Posts in Oklahoma News
SHEP’s Connection Corner - August Newsletter
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.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshep, deafblind, okc, sign language, ssps, part time, asl, scripture, deaf, tulsaComment
SHEP’s Connection Corner - July Newsletter
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.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesdeafblind, CLEET, training, ssp, bible, okc, tulsa, advocateComment
SHEP’s Connection Corner - June Newsletter
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.

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SHEP’s Connection Corner - May Newsletter
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!

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SHEP’s Connection Corner - March Newsletter
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.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshep, deafblind, okc, ssp, lucky, cowboy, museum, fun, socialComment
SHEP’s Connection Corner - February Newsletter
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.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshep, newsletter, okc, deafblind, ssp, february, sweetheartComment
SHEP’s Connection Corner - January Newsletter
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!

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshep, deafblind, db, okc, tulsa, december, christmas, party, osu, library, yukon, giftsComment
SHEP Connection Corner - December Newsletter
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.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshep, shepokc, christmas, giver, season, xmas, deafblind, db, deaf, blind, christmas party, jesus house, donateComment
SHEP Connection Corner - November Newsletter
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.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshep, shepokc, deafblind, deaf, blind, oklahoma, november, ssp, asl classes, eventsComment
SHEP Connection Corner - October Newsletter
SHEP Connection Corner - October Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

Give Me The Scoop!

SHEP Connection Corner - October Newsletter

It’s Officially Fall!

Okay, okay... so we have still had some hot days but at least the three digit weather is gone.

Did you make it to the September IamDB? Get there! Fun is a given but we have also been learning braille. Thanks to our very own Gene sharing your knowledge of the machines you use. Gadgets have come a looooong way!

At the very end of the September was Robin White’s birthday! It’s not too late to go on our Facebook page and wish Robin a very merry birthday. Yes, merry! It’s almost that time ya’ll! Wait... just wait! We have something fantastic planned for October. A hoedown! Have you ever been to a hoedown? Well this one is one to etch in memory lane. Come and experience the fun! Fliers have gone out, but if you have questions please reach out to us. We are inviting Tulsa participants and arranging a van to pick up at Jeri’s House.

Limited seating so jump on this quick to get transportation to the hoedown before we fill up!

Psalm 85:12: "The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest." Harvest time is near! What does that mean to you? Not just gathering fruits and vegetables. The harvest of Kingdom work! What you sow will be evident in your harvest. We are thankful blessed to be able to provide for this magnificent community. Your community! Our community! We will never cease praying over you all.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshep, deafblind, okc, tulsa, oklahoma, ocober, october, hope ranch, valley, connectionComment
SHEP Connection Corner - September Newsletter
SHEP Connection Corner - September Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

Give Me The Scoop! September 2024

Are you chanting, “Camp! Camp!”?

We are! Camp is fast approaching. September 10th is the deadline to register and submit payment. Here is the link to registration: https://www.shep-ok.org/oklahoma-db-camp

People from different parts of Oklahoma and surrounding states will be in attendance! This also marks the first time Jeri’s House is cohosting with us, Wait until you see the gear all the registrants get!

Relief is near...ish

How have you been keeping cool? Has your electric bill skyrocketed this summer? I actually called my provider and I saved more this summer than last summer but it felt so much hotter this summer! Using good practices like thermal blackout curtains can be a game changer that benefits all year round.

Football mania. The tie is upon us. Do you keep score? You’re going to learn about so many stats, teams, and scores as the season carries along. With the cooler weather coming comes the beloved football season. The Olympics has had us on the edge of our seats as the USA has been raking in the medals. Now we ask, who is your favorite football team? IamDB is working on methods to get more braille machines out to you so you can enjoy the game or even your favorite show. Those game sportscasters really keep up the momentum giving us all the details of what is going on on that field Perhaps some of you are athletes! We’d love to hear about it! Be sure to tune in for the next IamDB experience.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” What does that mean to you? Don’t grow weary, dear friends, dear family. SHEP has been partnering with the police and fire departments to implement new policies for the community!

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Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesSpring Valley Ranchoklahoma, deafblind, shep, iamdb, camp, 2024, sspComment
SHEP Connection Corner - August Newsletter
SHEP Connection Corner - August Newsletter

SHEP's Connection Corner

Like a beanstalk…

We are growing and still hiring SSPs. We have

trainings available in Tulsa and OKC!

Did we beat the heat?

The roof! The roof! The roof is on fire!” Have you

heard of that song? The next verse says, “We don’t

need no water...!” Ummm...yes, yes do. We

need lots of water. This heat has been intense! We sure do hope you are keeping cool and staying hydrated out there. The bible even tells us how to keep a cool head. Proverbs 17:27-28 The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding.

July has been a scorcher! Please be good to us, August! July did bring about some good things though. July 17th was our vice president's, Alethea’s, birthday and then July 20th was our technical operations manager Tiara’s, birthday. We had a lot to celebrate! We also had a pretty spectacular indoor game day SHEP event.

School is starting up for many this month, from elementary to college. For that reason, we are not having an

August SHEP event. We will have one next month before we head out to camp in October. This month our SSP

manager will be going on vacation. All SSP requests must be received All SSP requests must be received before

August 11 th  and after August 19 th .  Changes to requests that have already been made cannot be accepted during

that time either. A letter will be emailed with more details.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshepokc, deafblind, db, ssp, program, august, 2024, okc, tulsa, baseball, club, tickes, ticketsComment