Summer 2026 | Issue 4

In this issue:

• Health Week '26 engages hundreds across community

• Excel High School prepares adults for a stronger future

• Sue Nelson is named the 2026 recipient of the "We're Here for Good" Service Award

• Community Market and Community Renewal celebrate 10 year milestones

Welcome to the Summer issue of
Good Works, Avedis Foundation's quarterly newsletter celebrating
the impactful work of our local
nonprofit community.

Avedis Foundation looks forward to

every summer as an opportunity to

make a fresh start on wellness and

physical fitness. We're outdoors more, we spend more time engaged in recreation, and we enjoy lighter summer recipes with inspiration found in our own gardens.

Shawnee shares our enthusiasm for summer, as hundreds participate

each year in Health Week, sponsored by Avedis Foundation. This year's weeklong kickoff to a healthy summer drew participants of all ages for wellness-focused events, demonstrations, and activities, all thoughtfully

planned and carried out as a community collaboration of a dedicated

Health Week '26 Steering Committee.

In this issue of Good Works, you'll find many more examples of the

season in full swing. I encourage you to make the most of these longer days as you support your colleagues at their events. I hope to see you

out there!

Thank you for being here for good.

Have a wonderful summer!

Kathy Laster, Ph.D, MBA

PS—For a more detailed overview of the impact our local nonprofits make in our communities, click here to read the 2025 Nonprofit Impact Report for Pottawatomie County.

Excel Adult High School Gives Adults a Second Chance for a Stronger Future

Pictured left: a recent graduate of Pioneer Library System's Excel High School program, pictured with her family

One in ten Oklahomans does not have a high school diploma, creating a significant barrier to career advancement, higher education opportunities, and long-term financial stability. For many adults, returning to school can feel overwhelming while balancing work, family responsibilities, and everyday life.

Excel Adult High School is an accredited online high school diploma program designed specifically for adults who want to complete their high school education. This flexible program allows students to learn at their own pace while managing busy schedules and personal commitments.

In addition to earning a diploma, students gain confidence, strengthen career-ready skills, and prepare for college, technical training, or workforce advancement.

Pioneer Library System offers this program free to eligible cardholders who are at least 24 years old and have not yet completed high school.

Since 2019, 60 adults have graduated through Excel Adult High School and improved their earning potential by advancing in their careers, pursuing higher education, or opening the door to new opportunities.

The success of these graduates demonstrates the life-changing impact that access to education can provide for individuals, families, and communities throughout Oklahoma. By removing barriers and providing support, Excel Adult High School gives adults a second chance to achieve an important personal milestone and build a stronger future.

Health Week '26 Kicks Off a Healthy Summer

Shawnee celebrated its annual kickoff
to a healthy summer May 23–30 during
Health Week ’26, a community-wide
event sponsored by Avedis Foundation
that welcomes participants of all ages for
free activities focused on health, wellness, education, and connection.

HealthWeek ’26 was presented as a community collaboration led by Avedis Foundation in partnership with the City
of Shawnee Parks & Recreation, Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County, Pioneer Library System, POGO, the Shawnee YMCA, and Registered Dietitian Andrea Beck. These community partners, along with volunteers and local organizations, worked together to plan a week of activities and educational opportunities across Shawnee.

Dr. Kathy Laster, President and CEO of Avedis Foundation, noted that Health Week sees increased participation among the community each year, and particularly in 2026.

“Health Week has truly become Shawnee’s favorite kickoff to a healthy summer, and
this year’s participation exceeded our expectations,” Dr. Laster stated, adding,
“We are incredibly grateful to our community partners, volunteers, Health Week Steering Committee members, and everyone who contributed their time and talents to this special week.”

More than 400 guests attended Avedis Foundation’s Speaker Series Luncheon
on Thursday, May 28 at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. The luncheon, presented by Avedis and Pogo, welcomed keynote speaker Charles Clark, a three-time National Champion in track, 10-time
All-American, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Clark shared a message about resilience, purpose, and overcoming adversity, encouraging attendees to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

During the luncheon, Avedis Foundation recognized Sue Nelson as the 2026 recipient of the “We’re Here for Good” Service Award, honoring her decades of volunteerism and leadership. As part of
the award, Avedis Foundation also made
a $5,000 charitable donation to the local organization of Nelson’s choosing. She designated The Salvation Army–Shawnee to receive the donation.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation Vice-Chair
Linda Capps was also recognized for her legacy of leadership and service to the community. As she prepares for retirement, Capps was honored for her contributions to education, economic development, tribal advancement, and community improvement across Oklahoma and within Shawnee.

Pictured below: Health Week' 26 Steering Committee

Community Market Spotlight: Celebrating 10 Years

Community Renewal: A Decade of Connection and Impact

Jeremiah House Client Spotlight: Peter

SCI Mission Moment: Irina Pakhomova

YFRC Spotlight: Emily Simpson

United Way Spotlight: Welcome, Sarita Hayes

Community Market Takes the National Stage This Summer!

We are thrilled to share that the Community Market of Pottawatomie County staff have been selected to present at two national conferences this summer! This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our innovative rural senior programming on a national stage and share the success of our Shawnee community initiatives with aging-network professionals across the country.

First, from June 10–12, our team will head to the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) 2026 Conference. CMPC was selected for a competitive standard oral presentation titled, "Bridging the Gap: A Multifaceted Approach to Rural Senior Food Security, Nutrition, and Socialization." This session will highlight how we successfully weave essential nutrition with deep social connection to support our local elders.

Next, from July 18–21, we will participate in the USAging 2026 Conference. Here, our staff will host a dedicated poster presentation titled, "Food, Health and Connection: A Multifaceted Intervention for Rural Oklahoma Seniors." This visual presentation will provide data-driven insights into our mobile markets, senior shopping days, and nutrition cohorts, demonstrating how targeted local interventions can dismantle barriers to food security and combat isolation.

These invitations recognize the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and supporters. We are proud to represent rural Oklahoma and look forward to bringing home new ideas and nationwide best practices to better serve our neighbors!

It’s not too late to sign up for the Summer Learning Challenge at Shawnee Public Library!

This challenge is for everyone—little ones, kids, teens, and adults. You’ll earn 1 point for every minute you spend reading, learning, or taking part in library programs, with a goal of 1,000 points.

There are fun rewards along the way too:

Kids and teens who reach 500 and 1,000 points can earn free books to keep
Adults who complete the challenge get a special tote bag

Even better, every point you earn helps the whole community reach a goal of 20 million points. When that goal is reached, the Pioneer Library System Foundation will provide books to children receiving WIC support in our area, helping spread the joy of reading even further.

For more information and to sign up: https://pioneerlibrarysystem.org/

YFRC Receives
Grant to Launch
New Tribal Initiative

YFRC was recently awarded a $151,000 grant through the Oklahoma Office of
Juvenile Affairs to launch a new Tribal Youth and Family Strengthening Initiative focused on prevention and early intervention services for Native youth and
families in Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties.

Funding will support the hiring of a Youth Advisory Coordinator who will establish
and facilitate a Youth Advisory Committee comprising Native youth ages 10–17.

This committee will provide direct input into prevention programming, community engagement strategies, and youth service development to ensure that services
align with the real experiences and needs of Native youth in the community.

The initiative will also support agency-wide and staff training opportunities
focused on cultural competency, culturally responsive care, and strengthening partnerships with tribal communities. As YFRC continues to serve an increasing number of Native youth and families through its emergency shelter, school-
based mental health, prevention, and family support services, we are committed
to ensuring that services are inclusive, respectful, and informed by the voices of
the youth and families being served.

This project reflects YFRC’s ongoing commitment to community collaboration, trauma-informed care, and youth-driven programming across rural Oklahoma.