The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM) proudly announces our upcoming receipt of the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Award. The award, given by The Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee, is provided to an organization for their accomplishments in the championing of diversity. This year’s ceremony will take place on October 15, 2015, at the Oklahoma Judicial Center from 6 until 8 p.m.

“We are thrilled that The Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee is recognizing TEEM for our efforts and contributions to Oklahoma communities,” Executive Director Kris Steele said. “This committee has been a long-standing champion of diversity. Their faith in our organization has revitalized our dream of unifying Oklahoma communities.”

The award is named after Ada Lois Sipuel. The Oklahoma civil rights icon exemplified the meaning of commu-nity and diversity when she challenged the state’s segregation laws by applying for admission to the Universi-ty of Oklahoma College of Law.

For more information on the Oklahoma Bar Association, please visit okbar.org. For information on TEEM, please visit TEEM.org.

TEEM Newsletter July 2015

TEEM exists to break cycles of incarceration and poverty through education, character development and work readiness training.

TEEM To Receive Award from The Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee

iGive... it’s so easy!I decided it was time to install the iGive button on my home computer before I did some internet shopping. I have to admit, I didn’t want to at first, but it was so easy, and after I made a purchase, I found out that $15 went to TEEM! I could hardly believe it! Just by shopping at places like Target, Best Buy, etc. I am able to make a contribution to an organization I love! You can too: -Go to this website: http://www.iGive.com/TEEM

-Click ‘Join Today’

-Fill in your name and info

-Install the iGive button

-Shop at thousands of popular online shops to send money directly to TEEM!

Page 8

Effective and productive relationship building is an integral component of the reentry process. TEEM works with over 100 mentors to help facilitate fruitful relationships between participants and community members. As an expression of gratitude for our mentors continued service to our organiza-tion, TEEM will host a Mentor Appreciation BBQ on Septem-ber 12 at Wiley Post Park from 12 until 2 p.m.

“We have seen many positive outcomes since starting the mentor program,” Mentor Coordinator Jenna McCullock said. “Mentors continue to see and promote the value in the men and women of our program. They offer support, comfort, and accountability to our participants. It’s only right that we thank them for their hard work.”

For more information on TEEM’s mentor program, please contact Jenna McCullock at jmccullock@teem.org.

IN THIS ISSUE Cover StoryTEEM to Receive Award from the Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Comittee

Feature Men’s Wearhouse Launches 8th Annual National Suit Drive (pg 3)

Giving OpportunityTEEM Launches Annual Hygiene Drive (pg 4)

Mentor TestimonialBishop Brings New Meaning to ‘THUGG’ Through Prison Ministry (pg 4)

Message from the Director The Battle Within (Pg 7)

Page 7

Page 2

When we live in the spirit of selfishness, we are likely to end up bitter, miserable, or lonely. On the other hand, when we live in a spirit of generosity, reaching out to others in the gracious, loving, thoughtful ways, we are filled with a sense of purpose, joy and fulfillment. A Native American legend portrays a wise tribal leader telling his grandson about a battle raging inside himself, a battle between two wolves. One wolf was evil, representing anger, envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, false pride, and ego. The other wolf was good, representing joy, peace, love, hope, humility, faith, benevolence, generosity, compassion, and kindness. The grandson thought about the situation and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The cunning grandfather replied, “The one I feed.” (James W. Moore, “If You’re Going the Wrong Way… Turn Around” 2004, p.22) This parable reinforces the connection between positive thought processes and prosocial behavior. Basic cognitive behavior prin-ciples identify the following sequence: thoughts determine feelings and feelings determine actions. Hence, proper thinking leads to proper behavior. TEEM staff and participants realize developing a healthy thought-process is vital to achieving success and reaching one’s potential in life. The men and women we serve are determined to overcome previous stumbles and soar into the future! To achieve this goal we understand we must first win the battle within.

Message from the Executive Director: The Battle Within

TEEM is partnering with Men’s Wearhouse to launch its eighth annual National Suit Drive, a six-week initiative that collects donations of gently-used professional attire for un-employed Americans. Clothing collected at Men’s Wearhouse stores between June 22nd and July 31st as a result of the drive, will be distributed to TEEM and over 180 local non-profit organizations that provide work ready skills, training, and seminars to disadvantaged men and women entering or reentering the workforce in Oklahoma City.

“We strive to battle unemployment by helping men and women get back on their feet and into the workplace,” said Program Director Missy Brumley. “The knowledge that they are dressed appropriately can give participants the confi-dence they need to focus on the task at hand. The National Suit Drive is a wonderful cause that provides needed assis-tance to position our participants to achieve success.”

As part of this year’s National Suit Drive, Men’s Wearhouse is issuing a challenge to consumers across the country to meet or exceed the goal of 250,000 donated items. Over the past seven years, the National Suit Drive has collected approximately 850,000 professional clothing donations. This year marks the opportunity to break the one million donation mark.

Starting on June 22nd, residents of Oklahoma City can

donate their gently-used professional clothing, including men’s and women’s suits, ties, jackets, shirts, pants, belts and shoes, at Penn Square Mall, 1901 N.W. Expressway #1066-1074, 2530 W. Memorial Rd., and 2550 S. I-35 Service Rd. As a thank you, donors will receive 50 percent off the regular retail price of their next purchase from Men’s Wearhouse (excluding shoes, clearance and exceptional value items).

This year, the National Suit Drive is partnering with DeMarco Murray, the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, to help spread the word. “Whether ‘suiting up’ on the field or off, I’ve felt first-hand the confidence a suit provides and how it helps you perform at your personal best,” said Murray. “I’m thrilled to be partnering with the National Suit Drive to give other men throughout the nation the ability to recognize their dreams – and achieve them.”

#GIVEASUIT AND GET SOCIALTo help spread the word about this year’s National Suit Drive, Men’s Wearhouse is encouraging people to share the #giveasuit post found on their Facebook page. For every share, the company will donate $1 (up to $25,000) to the local nonprofits they have partnered with.For more information, visit TEEM.org or the National Suit Drive website at www.nationalsuitdrive.com.

Participant Testimonal:Kysela Hoaglin

Page 6 Page 3

Men’s Wearhouse Launches 8th Annual National Suit Drive

TEEM and Men’s Wearhouse Challenges Oklahoma City Residents to Help Donate 250K Clothing Items This Year for a Collective ONE MILLION Donations

Page 4 Page 5

Oklahoma prisons are currently at 112% capacity. Many of these individuals will reenter society with little more than $50 and a one-way bus ticket. To help alleviate some of the barriers that our participants will undoubtedly face, TEEM started an annual hygiene drive that allows community members to support Oklahomans in need.

Last year, we were able to supply over 200 individuals with over 4,000 hygiene products. For disadvantaged men and women of our community, hygiene becomes a sought-after supportive service. Our annual drive provides a way for interested volunteers to help with TEEM’s mission. “There are numerous people in our community that are interested in supporting our mission,” Director of Development Lance Evans said. “Many don’t have time to physically help at our offices. Our annual hygiene drive provides a convenient way for supporters to do-nate on their own time. Just tell us where to drop off a donation box!”

Hygiene boxes are currently available. If you are interested in placing a donation box in your church, business, and/or organization, please contact Lance Evans at levans@teem.org or at 405-602-0391.

Bishop Bell, author of T.H.U.G.G Journey (True Homies Under God’s Grace) is advocating the power of growth and community through TEEM’s mentor program. His story of triumph and forgiveness is providing participants with the hope of a brighter tomorrow.

The man who once robbed and sold drugs is now an evangelist and motivational speaker who named his ministry after his old gang, Changed People Today (CPT). Bishop Bell is dedicated to letting the community know how he changed his life. “You can’t hide [from] God,” he said. “I love everybody, even the man who shot me and left me blind.”

Bishop Bell is determined to reach everyone, especially underprivileged men and women of our community. He uses his story to reach people living the same lifestyle he once knew. Bell was led to TEEM through LifeChurch. After sharing his story with churchgoers and spreading his message at Oklahoma correction facilities, he was contacted by Mentor Coordinator Jenna McCullock about participating in TEEM’s mentor program. Bell said that he is able to empathize with the stories that he hears at TEEM.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” Bishop said. “I am a changed man and I know others can change if I can. I hope people get the image and message that I use to reach them.”

Bishop hopes to reach participants by living by example. Bell said that he wants to leave an important life lesson with every person he ministers to: “God is the only way.”

TEEM Launches Annual Summer Hygiene Drive Mentor Bishop Brings New Meaning to ‘THUGG’ Through Prison Ministry

Page 4 Page 5

Oklahoma prisons are currently at 112% capacity. Many of these individuals will reenter society with little more than $50 and a one-way bus ticket. To help alleviate some of the barriers that our participants will undoubtedly face, TEEM started an annual hygiene drive that allows community members to support Oklahomans in need.

Last year, we were able to supply over 200 individuals with over 4,000 hygiene products. For disadvantaged men and women of our community, hygiene becomes a sought-after supportive service. Our annual drive provides a way for interested volunteers to help with TEEM’s mission. “There are numerous people in our community that are interested in supporting our mission,” Director of Development Lance Evans said. “Many don’t have time to physically help at our offices. Our annual hygiene drive provides a convenient way for supporters to do-nate on their own time. Just tell us where to drop off a donation box!”

Hygiene boxes are currently available. If you are interested in placing a donation box in your church, business, and/or organization, please contact Lance Evans at levans@teem.org or at 405-602-0391.

Bishop Bell, author of T.H.U.G.G Journey (True Homies Under God’s Grace) is advocating the power of growth and community through TEEM’s mentor program. His story of triumph and forgiveness is providing participants with the hope of a brighter tomorrow.

The man who once robbed and sold drugs is now an evangelist and motivational speaker who named his ministry after his old gang, Changed People Today (CPT). Bishop Bell is dedicated to letting the community know how he changed his life. “You can’t hide [from] God,” he said. “I love everybody, even the man who shot me and left me blind.”

Bishop Bell is determined to reach everyone, especially underprivileged men and women of our community. He uses his story to reach people living the same lifestyle he once knew. Bell was led to TEEM through LifeChurch. After sharing his story with churchgoers and spreading his message at Oklahoma correction facilities, he was contacted by Mentor Coordinator Jenna McCullock about participating in TEEM’s mentor program. Bell said that he is able to empathize with the stories that he hears at TEEM.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” Bishop said. “I am a changed man and I know others can change if I can. I hope people get the image and message that I use to reach them.”

Bishop hopes to reach participants by living by example. Bell said that he wants to leave an important life lesson with every person he ministers to: “God is the only way.”

TEEM Launches Annual Summer Hygiene Drive Mentor Bishop Brings New Meaning to ‘THUGG’ Through Prison Ministry

TEEM is partnering with Men’s Wearhouse to launch its eighth annual National Suit Drive, a six-week initiative that collects donations of gently-used professional attire for un-employed Americans. Clothing collected at Men’s Wearhouse stores between June 22nd and July 31st as a result of the drive, will be distributed to TEEM and over 180 local non-profit organizations that provide work ready skills, training, and seminars to disadvantaged men and women entering or reentering the workforce in Oklahoma City.

“We strive to battle unemployment by helping men and women get back on their feet and into the workplace,” said Program Director Missy Brumley. “The knowledge that they are dressed appropriately can give participants the confi-dence they need to focus on the task at hand. The National Suit Drive is a wonderful cause that provides needed assis-tance to position our participants to achieve success.”

As part of this year’s National Suit Drive, Men’s Wearhouse is issuing a challenge to consumers across the country to meet or exceed the goal of 250,000 donated items. Over the past seven years, the National Suit Drive has collected approximately 850,000 professional clothing donations. This year marks the opportunity to break the one million donation mark.

Starting on June 22nd, residents of Oklahoma City can

donate their gently-used professional clothing, including men’s and women’s suits, ties, jackets, shirts, pants, belts and shoes, at Penn Square Mall, 1901 N.W. Expressway #1066-1074, 2530 W. Memorial Rd., and 2550 S. I-35 Service Rd. As a thank you, donors will receive 50 percent off the regular retail price of their next purchase from Men’s Wearhouse (excluding shoes, clearance and exceptional value items).

This year, the National Suit Drive is partnering with DeMarco Murray, the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, to help spread the word. “Whether ‘suiting up’ on the field or off, I’ve felt first-hand the confidence a suit provides and how it helps you perform at your personal best,” said Murray. “I’m thrilled to be partnering with the National Suit Drive to give other men throughout the nation the ability to recognize their dreams – and achieve them.”

#GIVEASUIT AND GET SOCIALTo help spread the word about this year’s National Suit Drive, Men’s Wearhouse is encouraging people to share the #giveasuit post found on their Facebook page. For every share, the company will donate $1 (up to $25,000) to the local nonprofits they have partnered with.For more information, visit TEEM.org or the National Suit Drive website at www.nationalsuitdrive.com.

Participant Testimonal:Kysela Hoaglin

Page 6 Page 3

Men’s Wearhouse Launches 8th Annual National Suit Drive

TEEM and Men’s Wearhouse Challenges Oklahoma City Residents to Help Donate 250K Clothing Items This Year for a Collective ONE MILLION Donations

IN THIS ISSUE Cover StoryTEEM to Receive Award from the Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Comittee

Feature Men’s Wearhouse Launches 8th Annual National Suit Drive (pg 3)

Giving OpportunityTEEM Launches Annual Hygiene Drive (pg 4)

Mentor TestimonialBishop Brings New Meaning to ‘THUGG’ Through Prison Ministry (pg 4)

Message from the Director The Battle Within (Pg 7)

Page 7

Page 2

When we live in the spirit of selfishness, we are likely to end up bitter, miserable, or lonely. On the other hand, when we live in a spirit of generosity, reaching out to others in the gracious, loving, thoughtful ways, we are filled with a sense of purpose, joy and fulfillment. A Native American legend portrays a wise tribal leader telling his grandson about a battle raging inside himself, a battle between two wolves. One wolf was evil, representing anger, envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, false pride, and ego. The other wolf was good, representing joy, peace, love, hope, humility, faith, benevolence, generosity, compassion, and kindness. The grandson thought about the situation and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The cunning grandfather replied, “The one I feed.” (James W. Moore, “If You’re Going the Wrong Way… Turn Around” 2004, p.22) This parable reinforces the connection between positive thought processes and prosocial behavior. Basic cognitive behavior prin-ciples identify the following sequence: thoughts determine feelings and feelings determine actions. Hence, proper thinking leads to proper behavior. TEEM staff and participants realize developing a healthy thought-process is vital to achieving success and reaching one’s potential in life. The men and women we serve are determined to overcome previous stumbles and soar into the future! To achieve this goal we understand we must first win the battle within.

Message from the Executive Director: The Battle Within

The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM) proudly announces our upcoming receipt of the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Award. The award, given by The Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee, is provided to an organization for their accomplishments in the championing of diversity. This year’s ceremony will take place on October 15, 2015, at the Oklahoma Judicial Center from 6 until 8 p.m.

“We are thrilled that The Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee is recognizing TEEM for our efforts and contributions to Oklahoma communities,” Executive Director Kris Steele said. “This committee has been a long-standing champion of diversity. Their faith in our organization has revitalized our dream of unifying Oklahoma communities.”

The award is named after Ada Lois Sipuel. The Oklahoma civil rights icon exemplified the meaning of commu-nity and diversity when she challenged the state’s segregation laws by applying for admission to the Universi-ty of Oklahoma College of Law.

For more information on the Oklahoma Bar Association, please visit okbar.org. For information on TEEM, please visit TEEM.org.

TEEM Newsletter July 2015

TEEM exists to break cycles of incarceration and poverty through education, character development and work readiness training.

TEEM To Receive Award from The Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee

iGive... it’s so easy!I decided it was time to install the iGive button on my home computer before I did some internet shopping. I have to admit, I didn’t want to at first, but it was so easy, and after I made a purchase, I found out that $15 went to TEEM! I could hardly believe it! Just by shopping at places like Target, Best Buy, etc. I am able to make a contribution to an organization I love! You can too: -Go to this website: http://www.iGive.com/TEEM

-Click ‘Join Today’

-Fill in your name and info

-Install the iGive button

-Shop at thousands of popular online shops to send money directly to TEEM!

Page 8

Effective and productive relationship building is an integral component of the reentry process. TEEM works with over 100 mentors to help facilitate fruitful relationships between participants and community members. As an expression of gratitude for our mentors continued service to our organiza-tion, TEEM will host a Mentor Appreciation BBQ on Septem-ber 12 at Wiley Post Park from 12 until 2 p.m.

“We have seen many positive outcomes since starting the mentor program,” Mentor Coordinator Jenna McCullock said. “Mentors continue to see and promote the value in the men and women of our program. They offer support, comfort, and accountability to our participants. It’s only right that we thank them for their hard work.”

For more information on TEEM’s mentor program, please contact Jenna McCullock at jmccullock@teem.org.