Rogers County Youth Services (RCYS) is expanding! This long-time local nonprofit organization has been making a significant impact in the lives of our community for 48 years. Their small beginnings, reaching roughly 100 lives in 1976, have continued to grow, impacting more lives annually. This year’s expansion will add a Prevention Specialist in yet another local school. Why is this important?

Today, the RCYS Therapy and Prevention teams touch the lives of 4,000 students and families. The Prevention Team impacts over 2,000 students each year by educating, coaching, and equipping students and teachers with skills that lead to lower discipline issues, higher attendance, and increased motivation. The team serves in six local schools with either a semester-long elective course or a 6-8 week class.

This impact comes from evidence-based curriculum that equips students with the skills to manage their emotions, such as anger outbursts, irritability, and focus, as well as how to use their voice. All these skills, and more, are critical not only in helping students stay engaged in school and navigate their home and social lives, but also in equipping them for success beyond high school in higher education and the workforce.

RCYS Board Member Brook Easton shares that she loves supporting this organization because they are solving problems before they become lifelong barriers. Cherokee Nation’s Kevin Easley recently said of the work, “RCYS impacts lives so that they don’t end up like many of my clients—older adults who end up in legal trouble over and over again.”

The nonprofit is holding a “Matching Gift” campaign this November to raise funds to support the expansion into a new school this year. Some generous donors have promised to match every dollar donated during the campaign up to $10,000. The 30-Day Matching Campaign runs from November 4th to December 2nd. Donations can be made on the giving page at rcys.org or be mailed to 1820 N. Sioux Ave, Claremore, OK 74017. Kim Montgomery at kim@rcys.org is available for any inquiries.