Impactful Women of the 918: Maggie Hoey

Maggie Hoey believes lasting change begins when people know they have someone in their corner. That philosophy has guided nearly her entire career serving Tulsa through nonprofit work. Today, as president and CEO of Lindsey House, she helps mothers and their children build stable, independent futures.

Lindsey House provides housing, education and wraparound support to help families bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency. For Hoey, the greatest reward is celebrating each milestone along the way. Whether it’s a mother landing a new career, reuniting with her children, becoming debt-free or purchasing a vehicle, “we try to make a habit of celebrating all wins at Lindsey House, big and small,” she says. “Because we know how much work goes into each one.”

That support doesn’t end when families move out.

“Once they’re in the Lindsey House family, they’re in it forever,” Hoey says.

Alumni know they can always return for encouragement, accountability and support.

Outside of Lindsey House, Hoey serves on the board of Magic City Books and enjoys cheering on Nathan Hale High School athletes alongside her partner, a teacher and coach. She believes everyone deserves the kind of encouragement that helps them keep moving forward—and finds hope in being that person for others.

Q&A with Maggie Hoey

Can you tell us about your career journey and what led you to Lindsey House?

I’ve spent almost my entire career working for Tulsa-area nonprofits. It’s been an honor to help address some of our community’s biggest challenges. I’ve worked at the Community Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Iron Gate, Tulsa Regional Chamber and the City of Tulsa. In each of these roles, I got to help harness the support of the community to help make change happen. It’s not necessarily the path I envisioned for myself, but I can’t imagine doing anything else at this point.

For readers who may not be familiar with Lindsey House, can you describe its mission and the families you serve?

Lindsey House exists to help moms who are raising their kids bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency and independence. Currently, 24 moms and 45 kids call Lindsey House home. We provide housing, curriculum and wraparound support services to help families build a solid foundation for their futures and break generational cycles. While here, they focus on stabilizing their employment, eliminating debt, building emergency savings, learning to live within a budget and preparing to live independently after Lindsey House.

What has been one of the most meaningful moments you’ve experienced while leading Lindsey House?

It’s a real privilege to have a front-row seat to see families experience true growth and change. We’ve celebrated new jobs where moms moved from part-time, low-wage work to full-time career paths. We’ve seen families reunited as moms closed their custody cases so children can say goodbye to foster care for good. Moms have received their driver’s licenses after going without for years; they’ve purchased vehicles; they’ve become debt-free. We try to make a habit of celebrating all wins at Lindsey House, big and small, because we know how much work goes into each one, and they all matter in helping moms gain hope and confidence.

Your team says you continue to celebrate and support families long after they leave Lindsey House. Why is building those lasting relationships so important to you?

In some ways, the most important work we do at Lindsey House occurs after a family moves out. They’ve left here with all the knowledge, skills and resources needed to be successful long term. But we know life will continue to happen, and it’s important our alumni know they can still call us for help navigating whatever situation they face. We might not have all the answers, but we can help provide support and accountability so a small challenge doesn’t put all the progress they’ve made at risk. And we love celebrating the good news, too! We tell people once they’re in the Lindsey House family, they’re in it forever. I’m really proud of the efforts we’ve made to help put real action behind those words.

What keeps you hopeful, even when working with families facing incredibly difficult circumstances?

I’ve personally experienced the beauty of knowing I have people who believe deeply in me and my success. My cheerleading section is loud, and it’s made all the difference for me as I’ve set and achieved my own goals in life. Everyone should know what it feels like to have someone in their corner on good days and bad days. I strongly believe we’re not meant to do life alone. It’s motivating to get to be that person for someone else. It’s not always easy, but supporting someone during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows allows you to see humanity in its rawest form. I find so much hope in seeing people keep pushing forward and finding a way despite all odds.

Outside of your work at Lindsey House, are there organizations, volunteer efforts or community causes that are especially meaningful to you?

I serve on the board at Magic City Books, so I’m a big fan of the important work they’re doing fostering curiosity and empathy through books. I also spend a lot of time cheering on athletes at Nathan Hale High School. My partner is a teacher and coach there, so I’m often in the stands cheering on him and his students.