Live United

In August, Tulsa Area United Way welcomed nine nonprofit partners serving Rogers, Mayes and Delaware counties. In this episode of the Live United podcast, Janey Kotthoff talks with three leaders from the region:- Herb McSpadden, executive director of Rogers County Youth Services- Jody Moore, executive director of SafeNet Services- Ralph Richardson, CEO of Home of HopeThey discuss the people their organizations serve, the needs they are seeing and the local relationships that make their work possible. They also share what becoming Tulsa Area United Way partners means for their organizations.The nine nonprofit partners are: • CASA of Northeast Oklahoma, Inc. provides court-appointed volunteer advocacy for foster children in foster care. • Claremore Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers hot meals three days a week for older adults and people with disabilities. • Community Crisis Center supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking through supportive services and advocacy. • Delaware County Children’s Special Advocacy Network, Inc. provides supportive services to child victims of abuse and neglect to minimize trauma to children while strengthening the community’s response to child abuse. • Home of Hope, Inc. provides residential, vocational, and quality of life activity programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Northeast Oklahoma. • Rogers County Adult Day Care provides daytime care services for senior adults and adults with developmental disabilities who cannot stay home independently, helping them experience a safe and meaningful day. • Rogers County Youth Services, Inc. provides free, high-quality counseling, education, and life skills services to children, youth, and families. • SafeNet Services, Inc. provides emergency shelter for adults and children fleeing or healing from the consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and/or stalking in Rogers and Mayes County. • William W. Barnes Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. coordinates a multidisciplinary response to child abuse, ensuring children are heard once in a safe, supportive environment while families receive advocacy and access to healing services. 

This Friday, 4,500 Day of Caring volunteers will come together to complete 189 projects across our region. Bank of Oklahoma is helping lead the way as our Presenting Sponsor. BOK is also sending 150 employees to volunteer at Camp Tall Chief and Camp Swannie in Skiatook.Live United podcast host Lauren Teague Collins sat down with Melissa Bogle of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma and Tamara Sloan of BOK Financial. They talked about the work ahead and why BOK continues to show up for our community.BOK volunteers will paint, sew new curtains, and refresh the sand volleyball court. They will also clear brush, split firewood, and complete other projects that will help prepare the camps for future scouts.We are grateful for Bank of Oklahoma’s leadership and for every Day of Caring employee who will spend this Friday serving our neighbors.

Bob Stewart and Joe Berryhill have spent years helping Tulsa Area United Way review funding requests from nonprofit partners serving Okmulgee County. In this episode, they talk with TAUW Community Investments Director Donnie House and host Matthew Gleason about the experiences that shaped their service, what keeps them returning to the community investment process and what future volunteers should know about the work.

Tulsa Area United Way's Tocqueville Society turns 40 this year. In the first episode of our anniversary series, Alison Anthony sits down with two members. Monica Basu, executive director of the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, started giving to United Way at 22 on a meager paycheck and has given every year since. Paul E. Johnson, Senior Vice President for Corporate Banking at Bank of Oklahoma Financial, grew up watching his parents lead through Tocqueville and recently stepped into membership himself. They talk about why they give through United Way. Learn more about the Tocqueville Society at tauw.org/tocqueville

Evan Dougoud started BeHeard Movement after listening to young people experiencing homelessness say they wanted people to understand what life looked like from their side. That listening turned into action.Today, BeHeard Movement brings mobile showers, laundry, haircuts and case management directly to neighbors in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. On this episode of the Live United Podcast, Evan talks about the start of BeHeard Movement, the Social Innovations grant that helped the work grow, and the new idea now taking shape in Tulsa. The world’s first virtual volunteer vending machine will give people access to basic needs after hours. A person can walk up, request help, and connect with a volunteer by video. That volunteer could be in Tulsa or across the country. For Evan, the goal is simple. Help should be close enough for someone to reach it when they need it most.

On the latest Live United video podcast, co-hosts Diane Eason Contreras and Matthew Gleason sit down with Eileen Bradshaw, president and CEO of LIFE Senior Services, and Lauren Zeligson, LIFE communications specialist, for a conversation about aging, caregiving, housing, and connection in our community. They talk about the growing need for affordable senior housing in Tulsa, the support LIFE Senior Services provides to older adults and caregivers, and the impact of programs like SeniorLine, transportation services, and the LIFE’s Active Senior Center at Roma Berry. You’ll also hear a sweet story about two senior center members who found love after reconnecting later in life. This episode is a great reminder that staying connected, supported, and engaged matters at every age.  Our audio and video podcast is available at tauw.org/podcast and wherever you enjoy podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Vimeo and more.  

In the latest episode of the Live United podcast, host Janey Kotthoff talks with Karie M. Jordan, President and CEO of Bridges, along with Bridges team member Shameeka Steele and her son Willie, about inclusive employment, self-advocacy, and the power of finding work where you truly belong. Willie shares how his role at Bridges helped him build confidence and independence, while Shameeka reflects on what it means to step back as a parent and watch your child’s voice grow. It’s a heartfelt conversation about dignity, opportunity, and the impact of Bridges in our community. Listen wherever you enjoy podcasts. And watch on YouTube and Vimeo. 

This week’s episode brings together three women whose stories show what support, connection, and second chances can spark.Michelle Thomas, senior manager of community relations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, shares how working in service shaped her life and how her sister’s recovery deepened that commitment.Her sister, Melissa Casey, opens up about her journey through addiction, the impact of Family & Children's Services program Women in Recovery, and her work with the Tulsa County Alternative Court programs. Her story shows how courage and community can rebuild a life.Monica Hartweg, also with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, talks about the moment she called Tulsa Area United Way's 211 Eastern Oklahoma 24/7 helpline and found a path toward stability, healing, and long-term recovery. Her experience shows how one call can change everything.Each story reveals a different doorway into hope. Together, they paint a clear picture of why community resources matter and why united is the way.

In this episode of the Live United podcast, co-hosts Janey Kotthoff and Matthew Gleason sit down with Lisa Kelly, CEO of The Arc of Oklahoma, and Erin Shepherd, who leads the Arc@School program. Together, they explore how this initiative, supported by a 2023 Tulsa Area United Way Social Innovations Grant, is breaking down barriers in special education and giving families the tools they need to thrive.Learn more about the Arc of Oklahoma and Arc@School at www.thearcok.org

In this episode of the Live United podcast, hosts Carla Meyer and Chase Mowery sit down with the 2025 Tulsa Area United Way Fundraising Drive Chair Jackie Price Johannsen, of Price Family Properties. Jackie shares her personal journey from practicing law in New York City to returning to Tulsa, explaining what convinced her to take on this vital role and why she believes everyone in the community is connected to the United Way's work. The conversation also highlights the Downtown Deco Challenge. Join us Saturday, August 23, from 8 am-12 pm for free food and fun for the whole family. For every person or pet that goes under the balloon arch, Price Family Properties will donate $100 (up to $100,000) to help kick off our 101st fundraising drive. Watch to learn more about Jackie's "all in" approach and how much it means to be "pulling on the same rope" for the Tulsa Area United Way.