The BeaconJune 2013

The Newsletter of the Little Light House - Tulsa, Oklahoma

On Saturday, April 20 the Little Light House was honored to receive the ti-tle “Oklahoma’s Top Nonprofit” at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprof-its Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards. The ONE Awards Program annually honors the out-standing work of Oklahoma non-profits. The Little Light House was nominated in the category of Health Services, sponsored by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation and the Herman Kaiser Foundation, and was announced the winner for their cat-egory. Later the LLH was announced as the Top Nonprofit in the state, and Marcia Mitchell, Founder and CEO, and Jean Winfrey, Executive Direc-tor, were there to accept this out-standing honor. Out of 19,000 nonprofits in the state of Oklahoma, 24 organizations are nominated by the ONE Awards Selection Committee in eight cat-egories: Arts and Humanities, Com-munity, Education, Health Services, Self-Sufficiency, Seniors, Sports and Recreation and Youth Development. All 24 nonprofits receive a $5,000 prize, and category winners receive $7,500. The overall winner receives a grand prize of $10,000, sponsored by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. “We are so thankful to the Schus-

terman Foundation for sponsoring the award. We are thrilled to receive this prize money for the Little Light House. With tuition-free services, every dollar makes a huge difference in the lives of our students,” said Molly Smith, Director of Develop-ment at the Little Light House.

Jean Winfrey, Executive Director, was excited about what this award might mean for the waiting list chil-dren. “With approximately 140 chil-dren awaiting services at the Little

Light House, we believe this award will assist us in gaining further at-tention for our building expansion project and our Capital Campaign, Building Brighter Tomorrows for Children with Special Needs. The sooner we are able to break ground and begin construction, the sooner these precious children can receive the early intervention they so de-serve.”Phil Lakin, Jr., a ONE Awards Selec-tion Commissioner and CEO of the Tulsa Community Foundation, said the award for the Little Light House was well deserved. “This organiza-tion does so much to help Oklaho-ma’s most precious and vulnerable children,” Lakin said. “I am honored that The Little Light House is the winner of the Charles Schusterman Award for Excellence, and I know their staff and board will be proud of this special distinction.”This is the sixth year for the ONE Awards. Past overall winners have included the Oklahoma FFA Foun-dation, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Mental Health Association in Tulsa, Okla-homa Blood Institute and the Re-gional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The Little Light House is honored to join these organizations as the recipient of this award.

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Page 1...............ONE AwardPage 2...............Summer Apprenticeship ProgramPage 3a.............Alumni Spotlight Page 3b.............Garden Party Thanks

Page 4a..............The Path Lighter’s SocietyPage 4b..............Honorariums and MemoriamsPage 5a..............From the Executive DirectorPage 5b..............Amazing Athletes

In This Issue

Event or Promo

A Christian Developmental Center providing highly specialized education & therapeutic services to children with special needs

Gain hands-on experience in working with children with special needs

Learn more about Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Special Education and Low Vision Therapy

To learn more about the LLH, visit our website at

www.littlelighthouse.org

The summer session dates are

June 11th through July 18th 2013Training is scheduled for June 5th

9:30-11:30amApplication Deadline is: June 1st, 2013

I N V O L V E DG

ET

Summer Apprenticeship Program for ages 14 and up

For Application & additional information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (918)664-6746 or email: volunteer@littlelighthouse.orgPlease return the application before June 1st in order to be considered for the Summer Program

14 year old Emma Tims goes to Bishop Kelley High School, plays soccer, and loves to paint. She attended the Summer Apprenticeship Program at the Little Light House for the first time in 2012 and is excited about returning for 2013! Here is a little bit about Emma!

Why did you decide to start volunteering at the LLH? I heard about the Little Light House from my mom who is a para for the RISE Program at Marquette. I decided to start volunteering after being around all the amazing kids with special needs at Marquette and watching my mom make a difference in their lives. I was pretty nervous on my first day. I didn’t really know what to expect. But the moment I walked into the classroom I was welcomed with open arms and all my nerves vanished. I got there a little early so there was only one student in the classroom. Right away he told me where to sit down and we started rolling a ball to each other while he chatted

away. By the end of the day I couldn’t wait to get back. I ended up switching from just volunteering one day to three days a week because I loved it so much.

What was your favorite part of volunteering? I really loved everything about volunteering. But I especially loved getting to interact with the kids and forming close relationships with all of them.I am extremely blessed that the Little Light House came into my life. Not only did it have a huge impact on my faith, it changed my whole outlook on life. I used to be caught up with trivial things but the kids taught me what is really important and what it really means to live a happy life full of love.

What is one of your favorite memories from volunteering last summer? I remember one morning I was bouncing a little red ball with Daniel and we were sitting near the door while parents were still dropping off their kids. A mom from the classroom across the hall stopped to talk to our teacher with her little boy. The little boy really wanted the ball Daniel was playing with so they said he could have it once Daniel’s turn was over. Daniel heard

all of this and without anyone telling him, he got up and gave the ball to the little boy. This just amazed me, he had such a big heart and was willing to give up his toy without a second thought.

What are you most looking forward to about volunteering this summer? I am most looking forward to meeting new kids this summer. I have been missing the Little Light House so much throughout the year. I am super excited to just be there. It always puts me in a good mood. My mom and I call it the happiest place on earth.

Alumni SpotlightSarah Elizabeth ParrackSarah is an alumni of the Little Light House, starting school there before she was one year old. Sarah thrived in the classrooms with the love and prayers of the teachers and staff. She was in 5 different classes and we still talk about each class and pray for the teachers and assistants.

Sarah has many interests and activities. She is a student at the Union 8th grade center and takes regular education, modified history and science classes, sings in the 8th grade choir, and attends Special Education math and English classes. Sarah is excited to travel with the 8th grade choir to Branson to perform in April this year.

Thank You to Our 2013 Garden Party SponsorsHonorary Chair Julia Ann Lawson

Platinum Key SponsorsH.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust, The Hale Family Foundation

Gold Key Sponsor Donald and Dee Ann Quarles

Silver Key SponsorsJack and Jo Babbitt, George Kaiser Family Foundation, Paragon Industries, Inc., Jim and Ann McKellar, Alan and Felicia Stark, Wolf Mountain Foundation

Bronze Key SponsorsBurnette Windows and Siding, Tulsa Dental Center, Jenni Burkitt, DDS - Dentistry for Children, Matrix Service

Brass Key SponsorsSharon King Davis, Capital Advisories, Inc., Hercules Tire Sales, Tom & Julia Ann Lawson, TTCU The Credit Union, Dr. Richard and Diane Mills, Carole Nikkel, Phil and Marcia Mitchell, Cheryl Emmer, First Bank & Trust Company of Wagoner

Master Key SponsorFlintco, LLC

Charm Key SponsorsBarbara Lacey, Patricia Dowell, John and Shirley Runn, Eve Joseph, Jim and Cheryl Lefler

Crown Key SponsorsDavid and Rebecca Parrack, Jayne Ann Holmes, Michelle Lamb, David Damiani, Jan Sevencaks

Special Thanks to: Sharon King Davis, Jay Litchfield, CP Solutions, Rhonda Holland and Holland MultiMedia, Jerry DeBolt, Victory Christian Students, T4 Media, Rondalyn Abode, Exquisite Valet, Artworks Tulsa Photography, “Cowboys for a Cause” - OSU Alumni Association Tulsa Chapter, M&M Lumber, Certa-Pro Painters, The Bearington Company

And all of our fabulous builders of this years playhouse: Wayne and Ryan Farabough of Perfection Homes, Ken Easton of Frametek, Jim McKellar of M&M Lumber, Jim Lane of A-Best Roofing, Shaun Smith of Brasco Electric, Tom Barbour of Certa-Pro Painters, Jake Cahalen of Mill Creek, Tom Nickolas of Renaissance Wood Floors and Ricardo Tellez of Tellez Ornamental Iron.

Sarah truly loves to swim and she does so weekly, year round, to prepare for the Winter Special Olympics. In January she placed 1st in the 50 meter butterfly and freestyle races and the relay. In the Summer Olympics in May, Sarah will be running track. Sarah also plays basketball in both the Challenger and Upwards leagues and has played soccer and danced ballet in the past. She also enjoys Horseback Therapy: the riding time, getting to know the horses and the people.

Sarah was baptized this past year to let others know that she had asked Christ to live in her heart. She is a member of Parkview Baptist Church, and participates in numerous children’s and youth events through the years. Last fall, Sarah volunteered at the mission fair, at LLH booth of course! Sarah enjoys annually helping at Laps to show appreciation and congratulations to the runners.

Sarah loves to travel, learn new things and meet people. She attends Camp Barnabas in Missouri each summer as well as Camp Perfect Wings in Oklahoma and Camp Hope in Tulsa. Sarah is quite “adventurous” and riding roller coasters at theme parks is always

fun. She has two brothers, Andrew and Joshua, that she loves dearly. For the past two years, Sarah has been honored to be the “Tulsa Winterfest Princess” and enjoyed being crowned and presented with beautiful roses at the BOK Winterfest stage. Sarah has many dreams and just this last week she said, “that’s my dream, to go to college.” She has also spoken often of being a Chef and owning her own restaurant, as she loves to cook and try new recipes. Sarah believes in these dreams, and is working diligently daily to reach them. She is a delight to know and such an encourager to all she meets. Sarah’s time spent in the halls of the LLH instilled in her the belief in her abilities to achieve all things. Truly, “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me”, has remained a life verse for Sarah.

By Sarah’s Mom

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMSMr. and Mrs. James WebbMs. Martha SchoonoverMr. and Mrs. James StantonMr. and Mrs. Charles WardMr. and Mrs. David BlackOlive Jean Schneider TrustMr. Stephen HopkinsMs. Virginia H. ThomasMr. and Mrs. John LooperMr. and Mrs. Jim McKellarMs. Barbara WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Barry FletcherMr. and Mrs. Harold F. OvingtonMr. and Mrs. J. WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Kenneth CollinsMs. Lana FranchekThe Carl and Helen Lee Family TrustMr. and Mrs. John GatesMs. Dorothy M. ImbsMrs. Carol HoltMrs. Joan KellenbergerMr. Michael Cloud

In Memory of Leah Jean DainsIn Memory of Leah Jean Dains In Memory of Chuck StantonIn Memory of Marilyn JonesIn Memory of Leonard MerrymanIn Memory of Leah Jean DainsIn Memory of Mr. & Mrs. A.P. Hopkins/Mr. & Mrs. F.F. LivingstonIn Memory of Leah Jean DainsIn Memory of Marilyn JonesIn Memory of Ernest MoodyIn Memory of Leah Jean DainsIn Memory of Andrew SaasIn Memory of Marilyn JonesIn Memory of Jean DainsIn Memory of Cheyenne CollinsIn Honor of Daniel HolcombIn Honor of Marjorie WilsonIn Memory of Leah Jean DainsIn Memory of Marilyn JonesIn Honor of Keith BoydIn Honor of Jacob Lane PetersenIn Honor of Hayden Elliot

Leave a legacy that lights the path for little ones by becoming a Path Lighter.

Our Gift Planning services help you create meaningful family and financial legacies that will help you fund the mission of the Little Light House.

If you would like to learn more about the Path Lighter’s Society, please call:Molly Smith at (918)664-6746

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The Path Lighter’s Society

For many years I have been blessed to work with and beside our Founder Marcia Mitchell. She has been an incredible coach and extraordinary mentor to me, as well as to our entire staff over the years. Marcia has laid the groundwork for a great work ahead. As I continue in my role as Executive Director, I want to assure each of you of my commitment to continue the work God has begun through Marcia’s obedience to follow His direction and plans. It will always be my goal to maintain the same standards that have been established these past forty years and God will continue to receive the glory for the work of this ministry.

I believe each of you, who are closely related to and involved in this ministry, are quick to recognize that it is through God’s faithfulness and blessings that the Little Light House has grown to be what it is today. Yet, we have so much more to do in the years ahead and I am confident we will continue to grow and flourish. With the building expansion plans in our future, and the programs we already have in place, we will be able to more than double the number of children we provide services to, but will also continue to develop and enrich existing training programs to assure more international interns, university students and others are exposed to the work we do.

One reason I am confident in what the future holds is because of the truly wonderful and devoted professional staff we have in place. In the months ahead I will be introducing you to our Management Team and our other remarkable staff members. The LLH is blessed to have individuals who are committed to being on staff here. So, I hope you will be looking forward to the Beacons to come and become acquainted with our team members.

Also, I want you to know how grateful I am to have your continued support as we move forward with a new season of the Little Light House. We are expecting great things ahead and YOU are a vital part of our success. It truly takes each and every one of us to accomplish all that God has in store. As Marcia has said many times, “We could not do what we do, without the generous, giving support of the Tulsa community.” I know how true that is! You are very much appreciated.

Lastly, I want to personally encourage each of you to attend our evening to honor Marcia Mitchell on June 27th. As we celebrate her 40 years of leadership and dedication to the work God called her to begin, we are anticipating a time of celebrating her accomplishments. We want the evening to be an extra special time of blessing for her, and that will only be possible if you are present to celebrate with us! So please mark your calendars and plan to attend. May the Lord bless you for all that you have done and continue to do.

- Jean Winfrey

From the Executive Director......

Amazing Athletes of Eastern Oklahoma visits the Little Light House once a month to teach our students new sports and activities. Using the gym as a classroom, every Little Light House student is challenged in his or her gross motor development through different games and sports activities and child-sized sporting equipment. Our students have learned how to play games like soccer and wiffleball as a group. The Amazing Athlete coaches have also worked with our students on learning skills like kicking a football and throwing a tennis ball. They’re Amazing Athletes! This partnership with Amazing Athletes has been so amazing for our students. Thanks Coach Michael and everyone at Amazing Athletes of Eastern Oklahoma!

Michael Amberg and Kayden

The Little Light House5120 E. 36th St.Tulsa, OK 74135www.littlelighthouse.org

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit #1309

Tulsa, OK 74135

Printing Made Possible Through A DonationFrom Our Friends At

Non-discriminatory PolicyThe Little Light House, Inc is a non-profit Christian Developmental Center for children with disabilities, age birth to six years

of age. The Little Light House does not discriminate on the basis of religion, sex, color, race, national or ethnic origin, or medical diagnosis (unless the diagnosis affects the child’s ability to attend school on a regular basis) in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies and other school administered programs. Some behavioral conditions may be evalu-

ated on an individual basis. The Little Light House assures that all children’s records will be maintained as confidential.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

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You A

re Invited

To a night honoring the living legacy of

Marcia M

itchell Victory Christian Center

7700 S. Lewis Ave • Tulsa, OKThursday, June 27th, 2013

at 6:30 pmRSVP by June 10thSeating is limited

lkirk@littlelighthouse.orgor 918.664.6746

In lieu of gifts, a donation can be made to the LLH

Capital Campaign in Marcia’s honor

Little Lights