“Volunteer Network Owasso” (VNO), began in 1994 through a Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) venture grant. Our goal was to mobilize volunteer efforts in the city of Owasso to improve the present social service delivery system. For the first time, residents had a place to use their talents and donate their time. Local agencies had a central volunteer resource. Projects such as “Spring Clean-up”, meal deliveries to senior citizens and Summer Reading Buddies benefited from the volunteer coordination efforts. Area agency collaboration was vital. In 1995, our services expanded to include collaboration with a business, RCB Bank, to found the “Giving Tree” with 42 “angels” adopted. By 2006, that number grew to 430 children, 6 disabled adults representing 134 families.

 

During 2000, we became a full TAUW member agency under the new descriptive name “Owasso Community Resources”. In 2001, we had become the centralized referral agency for Owasso. Over 2,000 referrals took place in 2001 leading the agency to seek a TAUW Venture Grant to found the Owasso Family Resource Center. In 2002, we partnered with agencies including YMCA of Green Country, Consumer Credit Counseling, Children & Family Services, American Red Cross and Youth Services of Tulsa.

 

Economics brought about agency changes in 2002 and 2003. As funds were minimal, our participating agencies were forced to close branch offices in Owasso Family Resource Center. Only Youth Services of Tulsa remained housed on-site. We continue to utilize the services of one volunteer counselor in our community. In 2004, Owasso Community Resources transitioned from being a “landlord/administrative agency” to a primary service agency.

 

As of December 2008, we enjoy 14 years of success. Our future is bright with the aspiration to become the leading social service agency in the Owasso and Collinsville areas working in unison with civic, social and faith-based organizations promoting community service, self-sufficiency and TAUW agency awareness.