Tulsa’s Lindsey House gives mom a fresh start

TULSA, Okla. — Stephanie Wyrick is one of 24 women living in their own apartment and getting support through Tulsa nonprofit Lindsey House, near Pine and Peoria.

Wyrick says a year and half ago, she was in a prison diversion program when she heard about Lindsey House.

Tulsa nonprofit Lindsey House helps mom get back on her feet

For up to two years, Lindsey House provides mothers and children their own furnished apartments and teaches financial literacy, workplace proficiency and life skills. That includes things such as resume building, computer skills, how to save and reduce debt, and time management.

“I didn’t want to go at first, I was told there was homework and a curriculum. I was really apprehensive, I already had so much on my plate. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off,” Wyrick admits.

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But simple things now, like getting to fold laundry with her daughter who was in foster care, are things Wyrick says she doesn’t take for granted.

“Somebody who started in a really tough situation and has now not only improved her own life but her kids’ life and that will have a generational impact,” says Maggie Hoey, CEO of Lindsey House.

Wyrick says she has accomplished so many things since she’s been at Lindsey House.

“I have graduated doula training, I graduated women in recovery and I got a job at Oklahoma State University,” she says. “I bought a car, paid $10k cash, bought a car, paid off!”

When women complete the program, they still have access to the clothing closet and food pantry.

“We say once you’re part of the Lindsey House family, you’re always in the family,” Hoey explains.

Wyrick will complete the Lindsey House program in six months and is saving now to buy a home for her family.

“It’s life changing for me, I really feel like I’ll be able to leave here and actually have a chance at life with my kids,” Wyrick says.

Lindsey House is completely funded by donations. In 2020, Lindsey House moved to its new facility north of downtown Tulsa. The new facility, all thanks to donations doubled the organization’s program capacity.

Their largest fundraiser is coming up, Oct. 7. The “Porch Party” is at POSTOAK Lodge. If you’d like to get a ticket, click here.