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.
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
Lenora LaVictoire
Supportive Services Manager, they/them
Meagan Mathis
Clinical Services Manager, she/her
Melody Lewis
Housing Manager, she/her
Talaytha Guest
Bookkeeper & Office 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
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