub for activities designed around these pillars and will allow us to serve the needs of those living in the northeast Oklahoma City community. We have secured grant funding for community programs, but we are needing capital funding to assist with building and property renovations. This 27,500 SF facility on 10 acres of land will be a beacon of hope for all in the Garden Oaks community and surrounding areas.

EVIDENCE

Educational Outreach o 8th-grade Black students had an average score 26 points lower than White students. o 8th-grade students who were eligible for free/reduced-price school lunches, had an average score 18 points lower than that for students who were not eligible. 94.9% of students in the 73117 zip code are on free or reduced lunch. o In 2019 Black students had an average NAEP mathematics assessment score that was 30 points lower than that for White students. Health and Wellness o The citizens of Northeast Oklahoma City have a higher morbidity rate in every major disease, as compared to other Oklahomans. o The area suffers from a lack of access to primary healthcare. o The area has only two grocery stores, limiting access to healthy foods. o Mental health visits are eight times higher than in Oklahoma County, and drug treatment visits are approximately five times higher. Civic Engagement o Oklahoma ranks last in US voter participation (2020 presidential election) Community Service: o Poverty rates for children and families are almost double those of Oklahoma County, and 65% of children under the age of five are living in poverty

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Given the scope of learning loss in OKCPS and the limitations of remote learning, students will likely need additional learning hours to make up the loss. That can come through extended school-day and structured after-school programs, weekend school, and summer school programs that already have proven benefits. The most effective programs strive to reinforce core learning, be culturally relevant, and limit groups to eight to 12 students. We will work closely with OKCPS in order to provide learning opportunities and to accelerate learning in order to close the gap created by the impact of COVID. In addition to educational impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought social and racial injustice and inequity to the forefront of public health. It has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality as COVID-19 has unequally affected many racial and ethnic minority groups, putting them more at risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. Negative experiences are common to many people within these groups, and some social determinants of health have historically prevented them from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health. Various strategies can help communities increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence and advance vaccine equity, but some may be particularly helpful when addressing individuals with mistrust. Focusing on effective messaging delivered by trusted messengers (offering recommendations provided by trusted healthcare professionals). Using tactics to address misinformation and hesitancy within the population of focus. Tailoring strategies for the specific community. Building vaccine confidence to help eliminate stigmas associated with receiving COVID-19 vaccination while also fostering relationships between community members and public health entities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The foundation's board members shape the goals and purpose of its program evaluation, while its staff carries out the process with the help of a consultant. The foundation compares its current statistics to those of previous months and eventually years to determine if we met our goals of increased and more efficient fundraising and greater numbers of people assisted. Also, we will use interest and opinion surveys to measure impact and potential areas for improvement based on community perception and attitudes. Specifically, the foundation uses key performance indicators and sets annual mission-critical goals and objectives, with our success measured by whether or not we achieved them. These include goals for factors such as the number of volunteers, the number of families helped, and the number of dollars raised, as well as reputation and overall positive community presence.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma