This is the third installment in a series by Courtney Gilman on non-profit groups in Oklahoma. Previous articles from this series: Part 1, Part 2.

COCCA operates 11 different programs for low-income citizens throughout central Oklahoma. Image provided.

by Courtney Gilman

I first found about Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency (COCAA) in September 2009, after deciding to take the plunge and try my hand at home ownership. The City of Norman offers a grant for first time home buyers for those who qualify, with certain contingencies. One of those was a first-time homebuyer’s class, which happened to be partnered with COCAA.

It was there that I found out about a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which is free of charge to qualifying citizens. When I purchased a home, I contacted VITA to see if they could help me file my 2009 taxes since I would also be claiming the federal home-buyers credit.

It was only after I spoke with Clarissa (Lisa) Sydnor, the Executive Director who has 35 years of experience in non-profit work, did I find that I had just scratched the surface of this amazing helping organization.

COCAA serves six counties in central Oklahoma with 11 different programs and 96 employees.

I wanted to know what made COCAA unique out of the many helping organizations. Ms. Sydnor explained that they use the “wrap-around” approach for those in poverty and homelessness by offering broad case management. That includes counseling for substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental disorders, financial literacy classes, technical training, college assistance, GED assistance, transportation assistance and housing.

They have 9 offices located throughout central Oklahoma and operate transitional and permanent housing in Stillwater, Norman and Shawnee, such as the Stillwater Mission of Hope which provides immediate shelter and case management for the homeless.

Three RX for Oklahoma offices provide prescription assistance, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) program in Shawnee and Norman assists with Meals on Wheels, Shoes That Fit, and Friend of the Senior programs, as well as a group calling themselves “the Ugly Quilters” who make quilts for homeless people. RSVP also offers free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to qualifying citizens.

The Central Oklahoma Transit System (COTS) provides transportation to medical appointments, work, school, special events and shopping in Shawnee and Seminole. The Weatherization Department helps low-income clients improve their home’s energy efficiency at no cost. The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) assists people near homelessness to find stable housing.

With an organization that reaches so many different individuals and families, I was certain that there had to be an abundance of “success” stories even more rich and rewarding than my own. Ms. Sydnor shared a couple of moments when she realized COCAA was truly making an impact on the people of Oklahoma. She explained that although she doesn’t “see” a lot of the stories as an administrator, her “heart swells with pride when staff share their many success stories.”

One story in particular caught my attention. Ms. Sydnor was told by the Prescription program director about a son who was “struggling to provide over $2,500 a month in prescriptions for his parents. Our RX Specialist was able to provide assistance reducing his expenditure to less than $300 a month. The son cried as he thanked her, telling her before he came to COCAA, he was afraid one of his parents would die because he couldn’t provide all the medication needed.”

Ms. Sydnor acknowledged that very often, clients faced with high prescription costs will pick and choose which medicine to take each week and alternate through their medications over time in order to save money.

She told the story of a grandmother who had no job, no income, and was about to be evicted, but was rescued her six year old grandson from a homeless shelter.

“When our Family Support staff were able to put her in transitional housing, help her apply for assistance through DHS, and provide counseling for her and her grandson, she broke down and cried,” Sydnor said. “She was only concerned about her grandson being safe.”

Like what you’ve read so far? Interested in becoming involved on the giving side? Ms. Sydnor suggested calling your local office to inquire about an immediate need for volunteers. Monetary donations will always be put to good use. Although COCCA is funded by state and federal grants and United Way allocations, “funding falls short of meeting the needs of our constituents across our counties.”

She noted that the RX for Oklahoma program in particular is struggling with under-funding.

“This is such a vital need for those with out insurance or money, yet is the most drastically under-funded,” she said. “Also, our food pantries in Stillwater and Norman need restocking regularly. We are most grateful for the support of the Regional Food Bank and many churches in our communities, as without them we could not serve the many who come to us in need.”

Well, there you have it, folks. COCCA is one of those giving organizations that truly has something for everyone. Just as you may benefit from one of its programs, you may also be able to lend a hand in your own way.