Here at Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center (OFEC) we have the awesome opportunity to work with and provide services to some of Tulsa’s most vulnerable populations daily. These individuals include at-risk youth, those struggling with mental health illness and the homeless to name a few. I would like to share a story of a young man, we will call him “Joe” for the sake of anonymity.

     Joe comes to OFEC each day to eat lunch. He is an above average built, African American male in his mid to late twenties. But, for reasons unknown to us, we stopped seeing Joe for a few days. As director and being used to seeing him, I became concerned about where he was. Thankfully, he showed up the same day. It was raining, cool and not only was he sparsely dressed; he had no shoes on. By the look of his feet (dirty and blistered) it appeared that he had been walking with no shoes for several days.

Thankfully, Julius Maindi Fellows, Licensed Professional Counselor and OFEC’s newest team member was present. It was Julius’ first day in his new role as, Community Outreach Director. He went into action. Julius sat down with “Joe” listened to his story. He learned that Joe was held at gun point and robbed of his shoes. He heard how Joe started college and was a promising wrestler. Soon into Joe’s college years, he developed schizophrenia. He had to drop out of school and back home. But, Joe’s family was challenged by his paranoia and frequent outburst. He soon found himself living in the streets. Unfortunately, Joe’s story is typical of many of the homeless.

     While OFEC many not be able to change his clinical diagnosis. We could offer him care and hope. Before leaving Joe was cleaned up, given a new set of clothing, tennis shoes and was a hygiene care package (toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, brush, body wash, and deodorant). Joe left the office smiling, a full belly and with a bounce in his step.

Joe remains close to the 11th and Garnett Road area of Tulsa. Close to OFEC’s location. He says, “I feel safe around here.” He continues to drop by for lunch each day. Each time I see him, Joe reminds me that, “I still have my shoes!”