WHOW Organization

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Dream Life Program helps communities to improve the economic status of low-income families. The program is offered to low income individuals receiving food stamps, household income less than $25,000 per year, pregnant or teenage mothers, or previously incarcerated women. The program was designed to encourage economic growth, self awareness, and direction while providing resources to improve their quality of life. The program is a 12-week course in which participants create life plans of personal and professional growth & development.

EVIDENCE

According to the U.S Bureau of labor Statistics states that in Tulsa alone there are over 14,000 people unemployed. Our goal is to reduce this unemployed and expand the program to not only focus on Tulsa but Oklahoma as well.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

WHOW Organization's targeted area is in North Tulsa where one of the most devastating riots occurred in the 1920's, the worst hate crime in U.S. history. The Greenwood District of North Tulsa was burned, and gangs of whites indiscriminately murdered blacks. Tulsa is a city still marred by a rigid geographic division between predominately lower income African-American living in north Tulsa, and predominately wealthy and whites living in south Tulsa. Tulsa was indeed open to all people, and many who were not allowed opportunities elsewhere found a home here. African-Americans especially flourished, and became so successful in creating businesses along north Tulsa's Greenwood Avenue that the district was dubbed the "Black Wall Street" in the 1920s. The expansion of business in the city during this decade included the establishment of two of Tulsa's landmark healthcare facilities, St. John's Hospital in 1925 and Hillcrest Hospital in 1927. And still today, the effect of the riot plagues the area where businesses, families and communities were destroyed leaving sorrow, rejection and low self image. We all need acceptance and some require guidance and opportunity. Without these elements we are subjected to becoming products of low self esteem. Low self-esteem is projected in various behavior patterns from introversion or depression to extreme attitude display. The impact of low self-esteem is that it prevents individuals from reaching their full potential and their negative attitude progresses into harm to self and others. We are dealing with a generation of misdirected humankind that is not in touch with their potential. The negative energy is channeled into low self-esteem, disrespect of self and others, substance abuse, numerous crimes, joblessness, and an uneducated society.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

See an increase in at least 1% of low income families going back to school, advancing in their career or starting a business. Our Measurement of Success Go back to school for their high school diploma or GED. Attend college or trade school. Advance in their career with at least a $3-$10 pay increase. Start their entrepreneurship journey to self-sufficiency.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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