The Center of Family Love celebrates 40 years

OKARCHE – The Center of Family Love in Okarche is celebrating its 40th year serving adults with disabilities. 

In September 1981, the first resident, Pauline, came to live at the center. Doctors didn’t expect her to live past age 25. Yet, 40 years later she’s found her place as the resident rock star. Her success story is a testimony to the mission of The Center of Family Love to empower adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. 

The anniversary celebration began in May and was kicked off with a surprise birthday parade for residents. The center’s annual Gift of Love Gala, held virtually in June, was the pinnacle event of the yearlong celebration. The gala, which raised more than $860,000, marked the first time ever that a CFL resident hosted and emceed the entire event. Surprise performances included a ballet recital performed by residents that was made possible to a partnership between the center and the Oklahoma City Ballet. Auction items included ceramic art and other creative pieces that were handmade by residents.

President and CEO Debbie Espinosa said the event was an opportunity for residents to shine. 

“I’m just amazed by what they can do,” she said. “This event showed why we do what we do.” 

More than just a care facility, the CFL gives residents opportunities to experience life in a way that has never been possible. 

“We are helping them do what God created them to do,” Espinosa said. “These experiences have allowed them to grow and discover who they are.”

Thanks to a grant from the Noble Foundation, the CFL created the Farm to Fork program, where residents work in the culinary greenhouse growing all natural, organic herbs. The herbs are sold to restaurants throughout the community that have partnered with the CFL. Partner restaurants include Whiskey Cake, Hamilton Supper Club, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Petroleum Club, Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, Piatto Italian Kitchen and Ludivine.

In addition, several upcoming events will feature recipes using resident-grown herbs. The Maker’s Mark Beefsteak Dinner benefitting the CFL is Sept. 30. It will feature handcrafted cocktails garnished with the CFL-grown herbs. 

The 40th anniversary provided an opportunity for reflection on the evolution of the center and its future. Espinosa said Pauline’s story inspired her to plan more broadly. 

“It’s important to look back at the progress we have made over the past 40 years,” Espinosa said. “Now, we have to look at the next 40, 50, 60 years because some of our residents may be here for that long!”

The addition of a cutting-edge facility is the next exciting step for CFL. In response to the wishes of residents, a capital campaign was launched to provide a more functional space and newer technology. Currently, residents are restricted to activities within their houses. Plans for the Newfield Community Education Center include a culinary arts school with adaptive equipment, a swimming pool, a performance stage and an art studio.

The center will provide residents with entirely separate spaces and equipment to pursue their passions and hobbies. Upon completion of the center, residents will have a designated building where they will spend their days. While the addition of the new center is in response to residents' dreams for the future, it will serve the community. Individuals who are not residents of the CFL will be able to participate in activities. 
Nellie Sanders, vice president of philanthropy, explained how integral the new center will be in connecting families. 

“There is such a need for families to come together, understand and connect with others who have been in their shoes,” Sanders said. “We have a responsibility to show the value of every resident, and what they are contributing to the world.”

To learn more about the center, buy products online or for ways to give, go online to centeroffamilylove.org.

Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.