Page 10 - 2016 NSO Annual Report

Page 9
HOUSING
Carolyn Williams Center & Continuum of Care
NSO’s Carolyn Williams Center (CWC) is the
only program of its kind in the entire region. This dorm-style living program provides 18 beds for homeless
young men, ages 18-23, for up to two years. Many of them come directly from foster care or youth shelters. During their stay, these young men receive help finishing school or finding jobs, take weekly life skills classes, share chores and learn how to live
independently to ensure their future self-sufficiency.
The center also has an emergency shelter, where young men can stay up to 120 days.
The Continuum of Care program (COC) lets NSO follow our clients from the Carolyn Williams Center as they take the first steps into independent living. NSO helps them secure permanent housing and continues to provide support in any way they need.
After graduating from Job Corps, Winfred felt scared and unprepared to transition into independent living. He found NSO’s Carolyn Williams Center and decided it was the right program for him. The CWC helped him secure a job,
get back on his feet and find direction in his life. With the help of NSO, Winfred has now transitioned into his own apartment through NSO’s Continuum of Care program and is a CNA/CMA.
In 2016, OKC Beautiful built a four-bed garden at the Caroyln Williams Center that provides fruits and vegetables year round for the residents who live there.
“We hope the residents are enjoying and preparing wonderful meals with the fresh, healthy produce,” said Lisa Synar, CEO of OKC Beautiful. “OKC Beautiful looks forward to working on additional garden projects with NSO.”