Possibilities Inc

Programs: Possibilities invests its resources in local people through its core program, possibilities innovation program(pip), engaging and transforming communities from within. Pip teaches tools that transform communities, inspires local leaders to tackle community problems with others and supports their efforts. Possibilities trained and experienced participants, known as community innovators, connect people and create innovative solutions to community challenges impacting around 50,000 people annually. Working where people live, learn, play, work, and worship, they achieve safer neighborhoods, stronger families, community schools and economic growth throughout greater oklahoma city and beyond. Pip addresses issues such as poverty, isolation, dependency, struggling schools, crime, and deteriorating communities. The year long program increases confidence and builds skill for working with others, motivating participants to create the communities they desire. Possibilities innovation program includes an intensive opening retreat, multiple training sessions and practice opportunities, community projects planned and carried out by participants and ongoing mentoring and support during and after the program. Throughout the year, monthly networking opportunities for community partners are offered. People from all walks of life attend to communicate ideas, share about their community work, and provide volunteer opportunities, giving current and past participants the opportunity to continue building their network, access resources, and receive additional training and support. A few examples of community transformations in progress include:oklahoma city educare - parents, caregivers and staff worked together to plan and carry out the 2nd annual end of year carnival for 200 young students and their families. Complete with carnival games, food, karaoke, and moon bounces, this event connected families, staff and students in celebration of the school to strengthen relationships. Parent involvement in the school continues to grow and parents report a more cohesive unit better able to work together during the second year planning process. Possibilities has also worked to strengthen the school's strategic plan with the management team and facilitated training sessions for staff. Grandparents raising grandchildren - grandparents raising grandchildren is a support group that shows love, cares and shares resources through support for all who are re-parenting. Pip participants are partnering with sunbeam family services to replicate this successful program at oklahoma city educare to serve the south side of oklahoma city. Girls alive mentoring program - girls alive is designed to develop positive and productive young women for the future and is a partnership between possibilities innovation program graduates, community action agency, parents and community volunteers. Girls alive is a leadership program for at risk girls to build academic and life skills. The young women who participate in the program are ages 7 to 18, primarily from eugene fields and taft schools. This program is in its second year, and graduates recently held a banquet bringing the community together to celebrate and expand girls alive. About 70 people attended and eleven new funding partnerships were secured to raise over $1,300 for the event and program activities.