Cathedral of Hope OKC, is pleased to announce that SISU Youth Services will be honored as their 2023 Hero of Hope. 

SISU Staff will speak and be presented the award during Cathedral of Hope OKC's evening service on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at 6 PM in the sanctuary of Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City.  There is a reception after the service at 7 PM.  All are invited to attend both events.    

A Hero of Hope is recognized by the church as someone who has taken courageous stands for the rights of people, and especially works to change how the world thinks about LGBTQ people; change how LGBTQ people think about God; reach marginalized people, especially teens living in isolation in small towns; and redefine Christianity as an including faith rather than an excluding religion.

Cathedral of Hope will present the Hero of Hope award to SISU to reflect the community’s gratitude for their service as an organization seeking justice and equality for the LGBTQ community and which embodies the church's founding principles of "Extravagant Grace, Radical Inclusion, and Relentless Compassion.”  Their work and accomplishments serve as a beacon of hope to a community that regularly endures injustice brought on by prejudice and intolerance. 

Sisu is a low-barrier, identity-affirming space in Oklahoma City where unhoused transition-age youth find the shelter and support they need to pursue the life they want.  Their overnight shelter is open 7 nights a week for youth, ages 15-22. Their drop-in center is open daily for youth, ages 15-24.  Their vision is to end homelessness and hopelessness among transition-age youth in Oklahoma City. 

You can support Oklahoma City's unhoused youth by making a donation or signing up to volunteer today. Your support helps us deliver the best care and plan for our growing future.

Past Hero of Hope honorees include Rev. Bruce Lowe, Southern Baptist minister & author of “Letter to Louise” (2006); Jim Roth, former Corporation Commissioner and County Commissioner (2007); Kay Holladay, co-founder of PFLAG-Norman (2009); Bob Lemon, equal rights advocate (2011); Dr. Ed Shadid, Oklahoma City Councilman (2012); Mr. Ginger Lamar, community activist and entertainer (2013); Rev. Scott J. Hamilton, LGBTQ advocate and minister (2014); Mary Arbuckle, Executive Director of Other Options (2016); Paula Sophia Schonauer, advocate, educator, and author (2017); Sara Cunningham, activist for Free Mom Hugs (2018); Robin Dorner, Editor In Chief of The Gayly (2019); and Victor Gorin, community advocate (2020).  

Cathedral of Hope OKC is a progressive and inclusive Christian church of the United Church of Christ denomination.   They welcome and include people into the life and ministry of the congregation, regardless of faith background, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, legal status, or race.  The church's mission is “to empower all people to experience the presence of God, to grow toward wholeness, and to act in love.”  For more information, visit www.cohokc.com.  

 

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