SHEP’s Connection Corner - December Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

December 2025

Season Greetings with meetings!

We need a song about November. What a doozy, but thankful we are and forever will be. Cassandra, SHEP’s founder and president, was a guest speaker for fifth graders and taught them the alphabet in sign language. Just think... The more people know at least the alphabet it will make a huge difference in bridging the gap in the communication barrier between the hearing-sighted-DeafBLind world. It’s such a beautiful thing!

Shep even had the pleasure of further educating the community about our services and the needs of the community in general at OSU. We met some amazing people who even decided to be active in future shep events!

We didn’t have a Deafblind community event in November. Instead, Cassandra also took time to see family in Texas. She always has a can-do attitude and stays connected. We encourage you to do so as well!

We have great news! Our SSP program is now back to accepting SSPs requests. With the government shut down, it slowed things down a bit, but we are back in the swing of things just in the nick of time. We do pray you all had a very happy Thanksgiving and the love you received warmed you over for days and days to come.

Remember to follow us on social media and stay in the loop with what is going on and our partnered networks and organizations.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesDecember 7, 2025december, OKC, deafblind, braille, tulsaComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - November Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

November 2025

Wait, The President On A Bull?

You read that right! Our president, Cassandra Oakes, rode a bull at the pumpkin patch at our October IamDB event. We had to wait out the rain, but when there’s a will, there’s a way. As soon as the showers cleared, it was on time! Connect with us on social media to see pictures and how the deafblind made meaningful connections and used tactile and full sensory awareness

November has crept up on us, or rather, ran up on us. Cassandra also enjoyed the camp in louisiana. It was an amazing time to connect outside of oklahoma. There are so many wonderful people to meet and things to do.

We have been moving forward full force with our first responders program with iamdb, educating our community’s emergency personnel about this merge of communities. Awareness is key!

Guess what is coming up!

SHEP’s camp! Start saving and planning and preparing for this fun and sensory loaded event. Have an idea for a theme for 2026? We’d love to hear it!

A lot is going on in the media and we are here to share hope and inspire. When you can’t smell the roses it’s just because we have to go a little further to get to the garden. Stay refreshed in the word. Know that the church is the people, not the building.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesDecember 7, 2025november, OKC, deaf, deafblindComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - October Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

October 2025

Bam, Came October!

Where is the year going? It’s October already?! We told you it was coming, and...drumroll...it’s here! We have been working with the first responders in Oklahoma and we are officially announcing that we have a cleet certified course available! We are listed on the Cleet online catalogue for state certification. Please spread the word to the first responders you know. This fall our cleet class will be October 11th for 8 credit hours. For this program we have an open position for a First Responder Manager. Check the SHEP website for details on this position.

We heard you! We have an answer! Starting October 7th, we will have a free sign language class every other Tuesday. Come and learn sign language with us! Casssandra, our CEO and president, will be leading the class. It will be a laid back learning environment and you will surely leave knowing new words to sign each time. The first class will be Tuesday, October 7th at the Del City Library. Location is pending for the next upcoming classes. No need to register, just meet us there!

Don’t get spooked because you don’t know sign language! We got you! We have SSP positions that don’t require any sign, some that require basic sign like the alphabet, and some that you can show off your signing skills. We are hiring, and we need SSPs (support service providers). Check our website for details. and apply today! Being an SSP is very meaningful. The SSP is the guide that interprets the world around the DB client. We need you!

Time for treats and good apple cider. But during Halloween you’ll get scared by a spider. NOw is the time where the beach is left to slumber. We grab our candy and blankets to snuggle in under.

Poem of the month

Time for treats and good apple cider. But during Halloween you’ll get scared by a spider. Now is the time where the beach is left to slumber. We grab our candy and blankets to snuggle in under.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesOctober 6, 2025october, shep, deafblind, shepokc, oklahoma city, ssp, hiring, dbComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - August Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

August 2025

It Got us Again!

The storm that is! It got us. We had to move our July social from Scissortail Park to Starbucks due to the rainstorm. Oh, but it didn’t rain on our parade! We still had quite a time with Iamdb with cafe drinks as our companions.

Vicky, our operation’s manager, got in a lot of sign language practice. When the tables turned and Vicky was in the spotlight, it turned the heat up a few notches. Haha! This was a beautiful merge with the hearing world and DeafBlind culture.

Each person took turns signing phrases for Vicky to learn and sign back. There were the phrases: I need help, How are you?, found eggs, You work good, you are trouble, and where’s your SSP?

No worries! They took it easy on her! Bring your friends and family to the events! We are all part of the community! We love opportunities to spread awarenEss and communication.

August is the month the kids are getting ready for school! Do you have a back to school routine? How about those expenses?

We’d like to take a poll and post the results in next month’s newsletter. Some public schools require uniforms. What is your vote; Yes, i prefer uniforms or No, I’m against making students where uniforms to school? Email us your answer at humanresources@shep-ok.org. We can’t wait to receive your responses!

Well to the adult learners out there, we haven’t forgotten about you! It’s “back to school for everyone” time! Let us know how we can support you in your needs for shopping, appointments; really anything that is necessary for the running of your household. If we aren’t able to provide an ssp for you , we could definitely help you find these resources.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesAugust 23, 2025shep, deafblind, okc, sign language, ssps, part time, asl, scripture, deaf, tulsaComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - July Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

July 2025

Give me the scoop!

Celebrating Independence Through Accessibility

As we gather to celebrate Independence Day this month, we're reminded that freedom means something unique to each person. For the DeafBlind community, independence is deeply tied to connection—through touch, through trust, and through thoughtful access to communication. We're proud to stand alongside our community members, advocating for inclusive spaces and empowering individuals to live with dignity and confidence.

You may have your days where you just want to curl up with a book and just stay to yourself. That’s okay! Self care and resetting with some much needed rest and relaxation is always recommended. On those days you may feel like you are out here all by yourself, know that you have a community to connect with. for those with a social media presence, we will be hosting Facebook page Message us for the invite to be added so you can be social with others without having to give out your phone number.

Being connected is so important. Look at what the bible says on this.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesAugust 23, 2025deafblind, CLEET, training, ssp, bible, okc, tulsa, advocateComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - June Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

June 2025

Not so bad, Not so Bad!
June is here and it actually hasn't been that hot. Uh oh...did I jinx it? Here we are entering the warmer days yet cool nights. You know what that means...tornado season is upon us again. Line up preparation on what to do in the case of a storm and ensure your alerts are working. If you have questions or even want to offer advice we can share to the community, please contact us.
While we may think physical storms like the thunderstorms and tornadoes, there may be storms in your spiritual life as well. While our gatherings are light hearted and don't really hit the nitty gritty of what you may be battling in your life, it definitely helps lift the spirit to congregate and be around people that genuinely care about you and want to get to know you better. SHEP is an empowerment organization to encourage you that you CAN do what you put your mind to. Cassandra speaks often on having a can do attitude. Here're some bible scriptures to nab and hold to your heart.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesAugust 23, 2025iamdb, cleet, first responders, hotdog, ssp trainingsComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - May Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

May 2025

What's the scoop?!

May the force be with you!
You just gotta love spring rain. One thing to prepare for are the return of the six legged creatures. Gulp! Bugs.
Spring is in full effect!
Parents, The school year and proms are wrapping up and graduation is in the air for many. Perhaps you, reader, are the one graduating! We for sure have some staff families with high school graduates, ceremonies, and gatherings rolling around the corner.
May has quite a bit to celebrate!
Cinco De Mayo is coming in hot and we will surely be celebrating that, too!
Honoring a mom or motherly figure in your life on Mother’s Day? There are so many creative ideas out there. Our president and founder, Cassandra Oakes, has four adult children. and eleven grandchildren. Needless to say, Mother’s Day is a big deal!
In April we showed up and showed out at the resource fair and the deaf nation expo. Oh what a time we had! We met so many new people and linked up with our own active community members.

We want that for all of you! to be able to enjoy each day to the fullest in your independence and socializing and coming together in the community. We are open to ideas and even a nudge or heads up to upcoming events we may not have been informed of. Send us an email and let’s get together! We love your ideas.
Let’s do a bible dig, shall we?
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to meet together and encourage one another, while
1Corinthians12:25-27 highlights the body of Christ as a diverse group where each part is essential and interdependent.
Speaking of coming together...
May day! May day! We need ssps! Join the team! You may think you need to already know what a ssp is. Nope! Just have a heart to help and transportation and we will train you. Know your abcs in sign language? That’s a big help for some of our clients and...we will teach you!
We have sign language classes coming up. Donations are welcome. We will be posting our summer signing class soon!

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesAugust 23, 2025may, newsletter, spring, okc, deafblind, mothers day, deaf, tulsaComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - March Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

March 2025

Forward, March!

Welcome to Oklahoma!

That weather was a doozy and then to double it with that weird strand of whatever illness cocktail was going around. We pray everyone has been protected, is healed, and is well. Speaking of illness cocktails, How about those allergies?

One really neat fact is, honey actually helps alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies. (If you’re not allergic to honey, of course.)

The key is the bees. The local bees make the local honey. The pollen on their bodies when they go from flower to flower falls into their honey making process, thus anyone consuming the honey is actually consuming antibodies. Nature is so cool!

Share with us your allergy remedies. It may help someone ❤️

February was lovely nonetheless, even if it only felt like a week. Here we are marching to the beat of...well...march!

in February we loved our a game day event. It was a great time and friendly competition. It’s fun to get out of the house and hang out with friends.

Forward, March! This month we will invite you to join us on People with disabilities day. be sure to check out the details below!

who likes green and a good time? I sure did! But, did you know that’s not really what saint Patrick’s day is about? It’s actually a Christian holiday and a very special day in ireland. St. Patrick was a former slave that escaped and became a priest. he then spread christianity to the multitudes throughout ireland. He even created a celtic cross amongst other things to spread the word of God. Because of his love for god,they called him a saint.

Ireland observes the day of his death as a holy day, St. Patrick’s day. Throughout the years tales have been spun and we see leprechauns protecting gold and drinking beer and wearing green to avoid getting pinched. I do admit finding a four leaf clover is always awesome!

What's going on?

People with disabilities awareness day

When: Noon to 4:30 pm on March 11

Where: Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Be seen, wear green.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesMarch 2, 2025shep, deafblind, okc, ssp, lucky, cowboy, museum, fun, socialComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - February Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

February 2025

GIVE ME THE SCOOP

We’re already Here!

So no one caught that the last newsletter still said 2024? Hahaha! What did 2024 mean to you? Are there things you are carrying over into 2025? The Bible, particularly in Isaiah 43:18-19, encourages letting go of old things and embracing new by saying, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.".

Sometimes changes come through like a storm. it’s how you react to the storm. How do you navigate when pressure is applied? new members join SHEP regularly for help in their storms. We don’t just help through your s.o.s call (By the way, SOS began as a morse code distress call meaning “save our souls” or “save our ship”. let’s put some praise on it and declare “savior oh savior”!) We also nurture involvement and inclusivity in the community.

With the cold and storms in january we had to postpone our january game day. we were really looking to see who was going to be the victor. Have no fear! Another game day is near. we are having games with sweeties for our february event, saturday the 15th. it will be early enough in the day where you will still have time to go out with your ultimate sweetheart if that’s your heart’s desire. It’s fun to gather with shep friends as well to spend time and show love.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesFebruary 2, 2025shep, newsletter, okc, deafblind, ssp, february, sweetheartComment

SHEP’s Connection Corner - January Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

January 2024

GIVE ME THE SCOOP

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

God doesn’t give us resolutions. We get revelations. Something to think about... What have you reflected on and how are you taking that and moving forward? Greatness is in you and with you, And we are blessed to be a part of your circle.

Here is our prayer for you to kick off the year.

Lord,

We pray love, wellness, prosperity, and love over each and every reader of this newsletter and any connections they have with anyone. We pray for the hands, minds, and hearts of everyone, from the leader of the country, authorities,and loved ones, debt collectors, and anyone that runs across our minds. Lord, we come to you with thankfulness in our hearts for the gifts you bestow on us daily. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Let’s get this year started on the right foot. I heard a joke that right before the clock strikes midnight on New Years, if you lift your left leg and only stand on your right leg, then you’re guaranteed to start the year off on the right foot. Either way, we’re in it to win it, and on the right foot at that!

We “sleighed” December! Our annual Christmas party was nothing short of fun and laughter. Congratulations to the winners of the Musical Popcorn game! It was a game where when the music stopped and you were the one holding the wrapped gift (kind of passed around like hot potato) then you were the one that had 3 seconds to blurt out a holiday themed word that no one else has already said. You can imagine the hilarity. You just had to have Been there!

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesJanuary 12, 2025shep, deafblind, db, okc, tulsa, december, christmas, party, osu, library, yukon, giftsComment

SHEP Connection Corner - December Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

December 2024

GIVE ME THE SCOOP

The Cheerful Giver

Tis The Season Of Giving

Joy In This Time

YAY Friendsgiving was a blast. With new faces and some from the past.

We had crafts and fun and always great food, An amazing Friendsgiving will lighten your mood.

Next up we will have some Christmas fun to share with you and everyone!

It’s time to ring and jingle those bells, Sending Christmas cards and letters through mail.

Come spend time with us and have a fun time, and let’s get together for CHRISTMAS TIME. This year we will be rocking around the Christmas tree at the Yukon public library (details below).

Speaking of the observation of Jesus’ birthday, Happy, Happy birthday! Let’s shout out to Amanda, our very own SSP manager! Her special day is December 17th! Share your birthday with us so we can shout you out, too.

We have a GroupMe messaging group for all SSP to get daily updated information. If there’s an SSP not connected on GroupMe, please get in touch with Amanda the SSP manager. We are stronger together! We also encourage everyone to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Calling all SSPs! This Christmas Party would be a great opportunity to collect some needed CEU hours. If you are needing to know your CEU balance, please contact Amanda for details.

We’re so excited to kick off our annual clothing drive to donate to the homeless shelter (details below)!

This Clothing drive would be an amazing opportunity to give back and to clean out those closets with gently used women and men’s clothing and new unopened toys.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesNovember 24, 2024shep, shepokc, christmas, giver, season, xmas, deafblind, db, deaf, blind, christmas party, jesus house, donateComment

SHEP Connection Corner - November Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

GIVE ME THE SCOOP!

November 2024

Tornadoes, Shelters, Or Rakes?

Did you miss it?

The camp experience at Spring Valley Ranch was extraordinary! Thank you for all of you! We teamed with Jeri’s House this year and we cut many a rugs with all the dancing and game playing. Aww...you missed it? If that’s you, have no fear! We will have camp again in fall of 2026! We’re already on the hunt for the next camp site.

Good ole Oklahoma. As I write this, we are under a tornado watch. It has been incredibly windy, blowing my patio furniture off my porch for the last three days. Be sure to stay in the know of the weather, especially surrounding plans needing a SSP. It may feel like spring so far this fall, but when the cold front comes it will surely come like a bowling ball ready for a strike. Be ready to cover outdoor water faucets and spouts. Rest assured we are mindful to schedule our events indoors.

Any hot chocolate drinkers out there? We are having our annual Thankful For Friends, or commonly known as Friendsgiving, event this month. We will supply refreshments and enjoyment. We just need one more ingredient...YOU! Please see details below so you can make your plans to be there.

Great news! We have had Support Service Providers (SSPs) in the OKC area move due to promotions and opportunities To God be the glory! We have availability for training! What is all this talk about SSPs? You will be trained to be the eyes and ears of the DeafBlind person you are assisting. They do all the work! You interpret the world around them as they navigate. It’s the gift of independent living and you get paid to do it. Knowing sign language is a big plus! Yes, even finger spelling. Those ABCs come in handy!

SHEP is hosting sign language classes for an independent living facility in Choctaw this month! Email us with your interest in classes and we can make it happen! So many things in the works! Stay connected on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesNovember 24, 2024shep, shepokc, deafblind, deaf, blind, oklahoma, november, ssp, asl classes, eventsComment

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