A Low-Barrier, Identity-Affirming Space in Oklahoma City

Our Story

The work of Sisu Youth Services began in 2010, when Penny Reynolds set out to collect and share resources for at-risk youth in Oklahoma City. By 2013, her simple mission had become a full-scale intention to create a program that would simplify the process of connecting youth in crisis to emergency support services at every level of care.

The Sisu Youth Day Center first opened its doors in 2014. One day a week donors, case managers, service providers, and volunteers rallied together to connect with and support unhoused youth in our city. The continual outpouring of love we received from our community every week blew us away–but we knew that our work wasn’t done.

Our youth needed a space that was open to them every day. A place where they could come as they are and be accepted and welcomed with open arms–no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, or religious affiliation.

The dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors have allowed us to expand Sisu into what it is today: a low-barrier, identity-affirming emergency overnight shelter and drop-in resource hub for unhoused and at-risk youth across our city.

Together, we have the power to show one another empathy, kindness, and respect. Together, we can end youth homelessness.

Together, we are Sisu.

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Leadership Team

Rachel Bradley

Executive Director, she/her

Aaron Wilder

Development Director, he/him

Alex McGowan Rayburn

Community Engagement Director, she/her

Kylee Holland

Program Director, she/her

Ashley Chatman

Operations Manager, she/her

Jael Zumwalt

Shelter Manager, they/them

Jamie Caves

Project Advisor, she/her & they/them

Lacey Bates

Housing Manager, she/her

Lenora LaVictoire

Supportive Services Manager, they/them

Talaytha Guest

Bookkeeper & Office Manager, she/her

Meagan Mathis

Clinical Services Manager, she/her

Board of Directors

Dennis Rudasill

President, he/him

USPS

Dedrick K. Perkins, LMSW

Vice President, he/him

Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies at the University of Oklahoma

Aquilah Ahmad-Johnson

Secretary, she/her

Tinker Air Force Base

Dan Straughan

Treasurer, he/him

Homeless Alliance

Jimmy V. Nguyen

he/him

eXp Realty

Mike Brose, LCSW

he/him

Private Practice

Fable Briggs

they/them

Student / Sisu Alumni / Aspiring Social Worker

Erin Page

she/her

MetroFamily Magazine

Natasha Kotey

she/her

MSW Candidate

Robert Waldon

he/him

Sisu Alumni

Stacy Tarpley

she/her

Federal Aviation Administration

Theresa Seitz

she/her

Oklahoma Gas and Electric

Our Partners

84 Hospitality Group logo
Empire Slice House logo
Inasmuch logo
Omega Investments logo
Spaces Real Estate logo

Learn More About Our Programs

Our Programs