Tulsa is a city with a heart. Nothing shows this more clearly than the many Tulsans who work tirelessly to support, mentor, educate or even rescue, families and children in the community.
As TulsaKids Magazine celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, we decided that honoring individuals who use their talents every day to help families would be the best way to recognize our mission of “Serving Children, Informing Parents and Enriching Families.”
We sent out a call for nominations and were overwhelmed with the response. The 20 Tulsans featured on these pages represent people ranging from volunteers to board members. We were amazed at the number of nominees who are involved in not just one or two areas, but serve the city in several ways – and for a number of years!
Space kept us from sharing the whole story about every person, but we hope we hit the highlights of what these wonderful people do. We thank them for their work. They truly are the heart of Tulsa.
Paula Royce
Youth Program Coordinator
Resonance
Paula Royce’s work at Resonance has gotten her deeply involved with helping at-risk youth in partnership with the Juvenile Bureau of Tulsa County and, before its closing, with the Phoenix Alternative School. She is currently working to find ways to serve high challenged probation youth who now have no alternative school program. Paula has also been involved in the mayor’s “Mentoring to the Max” campaign and participates in the Tulsa Youth Intervention Project to prevent gangs.
Paula also coordinates Resonance’s “Girls Unlimited” summer program and has expanded services to at-risk girls, transforming lives and empowering middle and high school age girls.
Paula also coordinated “Going to Bat for Tulsa Kids,” a school-based mentoring program. She has volunteered at the Laura Dester Shelter, a PTA president and is involved with OCCJ’s “Different and the Same” program, teaching kids about diversity and tolerance.
Paula’s nominator says, “Paula exudes passion and caring for kids. She is a make-it-happen, warm and caring individual.”
Laurie Tilley and Terri Hozhabri
Project Elf
Laurie Tilley and Terri Hozhabri were nominated to represent more than 300 volunteer “elves.” The mission of Project Elf is to “promote a positive learning experience in grade school through high school by ensuring that children’s basic needs are met.” The “elves” work through the school system to quietly help others. Probably the best statement that can be made for these magical individuals is the following letter from a child:
“Thank you so much for the coat. My coat was stolen. My mom cried because she could not afford a new one. A teacher told me that you gave my school a bunch of winter coats. When I came home with one of those coats, my mom cried again but this time because she was happy. I love this coat because my favorite color is purple and I love glitter.”
Laurie’s nomination form said, “Laurie’s story is a testament that you don’t need to be a millionaire to change the world; you just need to be willing to give what you can and encourage others to join you.”
Richard Robertson
Spotlight Children’s Theatre
Richard Robertson is a “jack-of-all-trades,” according to his nominator. For more than 30 years, Richard has served as a board member, board officer, set designer, set builder, actor, handyman, groundskeeper – literally spending hundreds of hours volunteering his time and talents.
A retired geologist, Richard is a skilled set designer for the annual season of children’s shows presented at the Spotlight. He donates, not only time, but building materials to create sets that are appealing to young children, who may be seeing a live show for the first time.
Richard’s nominator calls him “a happy, friendly person who will go completely out of his way to help someone in need. His sense of humor makes him a delight to know, and one of the kindest individuals one could hope to meet.”
Pamela Smith
Girl Scouts
Pamela Smith is a 21-year volunteer for the Girl Scouts. When we talked to staffers at the Girl Scouts about Pamela, there were tears of love for her. Pamela is a single woman who spends nearly every waking hour either volunteering or working to make a difference in the lives of kids.
Her nominator says, “Pamela inspires and encourages the kids to do their best in all opportunities that come their way, so that they will, in turn, want to give back to others and the community in their lives.”
Angie Douglas
Residential Services Manager
DVIS/Call Rape
As Residential Services Manager of DVIS, Angie Douglas oversees the emergency shelter and the transitional living housing. Every day she helps women and children fleeing violent situations. Angie and her staff are there when victims have been forced to leave behind everything they know—many injured physically and emotionally. Angie’s job is to care for these women and children, support her staff who are caring for them and make sure everything runs smoothly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. According to Angie’s nominator, “It takes a special, caring, compassionate person to oversee the DVIS shelter.”
In addition to her work at the shelter, Angie is a dedicated volunteer at St. Andrew’s Missionary Baptist Church, her children’s schools and her children’s extracurricular activities. “As you can see,” says her nominator, “Angie Douglas is truly a Tulsan Who Cares.”
Sister Mary Clare Buthod
Director, Monte Cassino School
Sister Mary Clare Buthod is a Benedictine sister of St. Joseph Monastery in Tulsa and director of Monte Cassino School. According to her nominator, Sister Mary Clare is “tireless in her efforts to help each student be the best at whatever endeavor he or she chooses.”
Sister Mary Clare has made the Schools Attuned program (a program that works with learning differences in children) a priority at Monte Cassino, making sure that no child is allowed to fall through the cracks. She is “innovative, resourceful and unrelenting when a child is struggling and will go to any length to find ways to help her students.”
Sister Mary Clare is also an inspiration to her employees. “Through her example, encouragement and support” says her nominator, “she keeps them constantly striving to be better educators and community members.”
“In this age of consumerism and selfishness,” adds her nominator, “it is a wonderful thing for our students to see a woman who has devoted her life to others…she will go to extraordinary lengths whenever she perceives a need.”
Leslie Paris
Senior Vice President, Community Relations Manager
Bank of Oklahoma
Leslie Paris is the director of the BOKF Foundation, which distributes significant financial and in-kind donations to not only Tulsa, but the entire seven-state region BOK Financial serves.
Leslie personally spearheaded major projects at the bank that give back to children in the Tulsa area. She created the “Caring For Kids Book By Book Literacy Campaign,” in which employees are encouraged to bring new or gently used books to BOK locations during June. This year a record number of more than 19,000 books were collected and distributed to nonprofits. Leslie has now expanded this drive to each of the eight states BOK Financial serves.
During the winter Leslie created a partnership with Channel 8 and the Salvation Army to collect thousands of new toys to give to families in need.
Leslie also directs BOK’S partnership with Emerson Elementary School, organizing volunteers, facilitating in-kind donations and recruiting employees to mentor students.
“Leslie’s patient, kind attitude shows in everything she does,” says her nominator.
Rev. Mike and Leanne Chaffin
Foster Care Parents
Child S.H.A.R.E. (Shelter Homes A Rescue Effort)
Rev. Mike and Leanne Chaffin are foster care parents through Child S.H.A.R.E., a ministry of the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care. Child S.H.A.R.E. recruits and supports foster parents, serving families in Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. Mike Chaffin is also Tulsa District Superintendent in the Oklahoma United Methodist Church Cabinet.
According to their nominator, “Leanne first felt the calling to be involved in the foster care program. “Mike said that he and Leanne talked and she felt that this was something God was calling her to… and since Leanne had followed Mike wherever he was called, he felt this was a way to support Leanne’s call.”
“I have personally witnessed the transformation of several of the children who were placed in their home,” says their nominator. “I watched fearful children, develop into fun, loving children who began to reach out and trust adults...”
“There’s just something amazing about Mike and Leanne,” says their nominator, “They are the sort of people who make a difference everywhere they go. They bring a bit of God into every situation.”
Libby Parrish
Mission Outreach Coordinator
Southminster Presbyterian Church
Libby Parrish, an octogenarian, has served as Mission Outreach Coordinator at Southminster Presbyterian Church for many years. Under her leadership this program has expanded and grown affecting individuals not only in our area, but around the world.
Libby’s hand reaches out to a multitude of local charities including Neighbor For Neighbor, Day Center for the Homeless, Emergency Infant Services, Goodland Boys Home, South Peoria Neighborhood House, Marshall Elementary School, and Neighbors Along the Line. She coordinates a meal cooked and served monthly at the Night Shelter for the Homeless; takes baby hats and blankets to St. John’s Medical Center; oversees the “adoption” of Marshall Elementary School by Southminster (her nominator says she is “like a one-woman PTA super-volunteer!”); participates in Habitat for Humanity projects; runs the Fair Trade Equal Exchange Coffee Co-op for a number of churches in Tulsa with the money benefiting scholarships for schools in Malawi, Africa.
Her nominator says, “Libby certainly has given so much to so many throughout her time here, but many lives are better blessed by her amazing spirit.”
Jana Ketchel
Water Safety Co-Chair
Safe Kids Tulsa Area
Jana Ketchel is “just a mom” who was determined to help her community become more aware of the importance of keeping children safe in or near water. After the near-drowning of her niece, Jana educated herself about the statistics of children who died in pools, hot tubs, or lakes/rivers. She found that Oklahoma had no building guidelines or codes for swimming pools. She became determined to facilitate changes to laws and regulations regarding fencing around pools and covers over intakes. Jana joined Safe Kids Tulsa Area and has received national recognition through Safe Kids for her efforts in changing zoning laws and regulations in Tulsa. She has also planned and implemented many events to heighten awareness of the importance of adult supervision of children in and around pools.
Her nominator says that “For being ‘just a mom’ she sure is one of the best community advocates I know in helping Tulsa become a safer place for children!”
Dr. Patricia Hollingsworth
Director University School at University of Tulsa
Dr. Pat Hollingsworth was on the ground floor of the program now known as University School when it began with five preschool children in the spring of 1982. She became the Director of the University School in 1984 and has continued to be the “visionary behind the school’s success” in the years since. University School is the only school of its kind in the state and gives gifted children a supportive, family-oriented environment where their talents can be nurtured. According to her nominators, “When no one else would believe in the need for supporting gifted education in Tulsa, she found others to share that remarkable vision and step forward with support. The school is not just a service to its students and their parents, but provides Tulsa with an sward-winning enhancement to educational opportunities available to parents in our community.”
Another nominee writes, “She has worked tirelessly to bring gifted education to the forefront here in Tulsa and continues to seek help in raising scholarship monies so more students can be helped through the program she directs.”
Deniese Dillon
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Dillon International, Inc.
“More than 35 years after she and her husband, Jerry, founded Dillon International’s adoption and humanitarian aid programs, Deniese remains tireless in her work to provide a brighter future to the world’s children,” says Deniese’s nominator.
Deniese and Jerry founded Dillon International in 1972 to help children orphaned by the Korean War. The Dillon’s goal at that time was to help 100 children. The non-profit agency has helped children from South Korea, China , Russia, Ukraine, Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, India, Ecuador and Viet Nam. More than 6,000 children have been placed for adoption in the United States through Dillon International and have continued to receive support through their post-adoption and heritage education programs. Several thousand children have been fed, clothed, and educated through Dillon’s humanitarian aid programs.
According to her nominee, “Deniese has courageously followed what she firmly believes is God’s direction for her life. She has been a blessing to children, adoptive parents and her staff through her strength of character, gracious demeanor and unwavering determination to always put the needs of children first.”
Dr. Brian Williams
Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Green Country
Dr. Brian Williams was matched with his little brother Charles when Charles was only six-years-old. Today Charles is a 16-year-old high school student and, despite challenges and disappointments, Dr. Williams has always been there for Charles. Despite being a young doctor in process of building his practice, Dr. Williams still finds time each week to spend with Charles. “He truly considers Charles a part of his family,” says his nominator.
Dr. Williams also works to encourage other professionals to volunteer and make a difference in a single child’s life. To help recruit volunteers, Dr. Williams promotes the organization and donates a portion of his practice’s profits to Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
“Dr. Williams is someone we know professionally and admire greatly for his dedication,” says his nominator. “It is very rare these days to find someone who stays devoted to a cause for ten years.”
Terri Heritage
Parent Child Center of Tulsa
Terri is a long-time supporter of non-profits in the Tulsa community. Through her business, Interim Health Care, she works tirelessly for issues related to the sick and aging and is a strong advocate with local and statewide legislators on issues important to the welfare of children.
Terri became a board member of the Parent Child Center in 1999 and supported the center financially and legislatively. According to her nominator, “Whenever she makes personal contacts with our legislators, they listen. She is very respected within the leadership of the Oklahoma legislature.”
Additionally, Terri supports children at the Celia Clinton Elementary School, creating a clothing closet and served on the Tulsa Philharmonic Board making sure that children are exposed to orchestrated music by providing tickets to area non-profit agencies.
Terri’s nominator says, “As board president of an agency whose mission is to help children and parents find hope and learn skills to end child abuse and neglect through education, prevention, treatment and advocacy, I can think of no one who better exemplifies this than Terri Heritage.”
Mimi Tarrasch
Director, Early Childhood Services
Family & Children’s Services
“When it comes to paving the way for every young child and his or her family to receive a head start, a healthy start, a fair and safe start, there is no one more inspiring than Mimi Tarrasch,” says her nominator. In addition to her job responsibilities at Family & Children’s Services, Mimi “creates a bit of magic by building bridges between Head Start children, their families and the community at large.”
“On her own time and with no formal supports or budgets” she has: worked to help families at Christmas with gifts donated by F&CS’s Holiday Assistance Program (a program she developed); donated blankets to children from a ladies quilting group; created a teen volunteer group to mentor children; provided Thanksgiving baskets; created the Emergency Contingency Fund to help families with dire emergencies; helped Katrina evacuees and more.
Mimi shares her knowledge of public policy and effective family support practices in frequent presentations at local, state and national conferences and is a role model for youth in the community.
Her nominator says, “Mimi cares deeply for the families she serves and leads with integrity and inspires others to greatness. [Her] leadership and compassion has inspired a culture of caring in those around her.”
Robert W. Block, M.D., FAAP
Board Member
The Child Abuse Network
Dr. Robert Block specializes in child abuse pediatrics at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Tulsa campus and and has dedicated his life to the well-being of children.
He has written several papers and a textbook and has delivered over 1,000 public presentations, in order to raise awareness of child abuse.
He has received countless awards for his efforts. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics and is chair of the Academy’s Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. Dr. Block was also appointed Oklahoma’s first Chief Child Abuse Examiner in 1989 and serves in this capacity to this day. He is a member of the medical team for the Tulsa Children’s Justice Center and a board member of the Child Abuse Network, and a member of the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Task Force on Crimes against Children.
Dr. Block’s nominator says, “We as a city should be fortunate and proud to call Robert a Tulsan. [He is] a tireless advocate on all issues affecting the well-being of our children. He is passionate without compromise and works determinedly on local, state and national levels to advocate on behalf of children who have been impacted by the epidemic of abuse.”
Liz Hunt
President
Hunt Media Marketing
Liz Hunt has furthered the mission of Child Abuse Network. According to her nominator, Liz has shared time, talent and company resources to numerous non-profit organizations who work on behalf of children and families.
“Liz has donated hundreds of hours and leveraged significant resources to the Child Abuse Network and related initiatives such as National Child Abuse and Prevention Awareness Month,” says her nominator. Additionally, she serves as a board member to many organizations dedicated to children and families such as the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club and others.
Her nominator shared this story: Liz made an agreement with a student she was tutoring through Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club that if he raised his failing grades to a C in one grading period, she would take him, and all the children in the club to Incredible Pizza in a Hummer limousine. The child raised his grades and, true to her word, Liz and 50 kids went to Incredible Pizza in a Hummer! “The object of her wager,” says her nominator, “was to give this child a positive goal to strive for, generate peer support, and most importantly, foster a sense of personal pride and accomplishment.”
“I’ve never met an individual who possesses such a sincere passion and commitment to children,” says her nominator.
Linda Watts
Director of Social Services
Emergency Infant Services
“Linda Watts is Emergency Infant Services,” says her nominator. Linda began as a volunteer working on a task force formed by Second Presbyterian Church, attempting to address infant and child poverty in Tulsa. Thirty years later she is still working to serve infants and children helping over 6,000 children every year with basic needs such as infant formula, diapers, clothing, medicines, cribs, cars eats, food high chairs, strollers and more.
According to her nominators, Linda is always the first to arrive and the last one to leave. Her door is open to any family in need, and she always responds to others with compassion. She has driven mothers home to save them long bus rides with toddlers in tow, and is patient and consoling when a family needs solace. “Linda treats every mother, father and child she sees with incredible respect for their dignity. She sees the potential in the face of each infant, and love in the face of each parent,” says her nominator. “Her optimistic nature and her quiet strength have made her an indominatable force for Tulsa’s children.”
Another nominator describes Linda as “a kind, gentle spirit who treats every family she comes in contact with respect. She is truly a saint!”
Mark Butterworth
Butterworth Financial Advisory
Cascia Hall, Boy Scouts
Mark Butterworth is one of those individuals who has his finger in a lot of community service pies around the city. From the Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa, to the Boy Scouts, to the University of Tulsa to Cascia Hall, Mark has, well, made his mark.
Mark has shared his professional financial expertise as chairman of the Finance Committee on the board of Cascia Hall Preparatory School. He has also served on the Alumni Board for the University of Tulsa. Currently, he is a board member of the Cascia Hall Foundation and of the Tulsa Ballet Theatre, and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa.
Occasionally, Mark does get out of the office to play, but he’s still helping others when he does. As a former college basketball player, Mark is an avid fan and loves to volunteer as a middle school basketball coach at Cascia Hall. He also works with the Boy Scouts of Tulsa Area Troop 1, helping them develop and implement individual budgets in order to earn their Personal Management merit badges. |
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