Parkers Hope Expands Impact at 19th Annual Youth Awareness Program
On July 26, 2025, Parkers Hope joined community leaders, youth, and families at the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention Prison Ministry’s 19th Annual Youth Awareness Program in Tulsa. Centered on the theme “Choices,” the event created a platform for prevention, education, and real-life testimony from individuals impacted by incarceration and gang involvement.
Parkers Hope contributed to this mission by hosting a dedicated booth focused on mental health awareness. Throughout the day, the team engaged attendees in meaningful conversations, provided accessible resources, and reinforced the importance of mental wellness as a foundation for positive decision-making. By meeting youth and families where they are, Parkers Hope helped bridge critical gaps in understanding mental health, stigma, and support systems.
The event brought together speakers, community advocates, and service organizations committed to equipping young people with the tools to make informed, life-affirming choices. Parkers Hope’s presence ensured that mental health remained a central part of that conversation—positioning wellness not as an afterthought, but as a core component of prevention and empowerment.
The Youth Impact Summit is an annual youth empowerment conference and resource fair designed to inspire young leaders in Tulsa to build connections, gain skills, and drive positive community change. Hosted at OSU-Tulsa, the event features student-led workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions with local organizations.
In 2026, over 70 students gathered on March 13 for a full day of collaboration, supported by partners like Tulsa Changemakers, NRCRYS, and sponsors including Papa Johns and Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Attendees made new friends, explored leadership opportunities, and left equipped to create lasting impact in their communities.