Growing Together is known as a community quarterback. That means we guide and support community members, organizations and funders to create vibrant communities for children. To be a successful neighborhood, children must have the right conditions to live, learn and thrive. We work to change the fundamental conditions of a neighborhood to benefit kids, making it a more attractive, mixed income neighborhood for families and businesses.
But we don’t want to reinvent the wheel. Our job is to be the connection between businesses, non-profit organizations and other programs. Together, we can all improve our neighborhoods.
Learn more about the science and research of developing neighborhoods here.
Judith joins Growing Together with years of experience in diversity and nonprofit work. During her previous career, she had the opportunity to see the diversity this country has and strategically figure out how we can work together to improve the quality of life for each individual. Judith skills are in developing strong teamwork, problem-solving and a variety of communication skills. She lives in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood and is passionate about improving the lives of those in her community. In her role at Growing Together Judith can use her passions to help those who live in her city and are in need.
Before joining the Growing Together team, Jessica was a teacher at Kendall-Whittier Elementary school for eight years. During that time, she was awarded teacher of the year and became a National Board-Certified reading specialist. Since her time at Kendall-Whiter Elementary, Jessica has worked as an instructional coach with Tulsa Public Schools and a graduate research and teaching assistant at Oklahoma State University. With her experience at the school site level, district level, and in higher education, she has an in-depth understanding of how these various systems interact within the local context. With this understanding, Jessica plans to make a difference in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood by helping to break down barriers between schools and the families they serve.
Anahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passion to further people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excited to be helping students through the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation.
cfqAnahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech–Language Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the Kendall–Whittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. Anahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech–Language Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the Kendall–Whittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. ewf
Wanting to work directly with students in need, Bree works as a site coordinator at Eugene Field Elementary School where she helps equip students with resources they need to feel empowered and achieve their goals. With an interest in helping others, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Lit with an emphasis in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. To connect with her students, you can find Bree walking around the Eugene Field neighborhood and interacting with students and their families. Advocating for her students and creating a positive impact are two things she feels passionate about.
While previously working as a Creek County First Time Offender Coordinator, Corey saw first-hand systematic oppression that people of color receive in the judicial system. Noticing the direct correlation between school to the prison pipeline, he knew he wanted to work in educational reform helping students find the means to become successful. Corey studied at Langston University as well as the University of Phoenix where he received his MPA. Now, he works to show young adults that he cares about their wellbeing while holding them accountable to their actions.
For the last four years, Norma was an AmeriCorps member and served as a parent educator as well as a Literacy Lead with Reading Partners. During these positions, she realized that several Tulsa families in need do not know how to get help or support. This is what brought Norma to Communities in Schools. With a heart full of respect, empathy and compassion, Norma can work to connect students with resources to help improve their lives and stay motivated. She studied business administration in Chihuahua, Mexico, prior to joining AmeriCorps.
Previously working as a DHS social worker and then as a pre-school teacher, Susan has always had a passion for helping children. Now, she is a site coordinator at Rogers College High School. Susan believes that every child deserves to be accepted and given encouragement to achieve success. Each day she works to provide students with resources to help their families while reminding students to focus on graduation, providing encouraging along the way. Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology of Organization and Administration with a business minor from the Oklahoma State University.
Previously working with diverse populations in workforce development, recruitment and grant management, Vanessa has a passion for re-entry services and helping people achieve success. She has a diverse educational background from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a BA in Criminal Justice, BS in Psychology, M.Ed in Social Services with a Criminal Justice emphasis. As an active listener, she works hard to empower, motivate and build relationships with her clients. Vanessa works to make a difference by planting seeds of hope that one day will lead to positive changes in individuals, families and communities.
“I started working with Growing Together in 2016 and saw the impact they were making in the Kendall Whittier neighborhood and school. They affect lives everyday and their success in creating diverse, sustainable partnerships towards real outcomes for our community excites me to help serve them in any way!”
“Throughout my career in both real estate and social services, I have seen the direct positive impact a neighborhood can create for individuals and families. By serving on the board of Growing Together, I can now be part of a concentrated effort and play more of a direct role in the revitalization and sustainability of neighborhoods all across Tulsa.”
“What motivates me to serve on Growing Together’s Board is the opportunity to empower a community to build a better future. Growing Together focuses on removing barriers for individuals and encourages leaders to address social and economic issues by focusing on rebuilding neighborhoods. Participating on this board offers me the ability to help strengthen the future of your city and state.”
“I arrived to Tulsa 11 years ago with Supermercados Morelos, and since then, I have seen this city grow, as well as its needs. I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate and give back a part of the much we have received. Now the opportunity is given as a member of the GT BOD and my experience can be used to achieve a common target: to provide a well deserved education for our kids and take care of the families. If we have a good education and a sense of family, we will have a better city.”
“Growing Together plays an important role in the development of an inclusive neighborhood that offers opportunities for the children of our city to grow and thrive. I am excited to serve on the board and give back in this way to Kendall-Whittier, a community that welcomed my family’s business into the neighborhood.”
“It is so important to comprehensively address neighborhoods in Tulsa so that we can see the best outcomes for children and families. I’m excited to learn more about Kendall-Whittier and the neighbors so that I can better understand the challenges and opportunities of this neighborhood.”
Staying Warm This Winter – CIS COAT DRIVE Let’s share the warmth this winter by donating coats to students in our community. Please bring your new or gently used coats,
Veronica Rojas-Sotelo has a special place in the heart of Kendall-Whittier neighborhood because she grew up in the community. Her family relocated from Mexico to
Since 2011, Growing Together has been committed to making changes and implementing programs that help create healthy neighborhoods for children. Currently serving the Growing Together
New program helps TPS teachers buy affordable homes near neighborhood schools By NOUR HABIB A new collaborative housing program will provide up to $56,000 in
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Tulsa Habitat for Humanity gets $6.7 million grant from Zarrow Foundation to expand affordable housing program By Bill Sherman Tulsa Habitat for Humanity announced a
