Stronger Together

How Two Nonprofits Are Helping Shawnee Families Thrive

In Shawnee, where many families face real challenges, from economic hardship to emotional strain, two nonprofit organizations are proving that when it comes to raising healthy families, it truly takes a village. Legacy Parenting Center and Gateway to Prevention and Recovery have partnered in a powerful new way, combining their strengths to bring healing, support, and hope to families in need.

Two Missions, One Goal

Legacy Parenting Center’s mission is to build stronger, healthier families by offering education, resources, and mentoring. Through parenting classes, one-on-one mentoring, and the Legacy Store—which provides essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula—Legacy has long been a safe place for families seeking guidance and support.

Gateway to Prevention and Recovery focuses on helping individuals and families in Oklahoma towards recovery and greater health through prevention, treatment, and wellness services. Their expertise in behavioral health brings crucial mental health support to the table.

While the two organizations had referred clients to each other for years, the Potts Family Foundation’s Know and Grow Oklahoma project, made possible by ARPA funding, formalized this partnership through the establishment of the Legacy Family Resource Center, a one-stop location for families to receive parenting education, physical resources, and mental health support all under one roof.

Meeting Families Where They Are

The collaboration between Legacy and Gateway is addressing some of Shawnee’s most pressing needs. Many families in the area rely on state assistance, and with limited transportation or financial means, accessing multiple services across town can feel overwhelming—sometimes even impossible. This partnership removes many of those barriers.

Now, when families walk through the doors at Legacy, they not only receive parenting support but also access to individual and family therapy provided by Gateway’s trained professionals. Therapists are on-site up to nine hours a week, meeting clients where they are—literally and emotionally. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, grief, or the everyday stress of parenting, Gateway is helping families process their challenges in a familiar and supportive space.

Kent Scott, LPC for Gateway shares, “One of the greatest stresses many parents face is simply trying to be a “good parent”—especially when they didn’t have strong role models growing up. “Kids don’t come with an instruction manual.” But through mentorship, mental health support, and real-life resources, parents are gaining the tools they need not just to cope, but to thrive.

Stories of Hope

The impact of this partnership is already being felt in deeply personal ways. One mother, who had been receiving parenting education and help accessing resources, bravely shared that she had recently been hospitalized due to postpartum depression. Thanks to the services now available at Legacy, she was able to begin therapy, process her emotions, and continue parenting her children with strength and support.

Gateway staff shared that several individuals who walked in feeling hopeless have found renewed strength and healing through this collaboration. “We are opening Gateway to a population that may not be able to access services otherwise,” Scott offers.

Families have responded with overwhelming gratitude. Many are surprised by how effective therapy can be—especially when it's offered in a place they already trust. “They’re sharing their positive experiences with other families,” said Tiffany Truelove, Director of Family Services for Legacy Parenting Center. “It’s helping to create a community of healing and support.”

“Every client I have had the pleasure of working with has come in ready to face the difficulties they are experiencing,” says Scott. “They want to be quality parents helping their kids to grow into happy, healthy adults. They realize they have to learn all they can to help accomplish this goal.”

Looking Ahead

Both organizations have big dreams for the future of this partnership. Legacy hopes to increase the number of therapy hours available on-site, so even more families can benefit from the support. Gateway envisions a growing presence that helps individuals, couples, and families develop healthier patterns and deeper connections. In fact, Gateway staff member, Charline Brown, LCSW, will be joining the team, making it possible to serve an additional six participants.

But they can’t do it alone. The Shawnee community plays a vital role in keeping these programs strong. Simply sharing the word about the services available can help more families find their way to support. Others can get involved by reaching out to Legacy and learning what specific needs—like diapers or volunteer help—can be met. As Glen Courtney, CMII, LMFT-C for Gateway puts it, “It takes a community to raise a family, and Shawnee has that heart.”

Together, Legacy Parenting Center and Gateway to Prevention and Recovery are proving that compassion, connection, and collaboration can truly transform lives. In a world where parenting doesn’t come with instructions, this partnership is giving Shawnee families the guidance—and the grace—they need to grow.

If you or someone you know would like support on their journey with mental health, substance misuse, or gambling, do not hesitate to reach out to Gateway at 273-1170 and listen for the extension to Shawnee’s Treatment office or send us a message through our facebook page: Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Inc. To learn more about how to get involved in Legacy’s programs, visit www.legacyshawnee.com.

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Alicja Carter, MHR, BHWC, is the Wellness Director at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. She has worked in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field for over 17 years. Alicja is passionate about living a well life and collaborating with others for the purpose of stimulating positive change in her community.