I would not have graduated high school as successfully without the support of Pantry Partners. Through multiple programs and distributions of food, I was able to consistently have snacks and food to go to school with so that I kept my blood sugar from dropping, so that I healthy enough to go to school and finish my work. The food boxes also allowed me to feed my family of 6, making sure that my younger brother has enough sustenance to grow. Not only did Pantry Partners support me with food, but also with graduation help and emotional support. I felt so supported and still do that I want to give back to the pantry partners community by volunteering and working with them through work study at OU. Pantry Partners will always be a part of my family and a part of many other high school student’s lives every day.
I am a teacher at Norman Public Schools and on a completely crazy leap of faith, with a deep knowledge in my heart that this was something I had to do, I took in one of my homeless teenage students. It was terrifying, so many unknowns, but not nearly as many as my student turned ward had in her previous situation. I reached out to then Pantry Partners, now Beacon Project. They did SOOO Much to ease the transition and new financial burden having a new member of our family. (as she was never technically in foster care, DHS wouldn't help).
There is much that the Beacon Project has done for us, (and many others) that are a large part of the reason my (quasi-adopted) daughter is now successfully attending college and well on her way to becoming an amazing adult!
Dimensions Academy is the alternative school for Norman Public Schools. About 2 years ago, our district purchased reusable graduation gowns in our color for our Senior Celebration. We were in need of caps and tassels and knew not all our students could afford them. Pantry Partners reached out to the community and within a short period of time, they had raised the funds to pay for all the caps and tassels. They also did the same thing last spring. It was amazing. They have brought backpacks filled with items students need for us to share with students who need a new backpack. These are just a couple of the ways they support our Dimensions students. They care deeply for our students and we really appreciate all they do.
I've seen this non-profit grow from the beginning...and it has helped so many young people that I'm truly amazed. This organization truly cares about young people and their well-being. I'm grateful for their impact on our community and for all of the great things they are doing for our students to make sure no one slips through the cracks.
The Beacon Project is such a wonderful organization. They are 100% committed to the well being of these kids. I have referred students to them and Angela immediately creates a food box without hesitation. I've even had emergency same day situations and the answer I've been given is "give me a few minutes". I love their heart and compassion. There are other amazing things that they do like help families with Christmas gifts and Senior Graduation help for those who just don't have the resources or finances. This helps Seniors participate on their huge accomplishment. The Beacon also provides a safe place for kids to hang out during lunch, providing them with snacks or even lunch. Students can also hang out after school and receive tutoring. I wish this place existed when I was in High School, my teenage years would have been more bearable. I love this organization and everything it does.
It has been rewarding participating as a donor in their Merry and Bright Christmas Gift Program and Adopt a Senior Program for teens. These programs are structured to show teens that the community cares about their success and well being. The Christmas program provides gifts to teens who are too old for other gift programs, and wouldn’t have a Christmas otherwise. It is very well run. They provide donors with a list of items the kids need, such as socks and coats, and a couple of items on their wish list. Donors can do the shopping or provide funds so that Beacon Project volunteers can do the shopping. The wish lists usually include shoes and things most teens take for granted. The Adopt a Senior program raises money to cover graduating student’s cap and gown, invitations, and other items that allow them to fully celebrate their accomplishment. It is exciting to see the teens go on to pursue college or training programs. The board members are typically at the facility working alongside the founder. This shows me that they are fully vested in making the nonprofit a success. It is fun supporting a program that helps teens who are on their own not only survive but thrive.
Great, hardworking, and passionate group of people who are doing incredible work for the teens of Norman!
Outstanding organization! Their commitment to making a positive impact in their community is truly inspiring. The team goes above and beyond and it’s clear they are passionate about making real change. I love how this non-profit is a beacon of hope for these kids in need. Highly recommend getting involved or supporting their work!
This is a group of selfless individuals who come together to help the teens in Norman. Food is provided as well as mentorship and any other needs. I am going to start volunteering on a regular basis because I believe in their mission.
I became involved a few years ago with their Christmas program. This is an awesome organization that helps some of the most vulnerable in our schools. They offer many ways to volunteer. I am so glad to be able to help
Pantry Partners is a remarkable organization working to make a difference in the lives of teenagers in the Norman Community. Through various programs, we strive to be a source of hope and light, enabling teenagers to enjoy their high school years with fewer worries. Pantry Partners' efforts go beyond serving the basic needs of teens; we also help provide hope. Sadly, many teens suffer from hunger every day and need resources. For many, the only access to food is during school hours. Through generous donations, Pantry Partners can secure the resources necessary to serve the immediate, basic needs of teens who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in chronic poverty, experiencing chronic hunger, or facing health or family crises. With support and assistance from the community, we can make a difference in the lives of these teens. We distribute "teen-friendly" food and provide essential items like hygiene products, school supplies, new clothing, and shoes. Programs like ours are a lifeline for many students who couldn't stay in school or graduate without this kind of support. Please visit our website at www.pantrypartners.org for additional information on our services or how you can donate or even volunteer.
Pantry Partners always provides quality items to the kids and goes out of their way to ensure that th we kids have what they need.
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Pantry Partners is one of my favorite non-profits. It is 100% volunteer run and provides so many things for the teens that it serves in addition to its core mission of providing food. If a teen in this program has a need, Pantry Partners finds a way to fill it.
Amazing charity! Pantry Partners Inc serves the many teenagers living at or below the poverty level in Norman. Volunteering for this organization has added so much joy into my life. I know I am making a difference as I pack a box of food for a teenager to eat, serving them hot food during their lunch hour, or organizing any of our projects. I began volunteering last year and have worked my way up to team secretary.
I am a former board member. For several years I participated in shopping for a Christmas gift program for teens affected by homelessness, food insecurity, or medical or financial crisis. Then I volunteered to help manage the gift distribution day and wow. I saw first-hand the hard work these folks do to bring joy and a small moment of ease to kids who are dealing with so much. Having a heart for teens, I knew I wanted to support any way I could. As a former board member, this organization is run with accountability and honesty from the top down. I have been amazed to watch how they have grown their services and programs since I left the board. I know their impact will only continue to grow!
Pantry partners does a wonderful job supporting our Norman kidddoes who don’t have some of the basic necessities for living securely - which is a huge factor in their future success!
I really enjoy being involved with Pantry Partners. Angela has the highest integrity and every penny goes to helping the teens we assist. I have been working with them for about 2 years now and look forward to many more. Packing food boxes and doing deliveries has been my main roll, but I step in and help with IT stuff and anything else I have time for because the work we do is so important.
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I have both packed and delivered food for Pantry Partners many times. Pantry Partners provides a valuable service to teens experiencing food insecurity in our community. They also provide Thanksgiving meals, Christmas meals and gifts and assistance with prom and graduation needs and wants so that all teens in Norman can celebrate these important milestones as they prepare for their futures. The Beacon room at Pantry Partners provides a safe place for teens to socialize, do homework, fill out job applications, have a snack and use wifi after school. Norman is lucky to have the services provided by Pantry Partners available to teens in need.
Wonderful organization that is meeting the needs of hungry high school students in our area. Pantry Partners provides food, hygiene, clothing when needed, school supplies, backpacks, and so much more for at risk teens.
Pantry Partners and its volunteers make all the difference in the world to food-insecure teens in our community. Hungry kids and/or those who don't know where their next meal is coming from are almost certainly unable to focus on their studies, and that's where Pantry Partners has had such a huge impact. They've worked closely with our high schools to determine who needs the most help and then they do everything humanly possible to make sure those needs are met. It is no exaggeration to say that this organization is improving lives and changing outcomes daily!